Great Basin National Park
Explore Nevada's Great Basin National Park, home to ancient bristlecone pines, stunning cave systems, and the towering Wheeler Peak. A haven for stargazing.
Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada near the Utah border, is a hidden gem of natural beauty and diverse ecosystems. Known for its ancient bristlecone pines, stunning Lehman Caves, and the towering Wheeler Peak, the park offers a serene escape into rugged landscapes and some of the darkest night skies in the country.
Location
Great Basin National Park is located in east-central Nevada, near the Utah border. The park is approximately five miles west of the town of Baker and is accessible via U.S. Highway 50, often referred to as “The Loneliest Road in America.”
Quick Facts
Size: 77,180 acres
Year Established: 1986
Unique Features:The ancient bristlecone pine trees, some over 4,000 years old.
Lehman Caves, an intricate limestone cave system with stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and rare shield formations.
Wheeler Peak, the park's second-highest summit at 13,065 feet, offering alpine landscapes and glacial remnants.
One of the darkest night skies in the United States, perfect for stargazing.
Great Basin National Park offers a serene escape into one of the most diverse ecosystems in the western United States. The park is a hidden gem with towering mountain peaks, expansive desert valleys, and unique geological wonders like Lehman Caves. Visitors can explore trails that lead to ancient forests, alpine lakes, and the stunning summit of Wheeler Peak. With its remote location and minimal light pollution, the park provides unmatched opportunities for stargazing, making it a must-visit destination for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts alike.
Great Basin National Park is home to some of the oldest living trees on Earth—Bristlecone pines. These ancient trees, found high in the park’s Wheeler Peak grove, can live for over 4,000 years. Their twisted, weathered trunks tell a story of survival in one of the harshest environments. Scientists study their growth rings to understand past climate changes. Some of these trees were already ancient when the Great Pyramids of Egypt were built, making them a true testament to nature’s resilience and the passage of time.