//
National park in Nevada, United States
Photo: via Wikimedia Commons, Public domain
Great Basin National Park is a national park established in 1986, in east-central Nevada near its border with Utah, five miles west of the tiny town of Baker. The park's name is derived from the Great Basin, the dry and mountainous region between the Sierra Nevada and the Rocky Mountains. The park is dominated by one of the many mountain ranges in the Great Basin.
From the travel guide. Select a place for details, a map and what is nearby.
Pole Canyon
Pole Canyon includes several cliffs, rock formations, and a few caves. Parking is extremely limited.
The 900-foot-long Lehman cave system is quite a sight for visitors and scientists. The cave includes innumerable stalactites, stalagmites, and columns; however, it also includes several shields, which are a rare sight in most caves. Tours only visit the front part of the cave, going as far back as the Grand Palace; behind the public area are several large cave rooms and the Gypsum Annex.
The summit of Wheeler Peak, which towers above the Great Basin, is the highest in Nevada and 108th highest in the United States. Although the mountain is beautiful from a distance, the risk of adverse weather; strong winds; and lack of shelter near the summit can make a hike to the peak treacherous. Hikes should be started early in the day and weather conditions should be monitored since conditions can change quickly.
Open all year; elevation: 7,300 feet (2,200 meters); 11 campsites. There are a limited number of pull-through sites for RVs and trailers. Water is available in the summer only.
Open mid-May through September; Elevation: 7,752 feet (2,362 meters); 22 campsites with 1 wheelchair accessible site. Water is available. Evening Campfire Programs are offered in the amphitheater during the summer.
Open mid-May through September; Elevation: 7,530 feet (2,295 meters). 34 campsites, 2 of which are wheelchair accessible. Water is available.
Open all year; elevation: 6,300 feet 8,250 feet (2,515 meters); Picnic tables and fire grates are provided at most primitive campsites. A few Snake Creek sites have toilets most do not. Drinking water is available at the RV Sanitary Station from late spring through early fall, or at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Creek water should always be boiled or treated before use.
Serves breakfast and lunch, hand-dipped ice cream cones, shakes, malts, and home baked desserts. The gift shop offers Great Basin and Lehman Caves souvenirs, apparel, cards, mugs, books, toys and games, jewelry, Great Basin crafts, camping and travel items, and bagged ice.
By car
From the east or west, from U.S. Highway 6 and 50, turn south on Nevada State Highway 487 and travel to Baker, Nevada. In Baker turn west on Highway 488 and travel to the park.
By bus
No public transportation is available to, or in, Great Basin National Park.
Most of the park's attractions and facilities can be reached from the visitor center and the roads surrounding it.
Read in the guideChoose an airport to see hotels, stations, taxi ranks and car rental desks around it.
Cedar City · Regional · CDC
Loading places around the airport…
Articles and travel topics about Great Basin National Park and United States.
Travel tipsFind the cheapest countries to fly to from the US and UK in 2026. Compare realistic round-trip flight deals, budget airlines, and prime booking windows.
8 min read
Travel tipsFind the best time to visit Hawaii in 2026. Compare whale seasons, big-wave surf, dry shoulder months, hotel rates, and island microclimates.
8 min read
InspirationDiscover the best places to visit in April. Compare Dutch tulip fields, Thailand's Songkran water festival, Roman spring gardens, and cherry blossoms.
6 min read
Travel tipsA practical guide to travelling with medication and refrigerated drugs like insulin and GLP-1s. Learn airline rules, customs papers, and cooling tips.
7 min read
Every section of the guide. Open one to read it in full.