Welcome
GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK
The Great Basin National Park is located five hours from Las Vegas, Nevada and is the state's only national park. Great Basin is a huge contrast to the bustling Vegas and the nature surrounding the city.
Such nature, as there, in the north of Nevada, is nowhere else. This so-called sky island is a geological phenomenon, an ecosystem that exists above another ecosystem high in the mountains.
The park is located 300 miles north of Las Vegas along Highway 93. The drive to the park entrance is quite long, about five hours. The nearest town to the park is Baker, 5 miles from the entrance.
Information
Among the endless space of Nevada, Great Basin Park amazes with mountain landscapes, alpine lakes, and most importantly - the oldest trees in the world - and a unique opportunity to be in nature almost alone.
The alpine desert of Nevada is interesting in that life somehow miraculously clings to existence and is still so beautiful! This is what strikes in the deserts - greatness, tranquility, wild spontaneity and beauty. One moment - a brief moment of life - in the middle of infinity of time.
What makes Great Basin unique? This ecosystem, where all the rivers, lakes, streams of the Great Basin region, does not mix with the seas and oceans, exists on its own among the ruthless desert.
Great Basin National Park offers some stunning hiking trails, showcasing a variety of landscapes from alpine lakes to ancient bristlecone pine forests. Here are some of the best hiking trails in the park:
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail:
Distance: 8.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Strenuous
Description: This trail takes you to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the second-highest peak in Nevada at 13,063 feet. It offers breathtaking views of the surrounding Great Basin region.
Bristlecone-Glacier Trail:
Distance: 4.6 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail leads through groves of ancient bristlecone pine trees, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. It also passes by a glacier and offers panoramic views.
Lexington Arch Trail:
Distance: 0.8 miles round trip
Difficulty: Easy
Description: A short but scenic trail that leads to Lexington Arch, a natural limestone arch tucked away in a picturesque canyon.
Thousand Lake Mountain Trail:
Distance: Varies (multiple trail options)
Difficulty: Varies (can be strenuous)
Description: This area offers a network of trails with varying lengths and difficulty levels, providing access to alpine lakes, expansive views, and diverse flora and fauna.
Snake Creek Trail:
Distance: Varies (multiple trail options)
Difficulty: Varies (ranges from easy to moderate)
Description: Snake Creek offers several interconnected trails that wind through forests and meadows, offering opportunities for wildlife viewing and wildflower spotting.
Teresa Lake Trail:
Distance: 2.4 miles round trip
Difficulty: Moderate
Description: This trail leads to Teresa Lake, nestled in a scenic basin surrounded by rocky cliffs and alpine vegetation.
When hiking in Great Basin National Park, always be prepared with plenty of water, sturdy footwear, layers of clothing, and a map or GPS. Weather conditions can change rapidly, especially at higher elevations.
Official name - GREAT BASIN National Park
Mailing Address: Great Basin National Park
100 Great Basin National Park
Baker, NV 89311
Area: 77,180 acres
Coordinates: 39.00581°N 114.21969°W
Established - October 27, 1986
Attendance - 131,802 people per year
