National Park · Nevada
Great Basin National Park
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
- Food
- Dining
- Picnicking
- Guided Tours
- Hiking
- Backcountry Hiking
- Horse Trekking
- Horse Camping (see also camping)
- Horseback Riding
- Hunting and Gathering
Weather & when to go
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.
Operating hours
Great Basin National Park
Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours
Campgrounds
Lower Lehman Creek Campground
Upper Lehman Creek Campground
Wheeler Peak Campground
Baker Creek Campground
Grey Cliffs Campground
Snake Creek Primitive Campgrounds
Dump Station
FAQ
- Is Great Basin National Park free to visit?
- Great Basin National Park does not charge a standard entrance fee. Check the official NPS page for the latest details on any activity or permit fees before you go.
- What are the hours at Great Basin National Park?
- Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours
- Do I need a reservation for Great Basin National Park?
- No timed-entry reservation is currently required to enter Great Basin National Park. Campgrounds and permits may still need to be booked separately on Recreation.gov.
Related guides
Trip plans and deep-dives from the PeepTrip blog featuring Great Basin National Park.
Least Visited National Parks: 10 Quiet Escapes
The ten emptiest US national parks, why each one stays quiet, and what it actually takes to get to them.
Best Hikes in Great Basin National Park
A trail-by-trail guide to the best hikes in Great Basin National Park, from ancient bristlecone pines to the Wheeler Peak summit.
National Parks in Nevada: Great Basin Guide
Great Basin, Death Valley, and how to plan a national parks trip in Nevada.
National Parks Near Reno: Best Day Trips
Alpine lakes, volcanic wonders, and high-desert wilderness within a half-day's drive of Reno.
Best National Parks for Stargazing
The best dark-sky national parks for stargazing, from Big Bend to Joshua Tree, plus when and how to go.
National Parks Near Las Vegas: Best Day Trips
Six national parks sit within a day's drive of Las Vegas. Here are the real drive times, what each is known for, and which to do in a day.