You can sample the awesome diversity of the Great Basin region from Wheeler Peak here, which sits at 13,063ft above sea-level, including sage-covered foothills. Here you can walk along the ancient bristlecone pines, marvel at the dark nighttime skies, explore subterranean caves and enjoy the solitude of wilderness.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours
Weather
There is almost an 8,000 ft (2,400 m) difference in elevation between Wheeler Peak and the valley floor. Weather conditions in the park vary with elevation. In late spring and early summer, days in the valley may be hot, yet the snow pack may not have melted in the higher elevations. The Great Basin is a desert, with low relative humidity and sharp drops in temperature at night. In the summer, fierce afternoon thunderstorms are common. It can snow any time of the year at high elevations.
Things to Do
Hike the Baker Creek Loop
An upper easy/low moderate hike, Baker Creek is often accessible or semi-accessible year round, making a viable alternative when roads close or parking lots are crowded. 3.3 miles makes for acceptable easy distance for most visitors, though challenging in the winter when deep snow is present.
Hike to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove
The Bristlecone Trail is not to be missed on a visit to the park. This 2.8-mile round-trip hike takes visitors through some of the oldest organisms on Earth, and offers opportunities for introspection as you consider your place in the universe.
Hike to Lexington Arch
Hike 5.6 miles through shrubland to see one of the largest limestone arches in the world. Find plenty of peace on this lesser traveled trail. Lexington Arch is also the only park trail that allows dogs, so bring your pet for an excursion to this remote corner of the park.
Hike the Upper Strawberry Trail
The meadows of the Sage Steppe Loop combined with moderate difficulty ascending to a mountain saddle, the Upper Strawberry trail's 4.0 miles provides ample fall colors and plenty of running water.
Getting There
Address: Lehman Caves Visitor Center Baker NV 89311
From the East or West: From U.S. Highway 6 & 50, turn south on Nevada State Highway 487 and travel 5 miles to Baker, NV. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel 5 miles to the park. From the South (Utah): Travel north on Utah State Highway 21 through Milford, UT and Garrison, UT, Highway 487. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker and travel 5 miles to the park. From the South (Nevada): Travel north on U.S. Highway 93. No public transportation is available to, or in, Great Basin National Park.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Lower Lehman Creek Campground
20 sites · $20/night
Among the lush green vegetation which hugs Lehman Creek, you'll secure your tent or park your RV within earshot of clear mountain water which has tumbled 3000 …
Upper Lehman Creek Campground
23 sites · $20/night
Whether you prefer the rich smell of summer mahogany riding air currents blended with the vanilla of ponderosa pine, or the sound of a clear mountain stream ba…
Wheeler Peak Campground
37 sites · $20/night
Located at 9,886 feet above sea level, Wheeler Peak Campground is the highest-elevation campground in the entire National Park System. Nestled in aspen groves …
Baker Creek Campground
37 sites · $20/night
Baker Creek Campground contains 37 campsites. All sites are available, when the campground is open (seasons permitting), via reservation on Recreation.gov. Pot…
Grey Cliffs Campground
16 sites · $20/night
For visitors to Great Basin National Park, Grey Cliffs Campground is an ideal place to setup and start exploring. Experience the solitude of the desert, the sm…
Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds
12 sites · Free
Make yourself at home in the Snake Creek Campsites along the Snake Creek River, located on the south-eastern side of the park. These sites are nestled among As…
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Great Basin National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Great Basin National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Great Basin National Park open?
Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours
What are the best things to do in Great Basin National Park?
Popular things to do in Great Basin National Park include Lehman Caves Tour, Hike the Baker Creek Loop, Hike to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove, Become a Great Basin National Park Junior Ranger. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Great Basin National Park?
Yes — Great Basin National Park has 7 campgrounds, including Lower Lehman Creek Campground, Upper Lehman Creek Campground, Wheeler Peak Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.