Great Basin National Park
Time Needed: full-day
Experience Type: national park, outdoor adventure, scenic views
Far from city lights, Great Basin National Park is a hidden Nevada treasure where desert meets alpine peaks. From marble caves to ancient trees and glittering night skies, the park seamlessly blends natural wonders with adventure.
MUST-DO CHECKLIST
- Tour Lehman Caves – Marvel at intricate formations on a ranger-led journey through Nevada’s longest cave system, first discovered in the 1880s. Plan ahead, tours often sell out.
- Go Stargazing – Great Basin boasts some of the darkest skies in the country. Join a night sky program or simply look up. On clear evenings, the Milky Way stretches across the horizon.
- Walk Among Bristlecone Pines – Follow the Bristlecone Trail to a grove of bristlecone pines, some over 4,000 years old, offering a glimpse into the resilience and longevity of nature.
- Drive Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive – Climb 12 winding miles to nearly 10,000 feet. Along the way, the landscape shifts from sagebrush to pinyon pines, conifers, and golden aspens.
- See Alpine Lakes – Discover the park’s six subalpine lakes. Stella Lake and Teresa Lake can be reached via the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail for peaceful reflection.