About Great Basin National Park

Sun Rises Over Great Basin State Park 

When most people think about Nevada they think of the desert. But when you come to Great Basin National Park, you won’t think that way anymore. From its forest to a glacier, that’s right, a glacier, this national park has a great deal to offer its visitors. 

Great Basin National Park became a national park on October 27, 1986. In 2005 the Great Basin Visitors Center in Baker, Nevada was completed. There is something for everyone at Great Basin National Park. There is a large selection of hikes for every age and fitness level, caves to explore, incredible views, and more! 

Things To Do In Great Basin National Park 

Lehman Cave Tours

Light Shines On The Stalactites And Stalagmites In Lehman's Cave

Located in Great Basin National Park, Lehman Cave is the longest known cave in the State of Nevada, consisting of two miles of passageways. The cave was discovered in the late 1880s by Absalon Lehman. He felt a cool breeze coming from the ground and climbed into a small natural entrance to investigate. He ended up exploring the large cave made of limestone solution full of stalactites and stalagmites. After his discovery, Absalon started to take people on tours of the cave, which still go on today. 

Today park rangers lead the tours after the cave was absorbed into the park. Visitors can choose from 60-minute to 90-minute tours that explore different parks for the cave system. The tours are not included in the entrance fee and cost anywhere from $6 to $15 depending on the tour and participants’ age. Tours do need to be booked in advance on the park’s website. If you are looking to learn more about caves or just cool off, this is a great way to spend your time in the park! 

Hiking 

  • Sky Island Forest Trail 

The Sky Island Forest Trail is actually a loop. It is 0.3 miles with almost no elevation gain. The trail is also wheelchair accessible. The trail winds through the woods with signs that point out what is unique in this area. Then the trail turns into an elevated boardwalk where the water flows beneath toward a creek. It is a great nature walk for all ages.  

  • Bristlecone Trail

A Bristlecone Tree Sits On A Rock Slope

Great Basin National Park is home to the Bristlecone pine. These trees are the oldest non-clonal species on the planet. The trees have survived volcanic eruptions, snow, wind, rain, and more. Over time the trees have been shaped by wind, which has given them a unique shape. 

The Bristlecone Trail is a 2.8-mile hike through the bristlecone pine grove. The hike features signs that educate visitors on the lives and significance of these trees. 

  • Glacier Trail 

If you are up for it you can continue on the Bristlecone Trail. The trail becomes the Glacier Trail. Glacier Trail is 4.6 miles long with a 1,100-foot elevation gain. The hike takes you to Nevada’s only glacier at the base of Wheeler Peak. 

  • Lexington Arch

 This hike is 5.4 miles with an 820-foot elevation gain with a few steep areas. The trail leads to an incredible limestone arch that is six stories tall. 

  • Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Summit Towers Over The Rest Of Great Basin State Park

Wheeler Peak is a more difficult hike that is 8.6 miles with a 2,900-foot elevation gain. The hike follows a ridge up to the Wheeler Peak summit. Rangers suggest that visitors start the hike early in the day because there is a risk of afternoon storms. 

Stargazing 

Telescope Tilts Toward The Starry Night Sky

In 2016 Great Basin National Park was named an International Dark Sky Park which makes it perfect for stargazers and astronomers. When there is good weather, visitors can see thousands of stars, planets, and satellites orbiting the earth! From May to September the park offers astrology programming. The program is free and consists of park rangers talking about astronomy in the Astomonly Amphitheater. There is even a ranger-led telescope viewing. 

Camping 

Couple Pitches A Tent In A Grassy Campground

Great Basin National Park has five campgrounds available. The fee for a campsite is $20 and is cash and credit only. Learn more about the different campgrounds on the national parks website.

Junior Ranger Program

Great Basin National Park has a fun Junior Ranger Program for kids. The park offers a downloadable booklet to educate children about the park. After following the instructions in the book you can turn it into a ranger at the park to get a badge. There is also a Junior Night Ranger booklet that educates kids about the night sky and comes with its own badge. This is a great way to educate and get the kiddos excited about the park. 

Scenic Drive 

Sun Rises Over Road Overlooking Great Basin National Park

This 12-mile scenic drive will take you through every part of the park. The drive will take you to high elevations to get a great view of the park, take you through a few ecological zones, and if you are lucky you might see some wildlife!

Freedom Village’s Proximity To Great Basin National Park 

Freedom Village is 194 miles away from Great Basin National Park. The drive is a three-hour drive that makes for a fun day trip. If you are visiting Freedom Village in the summer, it would be a great way to cool off. 

How is Great Basin National Park Beneficial To A Vacation Home?

Attractions like Great Basin National Park are what keep people coming back to St. George. While it is a decent drive away, people will still travel to see this incredible park, in addition to all the other attractions located near St. George. 

Great Basin National Park is one of many attractions near St.George. To learn more about the attractions in and around St. George, visit the blogs on our rental website. Keep an eye out for our other Local Park Series blogs as we learn and explore more of the surrounding national and state parks.