Great Basin National Park

Introduction

Great Basin National Park is a United States National Park located in White Pine County in east-central Nevada, near the Utah border. The park was established in 1986 and derives its name from the Great Basin, the dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Mountains. Topographically, this area is known as the Basin and Range Province. The park is located approximately 470 kilometres north of Las Vegas and protects 31,230 ha. The park is notable for its groves of ancient bristlecone pines, the oldest known non-clonal organisms; and for the Lehman Caves at the base of 3,982-metre Wheeler Peak.

Sights and Activities

Lehman Caves

The Lehman Caves were originally protected as a National Monument in 1922, which was combined with the national park in 1986. According to the National Park Service, the caves were, most likely, discovered by Absalom Lehman in 1885. Several living creatures occupy the Lehman Caves. Crickets, spiders, pseudoscorpions, mites, and springtails may live their full life cycles in the cave. They are dependent on organic material packed in by other animals or washed in from the surface. Other animals use the cave but must leave to forage for food. These include chipmunks, mice, pack rats and several species of bat. There are only insectivorous bats in the Great Basin. At least ten species of bats have been found in the vicinity of Great Basin National Park, including the Townsend's big-eared bat.

Opening Hours

Open - Daily, year round, from 8:00am to 4:30pm Pacific Time. Extended hours in the summer. Closed on Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Cost

Great Basin National Park has no entrance fee. Cave tour fees vary depending on length of tour. 60-minute tours cost Adult/Child $8.00/$4.00 while the 90-minute tours cost $10.00/$5.00. Golden Age/Golden Access card holders pay child rates. Camping fees are $12.00 for developed campgrounds per night/per site. $6.00 for Golden Age/Golden Access card holders. Primitive campgrounds have no fee.

Getting There

By Plane

The nearest airport is located in Cedar City, Utah, 230 kilometres away. Major airports are found in Salt Lake City, Utah and Las Vegas, Nevada.

By Car

From the east or west - From U.S. Highway 6 & 50, turn south on Nevada State Highway 487 and travel 8 kilometres to Baker, NV. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel 8 kilometres to the park.

From the south (Utah) - Travel north on Utah State Highway 21 through Milford, UT and Garrison, UT, which will become Nevada State Highway 487 as you cross the border. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker and travel 8 kilometres to the park.

From the south (Nevada) - Travel north on U.S. Highway 93 (Great Basin Highway). At the junction of U.S. Highway 6 & 50 drive east to Nevada State Highway 487 and turn south. Travel 8 kilometres to Baker, NV. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel 8 kilometres to the park.

Sleep

Lodging is available outside of the park in the town of Baker.

External Links

• Official Website