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National Park

Great Basin National Park

Park ClosureOct 23, 2026

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Winter Closure

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InformationOct 23, 2026

No Potable Water in Park Campgrounds

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blue sky with green trees in mountain cirque

Trail to ancient bristlecone pine trees.

Photo: NPS Photo

About

From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the sagebrush-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park hosts a sample of the incredible diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There's a lot more than just desert here.

Activities

Auto and ATVScenic DrivingAstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingBackcountry CampingCar or Front Country CampingHorse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use)Group CampingRV CampingCaving
Fishing
Food
Dining
Picnicking
Guided Tours
Hiking
Backcountry Hiking
Horse Trekking
Horse Camping (see also camping)
Horseback Riding
Hunting and Gathering
Gathering and Foraging
Junior Ranger Program
Skiing
Snowshoeing
Wildlife Watching
Birdwatching
Park Film
Museum Exhibits
Shopping
Bookstore and Park Store
Gift Shop and Souvenirs

Directions

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.

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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.

News

Sep 24, 2026

Great Basin National Park marks 40th anniversary

Great Basin National Park will celebrate two major milestones Oct. 23: the park’s 40th anniversary and the completion of major improvements to the Lehman Caves lighting system and tour route. The all-day celebration will feature a 2 p.m. ribbon-cutting ceremony at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center, along with guest speakers, ranger programs, free ranger-led cave tours, an Eskdale High School choir performance, and presentations by cave specialists and historians. 

Great Basin Astronomy Festival welcomes night sky enthusiasts
Sep 8, 2026

Great Basin Astronomy Festival welcomes night sky enthusiasts

Great Basin National Park will celebrate its dark skies with the 17th annual Great Basin Astronomy Festival from Thursday, Sept. 10, through Saturday, Sept. 12.