Great Basin National Park

Introduction

Great Basin National Park, located in east-central Nevada near the Utah border, was established on October 27, 1986. Before becoming a national park, the area was known as Lehman Caves National Monument, established in 1922, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Area within Humboldt National Forest. The park was created to preserve the unique geological and ecological features of the Great Basin region, which includes a diverse range of landscapes from sagebrush-covered foothills to alpine peaks.

The park covers an area of approximately 120.46 square miles (312 square kilometers). It is situated in White Pine County and encompasses a variety of ecosystems, from low-elevation deserts to high mountain peaks. The park's most prominent feature is Wheeler Peak, which stands at 13,063 feet (3,982 meters) and is the second-highest peak in Nevada. The park also includes the Lehman Caves, a stunning limestone cave system filled with unique formations such as stalactites, stalagmites, and cave shields.

The park is one of the less-visited national parks in the United States, which contributes to its appeal for those seeking solitude and unspoiled natural beauty. In recent years, the park has averaged around 144,875 visitors annually. This relatively low number of visitors allows for a more intimate and peaceful experience compared to some of the more crowded national parks.

Great Basin National Park and its surrounding areas have a rich history of Native American habitation. Several distinct tribes, Western Shoshone, Goshute, Paiute, Ute and Washoe have historically occupied the Great Basin region, and their descendants continue to live in the area today.

Larger mammals such as elk, pronghorns, coyotes, kit foxes, and badgers are often seen. In the higher elevations, mule deer, mountain lions, and bighorn sheep roam the park.  For more information, visit the park's Wikipedia site.

Day Hikes

Great Basin National Park offers 60 miles (97 km) of hiking trails that showcase its diverse landscapes, from alpine lakes to ancient bristlecone pine groves. Black bears can be found within the park.  I would advise to bring bear spray ( knowing what to do )if you encounter a bear).  Check with a ranger on trail and weather conditions before leaving.   For a full list of hikes, visit the NPS page.

Wheeler Peak Summit Trail is my favorite in the park.   The hike is 8.6 miles (13.8 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 2,900 feet (884 m). This challenging hike takes you to the summit of Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet/ 3,982 m), the second-highest peak in Nevada. The trail offers stunning views of the surrounding Great Basin region and passes through diverse ecosystems, from subalpine forests to alpine tundra.  We have seen elk herds, wild turkeys  and mule deer on the hikes.  Trail head is located at Wheeler Peak Campground.  

Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail is an easy to moderate hike takes you through groves of ancient bristlecone pines, some of which are over 4,000 years old. The trail is 4.6 miles (7.4 km) round trip, with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet (335 m). The trail continues to the only glacier in Nevada, located on the north slope of Wheeler Peak.  Trail head is located at Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

Alpine Lakes Loop Trail is one of the easiest hikes in the park.  The total loop is 2.7 miles (4.3 km) with an elevation gain of 600 feet (183 m).  The trail will take you past two beautiful alpine lakes, Stella Lake and Teresa Lake. The trail offers picturesque views of Wheeler Peak and the surrounding alpine scenery.  The trail head is located at Bristlecone Parking Lot.

Baker Lake Trail is a moderate to strenuous hike leads to Baker Lake, a serene alpine lake nestled in a glacial cirque. The trail is 10.4 miles / 16.8 kilometers round-trip, with a elevation gain of 2.600 feet (792 m).  The trail passes through lush forests and meadows, offering opportunities to see wildlife and enjoy the tranquility of the high country. The trail head is at Baker Creek Trailhead.

Backpacking

Backpacking in Great Basin National Park is an adventure, to say the least.   There are a lot of black bears in the park.   Carry bear spray (how to use bear spray) and make noise to let them know you are around.  Permits are required for any overnight stay around Baker or Johnson Lakes.  For more information on backing visit the NPS Backpacking site, downloadable map and Regulations.  My three favorite backpacking trips are below.  

Alpine Lakes Loop, Bristle Cone and Glacier Trail.  The total length of the trail is 13 miles (21 km) with an altitude gain of 2,500 feet (762 m).  This loop takes you through beautiful alpine terrain, passing by Stella and Teresa Lakes. It's a moderately difficult trail with breathtaking views. The trailhead is located at the Bristlecone parking area.

Wheeler Bristlecone Trail is 3 miles (4.6 km), with an elevation gain of 600 feet (183 m).  Though this is not a usual backpacking trail, it is unique for seeing some of the oldest Bristlecone pine trees in the world as well as views of Wheeler Peak.   The trail is the most popular trail in the park.  The trailhead is located at the Wheeler Peak Campground.

Glacier Trail is 4.8  miles (7.7 km), with an elevation gain of 1,100 feet (335 m). This trail extends from the Bristlecone Trail, leading you up to the only glacier in Nevada.  It's a more strenuous hike, but the views of the glacier and surrounding peaks are worth it. Trailhead is located at the Bristlecone Trailhead.

Fishing

While fishing is not the number one activity in the park, there are some beautiful places to fish.  The three most popular places to fish in the park are Lehman Creek, Baker Creek and Snake Creek.  Brookies, Browns and Cutthroat are commonly caught.  You must have a Nevada Fishing license that can be purchased here.  Please follow all of the State of Nevada's Rules and Regulations.

Cave Tour

The Lehman Caves are truly spectacular.  To find out more about the tours, visit the NPS site.  Make sure you make reservations at Recreation.gov as far in the future as possible.  The tour sells out frequently.

Campgrounds

There are six established campgrounds in the park.  They are all first-come, first serve and you must pay in cash or credit card.  For a full list of the campgrounds, go to the NPS site.  

Lower Lehman Creek Campground is located 2.5 miles from the Lehman Visitor Center. Each of the 11 sites include a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Upper Lehman Creek Campground is located 3.5 miles from the Lehman Visitor Center. Each of the 23 sites include a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Wheeler Peak Campground is located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.   The campground is at 9,886 feet (3,013 m) and has 37 sites. Even in the summer it can get cold.  Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Baker Creek Campground has 37 sites and is located at the second left on Baker Creek road.   Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Grey Cliffs Campground has 16 sites and is located at the first left on Baker Creek road.   Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  A campground map is available.

Snake Creek Campground has 12 sites.  To get there from the Great Basin Visitor Center, turn right on highway 487 before the Nevada/Utah boarder.  Each site includes a table, fire ring, and grate.  A vault toilet is available year-round.  There is no cell reception.  

Restaurants

There is only one cafe in the park, The Great Basin Cafe, located at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.  The cafe is open from April through October.