Parks / Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park
National Park · NV
From the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak to the sagebrush-covered foothills, Great Basin National Park hosts a sample of the incredible diversity of the larger Great Basin region. Come and partake of the solitude of the wilderness, walk among ancient bristlecone pines, bask in the darkest of night skies, and explore mysterious subterranean passages. There's a lot more than just desert here.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (2)
Stage II Fire Restrictions in effect - campfires banned
Stage II Fire Restrictions are in effect at Great Basin National Park. Due to extreme fire danger, campfires, charcoal grills, and outdoor smoking are prohibited throughout the park. Gas and liquid-fueled stoves are permitted.
No Potable Water in Park Campgrounds
There currently is no water available in any campground in Great Basin National Park. Water is available at the RV Fill and Dump Station, the Great Basin, and the Lehman Caves Visitor Center as well as some local businesses.
Entrance Fees
This park is fee-free.
Campgrounds (7)
Baker Creek Campground
Baker Creek Campground contains 37 campsites. All sites are available, when the campground is open (seasons permitting), via reservation on Recreation.gov. Potable water is not available.
Details →Dump Station
No overnight camping allowed. Dump Station is for dumping garbage and RV sewage.
Grey Cliffs Campground
For visitors to Great Basin National Park, Grey Cliffs Campground is an ideal place to setup and start exploring. Experience the solitude of the desert, the smell of sagebrush after a thunderstorm, the darkest of night skies, and the beauty of Lehman Caves.
Details →Lower Lehman Creek Campground
Among the lush green vegetation which hugs Lehman Creek, you'll secure your tent or park your RV within earshot of clear mountain water which has tumbled 3000 vertical feet from the lakes and snowfields of the high Snake Range. Naturally landscaped with red-barked water birch, aspen and white fir a stroll through this sky island ecosystem provides for great bird-watching or a cooling dip in the stream while placing you just minutes from spectacular Lehman Caves.
Details →Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds
Make yourself at home in the Snake Creek Campsites along the Snake Creek River, located on the south-eastern side of the park. These sites are nestled among Aspen groves and at the base of impressive limestone cliffs. Sites to choose from include, Monkey Rock, Squirrel Springs, Pinnacles, Eagle Peak. The Shoshone and Johnson Lake trail sites are a short 0.5 mile hike from the parking lot at the end of the Snake Creek Road.
Details →Upper Lehman Creek Campground
Whether you prefer the rich smell of summer mahogany riding air currents blended with the vanilla of ponderosa pine, or the sound of a clear mountain stream babbling beneath a symphony of swaying white fir, you won't regret your stay at Upper Lehman Creek Campground. At 7500 feet in elevation and 3 miles up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive a stay at Upper Lehman Creek is just a brief cruise from high alpine trails that will take you into the heart of the Snake Range.
Details →Wheeler Peak Campground
Located at 9,886 feet above sea level, Wheeler Peak Campground is the highest-elevation campground in the entire National Park System. Nestled in aspen groves in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, this campground is a perfect base camp for exploring the park's alpine region - where camping is otherwise prohibited. Prepare for dynamic weather and cold temperatures even during the summer. Potable water is not available.
Details →Upcoming Events
Alpine Ranger Rove
Aug 31, 2026 · Ranger will be roving the Bristlecone, Glacier, Alpine Lakes, and Sky Island Forest trails.
Things to Do
Astronomy Ranger Program
Astronomy Program
Backpack the Baker & Johnson Lakes Loop
The most popular backcountry route in the park, the Baker & Johnson Lakes Loop frequently sees campers, but still nothing compared to many other popular parks. This about 12 mile loop will take visitors by mountain lakes, glacial cirques, and a profound amount of isolation.
Become a Great Basin National Park Junior Ranger
Great Basin Junior Ranger
Driving the Park
Great Basin offers access to many diffent road that travel through out the park. These road varry from paved to four wheel drive roads. please use good jugment and be prepared before venturing on to the roads.
Get a Backcountry Camping Permit
Get away from the developed areas of Great Basin National Park and find a campsite nestled deep in the mountains of the backcountry.
Hike Pole Canyon
Hike the Pole Canyon trail, moseying by streams, wildflowers, and dense conifers. The 6.6 mile round trip trail also treks through the Baker Creek and Grey Cliffs campgrounds, making it easy to start from a campsite without a drive.
Hike the ADA Sky Island Forest Trail
The ADA accessible Sky Island Forest Trail provides a very easy walk through the woods along with interpretive signs to teach about this unique ecosystem.
Hike the Alpine Lakes Loop
An easy trail at high elevation, the Alpine Lakes Loop is a 2.7 mile staple of many visits to Great Basin. Wildlife and wildflowers are often visible in the many meadows and streams in this shelter beneath some of the grandest peaks in Nevada.
Hike the Baker Creek Loop
An upper easy/low moderate hike, Baker Creek is often accessible or semi-accessible year round, making a viable alternative when roads close or parking lots are crowded. 3.3 miles makes for acceptable easy distance for most visitors, though challenging in the winter when deep snow is present.
Hike the Big Wash Trail
Big Wash is perhaps the most difficult and least travelled trail in the park. be prepared for a long 20.6 mile journey through shrubland and heat in the summer, but one of the most incredible experiences available with the isolation it brings.
Hike the Highland Route
Highland Route
Hike the Lehman Creek Trail
Hike the Lehman Creek Trail in summer and fall for amazing colors and plenty of shade, or to access the higher elevation trails in the winter time. This 6.4 mile round trip journey travels through a varied forest showcasing a harder to see perspective of the many mountain peaks.
Hike the Mountain View Nature Trail
Take a short walk on the Mountain View Nature Trail behind the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Waiting for a tour? Only wanting a short distance? This nature trail will enlighten you on the past, present, and future of Lehman Caves and Great Basin National Park.
Hike the Sage Steppe Loop
Wildlife, wildflowers, escapes from the heat, and an easy trail to boot. The Sage Steppe Loop is both a wonderful introduction to the park and a great chance to get away from the crowds.
Hike the Serviceberry Trail
The 3.2 mile Serviceberry Loop is a wonderful loop trail through serviceberry, rabbitbrush, and sagebrush, giving plentiful views of unique Great Basin geology. This moderate trail is a great introduction to the Snake Creek area and its unique offerings.
Hike the Shoshone ADA Trail
The Shoshone ADA trail is a small section of one of Great Basin's longer hiking routes. This 0.1 mile stretch takes visitors to a wooden platform and fishing area right on Snake Creek. Caution: Access may be difficult for modified vehicles with low clearance.
Hike the Snake Divide Route
Hike one of the more challenging and rewarding trails inside Great Basin National Park. This over 13 mile hike leads to the peak of a mountain, multiple bristlecone pine groves, and some of the most spectacular views in the park.
Hike the Timber Creek Trail
An extended loop through the Baker Creek area, Timber Creek offers more meadows, woodland, and creeks. This 5.1 mile loop is surely worth a visit, especially when the Scenic Drive is closed.
Hike the Upper Strawberry Trail
The meadows of the Sage Steppe Loop combined with moderate difficulty ascending to a mountain saddle, the Upper Strawberry trail's 4.0 miles provides ample fall colors and plenty of running water.
Hike to Baker Lake
The hike to Baker Lake is a 10 mile round trip through pine forests and along a mountain stream. Baker Lake is one of the largest mountain lakes in Great Basin National Park. Nestled in a mountain cirque the beautiful lake frequently has snow on its rocky banks.
Hike to Dead Lake
Hike the 5.1 mile Dead Lake Loop to see an ephemeral lake and gorgeous wildflowers and fall colors. Every time of year, Snake Creek has something to offer.
Hike to Johnson Lake from Baker Creek
Johnson Lake may be reached from either Baker Creek or Snake Creek. This trail offers a path to a pristine mountain lake and mining history in the Snake Range. Nearly 10 miles of trail equals good times and plenty of room.
Hike to Johnson Lake from Snake Creek
Hike to the backcountry and isolated Johnson Lake. 8.0 miles round trip rewards visitors with a chance for isolation and exercise. This version of the route approaches from the Snake Creek Trailhead, but Johnson Lake is also accessible from the north via Baker Creek Trailhead.
Hike to Lexington Arch
Hike 5.6 miles through shrubland to see one of the largest limestone arches in the world. Find plenty of peace on this lesser traveled trail. Lexington Arch is also the only park trail that allows dogs, so bring your pet for an excursion to this remote corner of the park.
Hike to Snake Creek Overlook
The Snake Creek Overlook trail is a nice, short trail that will work one's legs with a stretch of elevation gain. This easy, 1.1 mile trip provides sweeping views of the lower valley and is a great start or end of the day
Hike to the Glacier
Hike to see the last glacier in Nevada. This roughly five mile hike works its way across boulder fields near its conclusion to allow for stunning views of Wheeler Peak and the glacial cirque.
Hike to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Grove
The Bristlecone Trail is not to be missed on a visit to the park. This 2.8-mile round-trip hike takes visitors through some of the oldest organisms on Earth, and offers opportunities for introspection as you consider your place in the universe.
Hike to Wheeler Peak
Hike the tallest peak in the park at 13,063 feet tall. This tough, nearly 9 mile round trip hike will reward those who summit with perhaps the best views in the state.
Lehman Caves Tour
Lehman Caves Tours
Picnic at Pole Canyon
The entrance to Pole Canyon area has day use picnic areas with picnic tables and charcoal grills. This shaded area offers a chance to be removed from the crowded visitor center to enjoy and mid day snack. Please pack out your ashes and obey all fire restrictions.
Visitor Centers
- Great Basin Visitor Center
- Lehman Caves Visitor Center
Source: National Park Service.