Things to do in Great Basin National Park
A remote Nevada park of limestone caves, ancient bristlecone pines, alpine lakes, high desert, dark skies, and 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak.
Best months: June, July, September, October
What is worth your time in Great Basin National Park
Alpine Lakes LoopDo not miss
This high-country loop visits Stella and Teresa Lakes with excellent Wheeler Peak views.
Hike · 2.5 hr5
Bristlecone Pine TrailDo not miss
The trail reaches an ancient grove of bristlecone pines below Wheeler Peak.
Hike · 2.5 hr4.9
Lehman Caves TourDo not miss
The guided cave tour showcases marble passages, shields, stalactites, and the signature underground experience in the park.
Cave Tour · 1.3 hr4.7
Great Basin Night SkyDo not miss
The remote Nevada setting creates exceptional dark-sky viewing and Milky Way photography.
Stargazing · 2 hr
Wheeler Peak Scenic DriveDo not miss
The high road climbs from desert to alpine forest with sweeping basin views and access to signature trailheads.
Scenic Drive · 2.3 hr
Baker Creek Loop
The forested loop gives a quieter creek-and-mountain hike away from the main Wheeler corridor.
Hike · 4 hr5
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
The strenuous summit reaches Nevada high alpine terrain and enormous Great Basin views.
Hike · 7.5 hr5
Stella Lake
The alpine lake below Wheeler Peak is a photogenic pause on the Alpine Lakes Loop.
Viewpoint · 45 min4.9
Mather Overlook
This roadside overlook gives a low-effort panorama across Snake Valley and the basin-and-range landscape.
Viewpoint · 33 min4.8
Lehman Caves Visitor Center
The visitor center is the best indoor stop for cave tickets, road status, exhibits, and ranger advice.
Ranger Program · 45 min4.7
Osceola Ditch Trail
The easy trail follows historic waterworks with lower-elevation views and mining-era context.
Hike · 1.5 hr3.7
Baker Creek Road
The seasonal gravel road provides quieter access to forested drainages and campgrounds.
Scenic Drive · 1.5 hr
Glacier Trail
The extension beyond the bristlecones reaches the rock glacier below Wheeler Peak.
Hike · 3.8 hr
Lexington Arch Trail
This remote trail reaches a large limestone arch on the park quiet southeast side.
Hike · 5 hr
And 1 more, which the planner picks between based on your dates, pace and what you are into.
Worth knowing
- Great Basin is famous for Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, Alpine Lakes Loop, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, and some of the darkest skies in the country.