Great Basin National Park – Camping, Caves, Best Time to Visit

by Petr Novák, ? This article’s information was last verified on this date. If you notice any errors, let us know in the comments. Thank you! :-) Updated 06/05/2023 National Parks, Nevada, Tips for Trips

Great Basin National Park, as the name suggests, is indeed a large basin. Located on the border of Nevada and Utah, it is nestled between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Mountains. This position prevents rainwater runoff, leading it instead to collect in salt lakes from where it gradually evaporates. This is the origin of the park’s name.

Information About Great Basin National Park

Covering an area of 121 mi², the park is a cool oasis in the midst of a hot desert. Its unique climatic conditions result from its perfect isolation. Wheeler Peak, the park’s highest point at 13,064 ft, is situated near the Lehman Caves, a significant landmark of the park. Conversely, Snake Creek, the lowest point, is only at 6,194 ft. The difference in elevation between these two points is substantial.

Protection of this area was first initiated on January 24, 1922, when Lehman Caves National Monument was declared by President Harding. The extension of protection, resulting in the creation of Great Basin National Park, occurred on October 27, 1986. In 2021, the park welcomed 144,875 visitors.

The park is a haven for wildlife, hosting over 60 species of mammals, 238 species of birds, 18 species of reptiles, 8 species of fish, and 2 species of amphibians. The mammals include several species of bats residing in Lehman Caves; in the wild, visitors might encounter bighorn sheep, beavers, cougars, bobcats, lynx, coyotes, panthers, wild rabbits, antelope, nocturnal feline fritillaries, and an array of frogs and leaping frogs.

Among the plant species, longleaf pines are particularly notable. These trees have been growing near Wheeler Peak for an astounding 5,000 years, their longevity attributed to the ideal climatic conditions, the density of the forest, and a resin under their bark that protects against pests. Other abundant trees in the park include the limber pine, Douglas-fir, Engelmann spruce, Norway spruce, rock fir, Utah juniper, and heavy pine.

What to See and Do in Great Basin National Park

To enjoy a comprehensive tour of the park, consider renting an off-road vehicle and taking the 12 mi Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Due to the elevation difference exceeding 3,937 ft, a powerful vehicle is essential. During the drive, you can expect to see deer, coyotes, wild rabbits, marmots, and other wildlife.

Be sure to visit the stalactite-filled Lehman Caves. These caves, named after their discoverer, Absalom S. Lehman, who found them in 1885 while exploring the area, offer two tour options:

Grand Palace Tour

This extended 90-minute tour includes additional exploration of the Inscription Room, the Grand Palace, and the famous Parachute Shield stalactite, which resembles a parachute. The tour costs $15.00, with children ages 5 to 15 paying $8.00.

For a schedule of individual tours, visit the park’s website. The caves maintain a consistent temperature of 50°F year-round, so bring a light jacket. Photography is permitted, and tickets can be purchased at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

Offering nearly 62 mi of hiking trails, ranging from 1,312 ft to over 13 mi with an elevation gain of 3,314 ft, the park has plenty of options for adventurers. If you have limited time, consider the Bristlecone Trail, which winds through a forest of the oldest pine trees over nearly 3 mi.

The remote location of the Great Basin area makes it an excellent place for stargazing, with minimal light pollution. Rangers often conduct special programs to coincide with the full moon.

When to Visit Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is open year-round, as is the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. However, the information center dedicated to the park only operates from April to September.

The ideal time to visit is between May and July when the landscape is free from snow. Daytime temperatures during this period hover around 77°F–86°F, dropping to around 54°F at night. In winter, daytime temperatures are around 41°F, falling to just below 32°F at night.

Given its mountainous terrain, the park can experience snow showers in almost any month except July and August. Interestingly, the heaviest snowfall occurs in March. Conversely, there is a relatively high risk of thunderstorms in the summer months.

• Current weather forecast for Great Basin National Park

Average Temperatures and Visitor Numbers in Great Basin National Park

Average temperatures in Great Basin National Park. Visitor numbers are based on the 2017-2021 average, data sourced from the National Park Service.

Entrance Fees for Great Basin National Park

Admission to Great Basin National Park is free.

Only overnight stays at local campgrounds and tours of the Lehman Caves incur charges. Even the America the Beautiful pass, which entitles the holder to free admission to all national parks in the USA, does not provide a discount.

Directions to Great Basin National Park

There are no buses or other forms of public transportation to Great Basin National Park. You will need to rely on your own vehicle or a rental car.

The park is readily accessible via USA Highway 6. Here are routes and drive times from several towns around the park:

You can also use your car to travel around the national park. You can park at visitor centers or along various roads. A gas station is available in the Nevada town of Baker if needed.

Lodging Options in Great Basin National Park

🏨 Hotels

The closest accommodation to Great Basin National Park can be found in the small town of Ely to the west. A budget-friendly chain called Motel 6 is available, offering free internet and parking.

• Find accommodation near Great Basin National Park

⛺ Campsites

The park operates a total of five campsites, all on a first-come, first-served basis. Reservations are not accepted.

• Lower Lehman Creek Campground
  The campground has only 11 campsites and is open year-round. It is situated at an elevation of 7,218 ft, 2 mi from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. The rate is $20.00 per night per tent site.
• Upper Lehman Creek Campground
  Open from mid-April to October, this campground is at an elevation of 7,749 ft and has 22 tent sites. A nightly fee of $20.00 is required, and the visitor center at the caves is 3 mi away.
• Wheeler Peak Campground
  The highest of the five campgrounds, at 9,885 ft above sea level, it is open from June to October. The fee per site per night is $20.00.
• Baker Creek Campground
  This 38-site campground is less than 3 mi from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. The nightly fee is $20.00.
• Strawberry Creek Campground
  A small campground for just 8 tents located about 3 mi from USA Highway 50. It lacks water supply, but you can stay there for free.

Tips and Recommendations Before Visiting Great Basin National Park

ℹ️ Visitor Center

When visiting the park, I recommend starting at one of the two visitor centers.

• Lehman Caves Visitor Center
  The visitor center is open year-round from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. It’s located on Highway 488, less than 6 mi from the town of Baker. The center is a starting point for cave tours, and also offers a documentary about the park or informational brochures.
• Great Basin Visitor Center
  This center is only open from April to September, every day from 8 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Located on the west side of Highway 487 north of Baker, you can watch a documentary about the park here. There is also a café with refreshments open during the summer season from late May to mid-October.

Both visitor centers feature a bookstore where you can buy souvenirs.

👍 Good to Know

I recommend dressing in layers when visiting the park, as the weather can be unpredictable and it can snow at almost any time at higher elevations. Purchase snacks and water supplies at a store along the way.

Before heading to the park, I suggest downloading a free information app on your phone, courtesy of the park service. It will be useful for long car rides.

• Official Great Basin National Park website
• Great Basin National Park Map

Photos of Great Basin National Park