A Place Of Phenomenal Extremes

As you approach the Great Basin National Park area, you will see Wheeler Peak, Nevada’s second highest peak at 13,062 feet above sea level.  Bristlecone pines among the rugged mountains and pristine alpine lakes offer some of the best hiking, fishing and stargazing opportunities anywhere in the world!

It would be very easy to spend a full day experiencing the breathtaking scenery of the incredible park. At least try to dedicate a minimum of 4 hours to take the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.  There are many look-out points along the way for fantastic photo ops!  Important note:  large vehicles are not allowed on the scenic drive (no tour buses, RVs, cars with trailers, etc). 

There is no park entrance fee or scenic drive fee!  We highly recommend stopping at the Visitor Center to get oriented.  You might even get lucky and meet a park ranger who will let you peek through his special telescope for a look at the sun.  The center has a plethora of information including a topographical map, placards with the history, fauna and flora exhibits, plus tips on where to venture.  Last, but not least, they have an amazing gift shop!

If you’re a hiker, gather information ahead of time to plan which trails you are interested in.  They range from a short .3 mile Nature Trail at the top of the drive to the 4.8 mile glacier trail, or if you’re really adventurous (and in great shape), the Wheeler Peak trail which is 8.6 miles.

No matter which option you choose, be careful of the altitude.  At times, you might feel light-headed.  Take a rest and drink plenty of water.  There are benches, picnic tables and restroom facilities at the top area.

One of the most popular attractions is The Lehman Caves Tours.  People started entering the caves back in 1885 and you can become another visitor.  This geological wonder is a single cave that weaves two miles into the eastern base of the Snake Range.  The underground passageways in marble rock are filled with beautiful speleothems, including stalacites, stalagmites, popcorn and cave bacon.  It also houses Townsend’s big-eared bats.  You’ll see world-class examples of condensation erosion, a process that is still enlarging the cave, and amazing cave shields.

It is required that you book your tour 30 days in advance at https://www.recreation.gov.  There are several rules to follow such as no bags (purses, camera bags, fanny packs, etc.) and no foods, liquids, water, chewing gum, tobacco products or other contaminants.  You may experience claustrophobia or unease as you go through some of the smaller passages and tight space.  There are optional tours of an hour to an hour and a half.

If you are unable to book the tour, you can still experience the Lehman Caves at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.  It has intricate details about the history and lots of visuals to recreate the cave atmosphere.  The staff is very helpful and provides maps to the scenic drive, hiking trails and campground information.

Of course, your trip to the Great Basin could last for several days.  There are options for campers and RVers.  For camping reservations and information, visit https://mobile.recreation.gov.  There are four campgrounds and reservations are strongly suggested well in advance.  Plus, you need to check if the campgrounds are open or closed for maintenance.

Or, you can book a hotel in Ely, take the drive to the Great Basin for a full day of fun and spend the next day touring Ely.  And, if you’re into rockhounding, be sure to visit Garnet Hill just outside of Ely. 

No matter what your itinerary, you’ll experience a once in a lifetime adventure with the Great Basins’ breathtaking beauty and magnitude of nature at its finest!

For more information, visit https://www.nps.gov/grba

DIRECTIONS

From Ely, go East on Hwy 50 for 66 miles, then exit Hwy 50 onto Hwy 487.  You’ll see signage and the Visitor Center.

TRAVEL TIPS

Plan your trip well in advance so you allow plenty of time for sightseeing

During the scenic drive, be sure to stop at all of the outlooks – on the way up is the easiest – this will give you the best views of the basin itself (you can’s see it from the top area unless you take a long hike)

Make necessary reservations (Lehman Caves, camping, hotels, etc.)

Wear excellent walking shoes and/or hiking boots; bring layered clothing

Use caution while enjoying the scenery – you’re at a very high altitude

Be sure to bring plenty of water, snacks and even a picnic lunch

Have your camera batteries fully charged, bring a tri-pod and binoculars

Note:  Drones are not permitted

HISTORY

During the most recent ice age, people hunted the abundant streams and marshes of the Great Basin region.  As the climate warmed, The Shoshone and Paiute family bands developed new tools for hunting and gathering; they created pottery and painted images on rocks (these artifacts may be seen at the Visitor Center).  In the mid-1800s settlers, ranchers and miners discovered the area. 

In 1987, the Great Basin National Park was added to the national park system.  The 77,180 acres of parkland, located in White Pine County, is near the Utah border.  Nevada’s second highest peak, the 13,062-foot-high Wheeler Peak, is the jewel of the Snake Range.  The remarkable Lehman Caves is the largest limestone opening still undergoing formation in the far West.

Each year, approximately 90,000 visitors come to experience this magical marvel!