National Park Guide

Great Basin National Park

Nevada, US

Beneath Nevada's second-tallest peak lie ancient bristlecone pines and the stunning marble halls of Lehman Caves in one of America's most remote parks.

77,180

Acres

Trails

1986

Established

150,000

Annual Visitors

Quick Info

Season

May - October

Entrance Fee

Free

Nearest Airport

Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC), 4 hours

Best Months

June, July, September

Highlights

Lehman Caves guided tours
Wheeler Peak summit trail
Bristlecone Pine grove and Glacier Trail
Dark sky stargazing programs
Alpine lakes and Lexington Arch

Park Map

Explore trailheads, hotels, and points of interest

Top Trails

Featured trailheads in Great Basin National Park

Wheeler Peak Summit Trail

Strenuous

8.6 miles round trip

2,900 ft gain

Bristlecone Pine Trail

Moderate

2.8 miles round trip

600 ft gain

Alpine Lakes Loop Trail

Moderate

2.7 miles loop

600 ft gain

Glacier Trail

Strenuous

4.6 miles round trip

1,100 ft gain

Mountain View Nature Trail

Easy

0.3 miles loop

20 ft gain

About Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada encompasses the southern Snake Range, rising from the desert floor to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak. The park is home to ancient bristlecone pine groves over 5,000 years old, the spectacular Lehman Caves marble formations, a permanent glacier, and some of the darkest night skies in the country for world-class stargazing.

In-Depth Guide

Great Basin National Park Guide: Best Hikes, When to Visit & Where to Stay

Plan your trip to Great Basin National Park. Top hikes, cave tours, best months to visit, where to stay, and essential tips for exploring Nevada's remote mountain park.

12 min read

Weather Overview

Average monthly temperatures

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Hotels

3 options near Great Basin National Park

Weather

Monthly climate data

Best Time to Visit

Month-by-month analysis

Hiking Gear

Expert-tested picks

Where to Stay

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La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Ely

Comfortable hotel in Ely's business district with continental breakfast, lobby fireplace, spa tub, evening social, and pet-friendly rooms near Great Basin.

1 hour drive$100-170/night

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Prospector Hotel & Gambling Hall

Highly rated 3.5-star hotel in Ely with indoor pool, spa tub, casino with 140 slot machines, on-site restaurant, roundtrip airport shuttle, and garden oasis.

1 hour drive$90-160/night

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Hotel Nevada

Historic hotel in Ely's downtown district blending vintage charm with modern comfort, featuring continental breakfast, on-site Denny's Restaurant, and classic character.

1 hour drive$60-110/night

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Compare Great Basin National Park

See how Great Basin National Park stacks up against other national parks

Great Basin National Park vs Capitol Reef National Park

Choose Great Basin for the world's oldest trees, dark sky stargazing, and Lehman Caves. Choose Capitol Reef for colorful canyon geology, historic orchards, and more scenic driving opportunities.

See full comparison