The words camping, Nevada, and national parks are not often mentioned in the same sentence. This sparsely populated western state is best known for places like Las Vegas and Reno, tourist cities filled with casinos and resorts. But there is much more to Nevada, a natural side that includes miles upon miles of high desert, many mountain ranges, and one of the least visited national parks, Great Basin National Park.
Great Basin National Park is located in remote eastern Nevada, near the Utah state line, about a 4.5-hour drive from Las Vegas. Very few visitors to so-called Sin City make the trek north along U.S. Highway 93. In the few years before the pandemic, the 120-square-mile park saw about 150,000 visitors per year. For comparison, Zion NP, which is about a 3-hour drive from Las Vegas, saw about 4.5 million people per year! And Death Valley NP, which is about 2 hours from Vegas, saw over 1.5 million annual visitors.
Great Basin National Park seems to fly under the tourist radar mostly due to its remote location on U.S. Highway 50, over a hundred miles from the nearest interstate, in a state not particularly known for outdoor adventures. Still, Great Basin offers national park buffs with several must-see attractions: the Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a variety of hiking trails, bristlecone pine forest, and, of course, some excellent camping.
Camping at Great Basin National Park
The park has five developed campgrounds (Upper Lehman Creek, Lower Lehman Creek, Baker Creek, Grey Cliffs, and Wheeler Peak) and one primitive camping area along Snake Creek. Only Lower Lehman Creek Campground is open year-round—the remaining areas are closed from roughly November through April. During peak season, from roughly May through October, reservations must be made for camping at Upper and Lower Lehman and Wheeler Peak Campgrounds. In total, there are about 124 developed campsites available for tent or RV camping (but note, there are no hookups).
There are also some campgrounds outside the park, including private campgrounds in Nevada nearby, campgrounds on public lands, and dispersed (primitive) camping.
One of the biggest benefits of camping in Nevada at or around Great Basin N.P. is the low light pollution, which makes for some amazing stars at night. Interestingly, it is also known as the darkest place in the US.
If camping is not your thing, then a limited number of hotels and motels can be found in the area, with a few located near the park in or around Baker, NV, and more to be found in Ely, NV.
Lehman Caves
One of the most popular attractions in the park is visiting the Lehman Caves. At over two miles in length, this is the longest cave in Nevada. The caves are filled with many dramatic rock formations, including stalactites, stalagmites, and other rare speleothems—essentially unique shapes formed from mineralized limestone.
Entry to the caves is only allowed by guided tour, during which rangers explain the history, geology, and ecology of the caves. While tickets can be purchased at the visitor center, cave tours regularly sell out and reservations are recommended.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Another popular attraction is the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. This 12-mile paved road (NV-488) is steep and winding with an average grade of 8%. The scenic drive starts near the Great Basin Visitor Center at an elevation around 5600 feet on the desert floor. Over the course of the 12-mile drive, visitors will ascend over 4,000 feet into the South Snake Range. The drive ends at just over 10,000 feet in elevation near Wheeler Peak Campground.
As you rise in elevation, the scenic drive passes through numerous ecological zones, and the landscape evolves from sagebrush to pinyon pine forest to mountain mahogany to mixed conifer forest and finally to alpine aspen groves.
From the Bristlecone Parking Area, near Wheeler Peak Campground, hikers can access several excellent trails. One easier hiking option is the Alpine Lakes Loop, a 2.7-mile round trip hike with about 440 feet in elevation gain. This trail passes a pair of beautiful alpine lakes and offers excellent views of Wheeler Peak. Though the trail is categorized as easy by the park service, it is located at very high elevation which carries added challenges.
Because of the high elevations reached on the scenic drive, it’s important to be aware of the dangers of altitude sickness. In general, if you plan to hike at the top of the scenic drive, try to acclimate by sleeping at least the night before at a comparable elevation. Symptoms of altitude sickness include headache, nausea, shortness of breath, and a light-headed feeling. If you experience any of these symptoms while driving the scenic drive, or hiking on high-elevation trails, it’s important to descend to a lower elevation immediately. You will want to then wait until symptoms subside.
For more adventurous hikers, there is a strenuous trail to the top of Wheeler Peak, the second-tallest mountain in Nevada. The trailhead is located at the Summit Trail Parking Area near the top of the scenic drive. The trail is 8.6 miles, round trip, with 3,100 feet in elevation gain! Hikers will want to make sure they’re in suitable physical shape and properly acclimated to the elevation before attempting this hike.
The above are just two hikes at Great Basin N.P., and there are plenty more trails in the park. Check out the NPS webpage for more information.
Bristlecone Pines
Another highlight of a visit to Great Basin N.P. is checking out a bristlecone pine grove. The Great Basin bristlecone pine is one of the oldest-living lifeforms and trees on Earth. Individual bristlecones have been estimated to live for thousands of years, with some specimens reaching over 4,000 years old. These hearty trees have dense wood and twisty trunks, growing out of improbable rocky cracks or on exposed ridgelines, challenging locations in harsh and windy environments where other trees can’t survive.
There are three bristlecone pine forests in Great Basin National Park, but only one of them is accessible by developed trail. The Wheeler Peak Grove can be reached by a 1.5-mile (one-way) trail from Wheeler Peak Campground.
Final Thoughts
Nevada may be best known for its bustling cities like Las Vegas and Reno, but its natural landscapes are equally impressive and worth exploring. Among these natural treasures is Great Basin National Park, a hidden gem that offers a serene escape with stunning attractions like Lehman Caves, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, and ancient bristlecone pine forests. Despite its remote location and lower visitor numbers compared to more famous parks like Zion and Death Valley, Great Basin provides a unique and enriching experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts.
Camping in Great Basin National Park offers an unparalleled opportunity to enjoy some of the darkest skies in the U.S., perfect for stargazing. With several developed campgrounds and primitive camping options, you’ll find the right spot to connect with nature. If camping isn’t your preference, nearby towns like Baker and Ely offer cozy accommodations.
The park’s highlights, from the intricate formations of Lehman Caves to the breathtaking views along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, showcase the diverse beauty of Nevada’s high desert. The challenge of hiking at high elevations adds to the adventure, rewarding you with spectacular scenery and a sense of accomplishment. Visiting the ancient bristlecone pines is a humbling experience, as these resilient trees have withstood the test of time in some of the harshest conditions.
Great Basin National Park is a destination that should not be overlooked. Its unique attractions, combined with the tranquility of its remote location, make it a perfect getaway for those seeking to explore beyond the typical tourist paths. So, embrace the natural side of Nevada and discover these wonders within a drive of Las Vegas!
For some other great information about what Nevada is known for, check out the article, “What Is Nevada Known For? A Closer Look at the Silver State’s Biggest Claims to Fame” by Redfin.com.
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FAQs
Which national parks are closest to Las Vegas?
The closest national parks to Las Vegas are:
- Zion National Park: Approximately 2.5 hours drive.
- Death Valley National Park: Around 2 hours drive.
- Joshua Tree National Park: Roughly 3.5 to 4 hours drive.
- Grand Canyon National Park (West Rim): About 2.5 hours drive.
Is Bryce or Zion closer to Vegas?
Zion National Park is closer to Las Vegas than Bryce Canyon National Park. Zion is approximately 2.5 hours away, while Bryce Canyon is about 4 hours away from Las Vegas.
How far is it from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park?
The distance from Las Vegas to Joshua Tree National Park is approximately 190 miles, which takes about 3.5 to 4 hours to drive.
How far is Zion to Las Vegas?
Zion National Park is about 160 miles from Las Vegas, which translates to roughly a 2.5-hour drive.
Is the drive from Las Vegas to Zion pretty?
Yes, the drive from Las Vegas to Zion National Park is considered quite scenic. You will travel through the beautiful desert landscapes of Nevada and Utah, passing through areas like the Virgin River Gorge, which offers striking views of towering cliffs and rugged terrain.
How far is Grand Canyon National Park from Las Vegas Strip?
The South Rim of Grand Canyon National Park is approximately 275 miles from the Las Vegas Strip, which takes about 4.5 to 5 hours to drive. The closer West Rim is around 130 miles away, about a 2.5-hour drive.
Can you do Hoover Dam and Grand Canyon the same day?
While it is possible to visit both Hoover Dam and the Grand Canyon in one day, it would be a long and potentially rushed trip. Hoover Dam is about 35 miles from Las Vegas, roughly a 45-minute drive, and the Grand Canyon’s West Rim is about 2.5 hours from Hoover Dam. You would need to start early and manage your time carefully to make the most of both sites in one day.
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Cover image: Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Sschremp/Adobe
