Great Basin National Park

Planning a nice quiet weekend getaway this summer? Head to the Great Basin National Park on the Nevada/Utah border. The Great Basin National Park offers cool weather, beautiful scenery, and excellent camping facilities. The elevation differs from about 5,000 feet to over 13,000 feet. The temperature can vary drastically depending on what elevation you are at. Temperatures and weather can change quickly, so be prepared for warm weather as well as cold. There is no entrance fee to visit the area, but there are nominal fees for activities such as camping (twelve dollars per night for developed campsites) and Lehman Cave tours.

The Lehman Caves stay a consistent 50 degrees throughout the year! There are guided tours are available throughout the day with a 90 minute presentation for those over five years old and a 60 minute tour for everyone. The price for the tour is no more than ten dollars depending on the tour and age of the visitor.

There are two visitor centers to enjoy at the park along with a gift shop that sells ice cream. You can check out a free daypack filled with goodies to help with the exploration ahead of you. There are numerous scenic trails to walk or hike. Birdwatching is popular in this beautiful habitat. Great Basin National Park has the best stargazing areas in the United States. Before heading out stargazing, stop by an evening campfire program at the Upper Lehman Creek Campground offering a nice get together of fellow campers.

If you enjoy scenic car rides, Great Basin National Park offers many breathtaking roads. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is 12 miles and paved, but steep and winding. The views are unsurpassed and worth the possibility of car sickness! There is also the Baker Creek Road, Strawberry, Snake, and Lexington Arch Roads. Each offers new fantastic scenery that will make your trip the The Great Basin National Park worthwhile. The Bristlecone Pine Trail offers the opportunity to see the oldest living organisms in the world and is only 2.8 miles roundtrip. However, if you keep going further, you can also see Nevada's only glacier! The Glacier is located at the base of Wheeler Peak.

If hiking is more to your liking, there are over 60 miles of developed trails. Walking along these trails you are often within view of animal life such as deer, squirrels, and bighorn sheep. There are maps available for purchase for your convenience. Pets are not allowed on the trails, so plan accordingly. With 48 miles of streams and over 400 springs in the South Snake Range you are sure to see some of the eight species of fish. Fishing is allowed with proper license and all Nevada fishing regulations are enforced. Live baits are not permitted except worms. Rod and reel fishing only and catch and release is highly recommended. If you are bringing kids with you, they can become Great Basin Junior Rangers. After completing activities, the participants are sworn in by a park ranger with the Junior Ranger Pledge and receives an official certificate and patch.

With so many activities there will surely be something for everyone in the family. Visiting The Great Basin National Park is rewarding and enjoyable. Whether you are looking for a relaxing day or weekend away from the busy city, or looking for the perfect outdoor activity, The Great Basin National Park offers it. With such a breathtaking views and close encounters of animal life, don't forget to bring your camera.