| Great Basin National Park | |
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IUCN Category II (National Park)
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| Location | White Pine County, Nevada, USA |
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| Nearest city | Ely, Baker, Border |
| Coordinates | 38°59′00″N 114°18′00″W / 38.9833333°N 114.3°WCoordinates: 38°59′00″N 114°18′00″W / 38.9833333°N 114.3°W |
| Area | 77,180 acres (31,230 ha) |
| Established | October 27, 1986 |
| Visitors | 78,524 (in 2006) |
| Governing body | National Park Service |
Great Basin National Park is a United States National Park established in 1986, located in east-central Nevada near its border with Utah. The park derives its name from the Great Basin, the dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Mountains. Topographically, this area is known as the Basin and Range Province. The park is located approximately 290 miles (470 km) north of Las Vegas and protects 77,000 acres (31,000 ha).[1]
The park is notable for its groves of ancient bristlecone pines, the oldest known non-clonal organisms; and for the Lehman Caves at the base of 13,063 ft (3,982 m) Wheeler Peak. The caves were originally protected on January 24, 1922, as the Lehman Caves National Monument, which was later incorporated into the much larger national park. There are a number of developed campsites within the park, as well as excellent back country camping opportunities. Adjacent to Great Basin National Park lies the Highland Ridge Wilderness. These two protected areas provide contiguous wildlife habitat and contiguous protection to 227.8 square miles (590.0 km2) of eastern Nevada's basin lands.
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The park lies in an arid region and receives very little rainfall during most of the year. Most of the precipitation is received as snow or during summer thunderstorms. All precipitation in this region evaporates, sinks underground, or flows into lakes. No water reaches the ocean.[2]
Winters are cool and summers are mild to hot. Weather can change quickly especially, in the back country or on Wheeler Peak at high elevations. Lehman Caves maintains a fairly constant temperature of 50 °F (10 °C) with 90% humidity year round.[3]
There are 11 species of conifer trees and over 800 species of plants in Great Basin National Park and the neighboring valleys.[4] The area around the Visitor Center is dominated by plants such as sagebrush, saltbush, Single-leaf Pinyon, and Utah Juniper. Higher elevations are home to mountain meadows, White Fir, Quaking Aspen, Englemann Spruce, and large Ponderosa Pine. At treeline is an alpine area of low, delicate plants and rocky outcroppings.[5]
The oldest non-clonal organism ever discovered, a Great Basin Bristlecone Pine tree at least 5000 years old, grew at the treeline near Wheeler Peak in the National Park. It was cut down in 1964 by a graduate student and U.S. Forest Service personnel for research purposes. It was given the nickname Prometheus, after the mythological figure who stole fire from the gods and gave it to man.[6]
There are 73 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles, 238 species of birds, 2 species of amphibians, and 8 species of fish in Great Basin National Park and the neighboring valleys.[4]
An abundance of wildlife has taken advantage of the habitat zones in Great Basin National Park. Jackrabbits, pygmy rabbits, mountain cottontails, ground squirrels, chipmunks, and various mice live in the low-elevation sagebrush desert. Pronghorn antelope, coyotes, kit fox, and badgers are less common inhabitants.[5]
In the more rugged areas on the slopes of mountains and in the valley areas nearby, mountain lions, bobcats, marmots, rock squirrels, and mountain sheep can occasionally be seen. Other animals that can be found in the National Park include mule deer, spotted skunk, shrew, ringtail cat, and ermine.[5]
The Bonneville cutthroat trout is the only fish native to Great Basin National Park. It arrived in the mountain waters naturally and was eventually isolated by changing climatic conditions. Other trout species, such as Lahonton cutthroat, rainbow, brook and brown, were stocked in the lakes and streams of the South Snake Range until the Park's incorporation in 1986.[7]
Many species of birds can be found in Great Basin National Park, including hawk, sparrow, killdeer, wren, chickadee, eagle, magpie, and swallow.[8]
Only two species of amphibians have been positively identified in the southern Snake Range and adjacent portions of Snake and Spring valleys are the spadefoot toad (Scaphiopus hammondi) and the leopard frog (Rana pipiens).[9]
Some living creatures live entirely in, or spend some amount of time in, the Lehman Caves. Bacteria are the most common, but crickets, spiders, pseudoscorpions, mites, and springtails can live their full life cycle in the cave. However, they are dependent on organic material packed in by other animals or washed in from the surface.[10]
Other animals use the cave but must leave to forage for food. These include chipmunks, mice, pack rats and several species of bat. There are only insectivorous bats in the Great Basin. At least ten species of bats have been found in the vicinity of Great Basin National Park, including the Townsend's big-eared bat.[10][11]
Lexington Arch is one of the largest limestone arches in the western U.S.[12] It can only be accessed from a dirt road south of the main part of the park, along Utah State Route 21. The turnoff has good signage, just south of Pruess Lake. After a 12 mile dirt road, a 1.7 mile hike (820 feet elevation gain) can get you to the arch.
Great Basin is best explored by hiking. The park has 12 trails ranging from 0.3 to 13.1 miles (0.48 to 21.1 km). Trails range from short nature trails at 6,825 feet (2,080 m) (Mountain View Nature Trail), to the Wheeler summit trail starting at 10,160 feet (3,097 m). The Wheeler Summit trail is quite strenuous, and the altitude presents significant hazards for unprepared or inexperienced hikers. Backcountry routes are occasionally maintained throughout the more remote southern portion of the park. A number of these trailheads are accessible by the dirt road that terminates at the primitive Shoshone campground.
The Great Basin Visitor Center, located on Nevada State Route 487 in the town of Baker, is open daily 8:00 to 4:30 Pacific time, with extended hours in the summer. The Lehman Caves Visitor Center, located on Nevada State Route 488, is open daily 8:00 to 4:30 Pacific Time, with extended hours in the summer. It is 5.5 miles (8.9 km) from Baker, Nevada, 0.5 miles (0.80 km) inside the park boundary. Both centers feature exhibits about the park's geology, natural and cultural history, as well as theaters with orientation films. The centers are closed Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Years Day. Great Basin National Park has between 79,000 and 89,000 visitors in a normal year, and operates on a budget of approximately $1.9 million.
 Wheeler Peak |
 10,000 feet above sea level. |
 Stella Lake |
 Great Basin National Park |
 Mountain stream flowing from Wheeler Peak |
 Aspen Grove on Wheeler Peak |
 View from high on Wheeler Peak |
 Wheeler Peak at Sunset |
 Bristlecone pine in Great Basin National Park |
Media related to Great Basin
National Park at Wikimedia Commons
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Great Basin National Park is a United States National Park established in 1986, located in east-central Nevada near its border with Utah, five miles west of the town of Baker. The park derives its name from the Great Basin, the dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains.
There is almost an 8,000 foot (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 snowpack may not have melted at high 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. Weather conditions are highly variable. Please come prepared for all types of weather. It can snow any time of the year at high elevations.
The nearest airport is located in Cedar City, Utah, 142 miles away. Major airports are found in Salt Lake City, Utah (234 miles) and Las Vegas, Nevada (286 miles).
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, which will become Nevada State Highway 487 as you cross the border. 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 (Great Basin Highway). At the junction of U.S. Highway 6 & 50 drive east to Nevada State Highway 487 and turn south. Travel 5 miles to Baker, NV. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel 5 miles to the park.
No public transportation is available to, or in, Great Basin National Park.
Open - Daily, year round, from 8:00 a.m to 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time. Extended hours in the summer. Closed - Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.
Great Basin National Park has no entrance fee. Cave tour fees vary depending on length of tour. 60 minute tours cost Adult/Child $8.00/$4.00 while the 90 minute tours cost $10.00/$5.00. Golden Age/Golden Access card holders pay child rates. Camping fees are $12.00 for developed campgrounds per night/per site. $6.00 for Golden Age/Golden Access card holders. Primitive campgrounds have no fee.
Lodging is available outside of the park in the town of Baker.
Great Basin National Park has four developed campgrounds with vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire grills. There are no hookups or leveled parking sites. Campsites are limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site. There are three campgrounds that have accessible sites.
Lower Lehman Creek is the only campground open year round. Other campgrounds are generally open from May until October, weather permitting. Water may not be available early and late in the season, and is not available in the winter at Lower Lehman Creek. Fees are reduced if water is not available. Since exact opening and closing dates are dependent on weather conditions, contact a visitor center at (775) 234-7331 or check the current conditions for information specific to your arrival date.
Reservations All park camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations can be made, except for the Grey Cliffs Group Campground where they are required. Campsites may not be "saved" or reserved for family or friends arriving later. Campgrounds often fill on weekends and holidays in the summer months. Visitors are advised to find a campsite early in the day.
Lower Lehman Creek Campground Open All Year Elevation: 7,300 feet (2,200 meters) Location: On Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 2.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center
Lower Lehman Creek Campground contains 11 campsites. There are a limited number of pull-through sites for RVs and trailers. Water is available in the summer only.
Upper Lehman Creek Campground Open mid-May through September Elevation: 7,752 feet (2,362 meters) Location: On Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, 3.5 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Upper Lehman Creek Campground contains 22 campsites with 1 wheelchair accessible site. Water is available. Evening Campfire Programs are offered in the ampitheater during the summer.
Baker Creek Campground Open mid-May through September Elevation: 7,530 feet (2,295 meters) Location: On Baker Creek Road, 3 miles from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Baker Creek Campground contains 34 campsites, 2 of which are wheelchair accessible. Water is available.
Primitive Campgrounds (Snake & Strawberry Creek) Open All Year Fee: None Elevation: 6,300 feet - 8,250 feet (2,515 meters) Location: Along Snake Creek and Strawberry Creek Roads Picnic tables and fire grates are provided at most primitive campsites. A few Snake Creek sites have toilets - most do not. Drinking water is available at the RV Sanitary Station from late spring through early fall, or at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Creek water should always be boiled or treated before use.
Note: Snake Creek and Strawberry Creek Roads are open year round, but can be muddy or snowy in the winter and spring. High clearance vehicles are recommended for these rough, dirt roads. RVs and trailers are not recommended.
Backcountry camping does not require a permit, but registration is free and strongly recommended. Stop at a visitor center to register and obtain a copy of the regulations. Registration not only allows the park to monitor use, but also provides critical information in the event of an emergency.
Climbing - The area in and around the park offers a very limited amount of technical rock climbing. The hazardous nature of the rock is the main contributor to this as well as the remoteness of the sites. All routes in the Wheeler Peak area are hazardous with deadly rockfall possible any time of year.
Chiseling, chipping, gluing, or breaking away rock or otherwise physically altering the rock is prohibited. This includes placing bolts or other fixed protection. Clean aid, top-roping, or traditional lead climbing are permitted. The use of motorized drills, hand drills or other portable motorized equipment is not allowed.
Free climber registration at park visitor centers is recommended for anyone who plans to climb in the park. Rescue resources are limited and may be hours away. Parties should be capable of self-rescue.
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   | National-park.com Main page - Great Basin National Park |
| | Great Basin National Park - Great Basin National Park (U.S. National Park Service) |
| | Photos of Great Basin National Park - Terra Galleria - Great Basin National Park Pictures - US National Parks stock photos, fine art prints by QTL |
| | Photographic virtual tour of Great Basin National Park. - Great Basin National Park in 598 Images |
| | Great Basin National Park - Great Basin National Park - National Parks Gallery |
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