At a glance
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.
Things to do: Auto and ATV · Scenic Driving · Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Backcountry Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Horse Camping (see also Horse/Stock Use) · Group Camping · RV Camping · Caving · Fishing
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Trails
Great Basin has roughly 58 named trails. Log the one you hiked in the app — or just the park if you're not sure.
Camping
Approximately 170 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (June – October).
Best time to visit
Peak season: June – October. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
There is almost an 8,000 ft (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 snow pack may not have melted in the higher 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. It can snow any time of the year at high elevations.
Pack for Great Basin
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
See on Amazon →
LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
See on Amazon →
Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
See on Amazon →
YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
See on Amazon →
Entrance fees
Entry is Free.
Getting there
Nearest city: Ely, NV. Park center: 38.980°, -114.300°.
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, Highway 487. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker and travel 5 miles to the park.
S. Highway 93. No public transportation is available to, or in, Great Basin National Park.
Coming from a big city? See every park near Salt Lake City or Las Vegas.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Great Basin National Park?
Entry is Free. An America the Beautiful annual pass covers entrance fees at every national park.
When is the best time to visit Great Basin?
Peak season is June – October. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. There is almost an 8,000 ft (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 snow pack may not have melted in the higher elevations. The Great Basin is a desert, with low relative humidity and sharp drops in temperature at night.
Can you camp in Great Basin National Park?
Yes — about 170 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Great Basin National Park?
Ely, NV is the nearest major city. 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, Highway 487. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker and travel 5 miles to the park.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.