Great Basin National Park
From the sagebrush at its alluvial base to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park includes streams, lakes, alpine plants, abundant wildlife, a variety of forest types including groves of ancient Bristlecone pines, and numerous limestone caverns, including beautiful Lehman Caves.
Established in 1986, Great Basin National Park is one of our nation's newest national parks. The surrounding area was called the Great Basin by explorer John Fremont in the mid-1800s because the rivers flow inland creating a basin or valley.
13,063 foot-high Wheeler Park, is the highest peak between the Sierra Nevada's and the Rocky Mountains. A scenic 12 mile drive leads to its 10,000 foot elevation. From there, you can hike past a rare ancient Bristlecone pine forest to the summit where you'll see sweeping views of the area.
Also of interest is Lehman Cave - one of the largest limestone solution caverns in the western United States - where a guided tour will lead you past numerous stalagmites, stalactites and huge fluted columns.
Visitor Center
Open daily from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Backcountry hiking and camping are permitted. Cross-country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in winter. The park is open year round, but the scenic drive to Wheeler Peak is closed from November to May. There are 65 miles of trails, four campgrounds with water, and rest rooms.
Getting There
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 to the park.
From the south: Travel north on Utah State Highway 21 which will become Nevada State Highway 487 as you cross the border; turn west on Highway 488 in the town of Baker.
Accessibility
Upper Lehman Creek, Wheeler Peak, and Baker Creek Campgrounds have a designated wheelchair accessible site. The visitor center is wheelchair accessible as is the First Room Tour of Lehman Caves.
For more information call (775) 234-7331 or visit www.nps.gov/grba
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