Tucked away in eastern Nevada near the Utah border, Great Basin National Park is one of the country’s best-kept secrets. From cave-climbing adventures to picnics among ancient trees, here’s how to make the most of one unforgettable day in the park.
Descend into Lehman Caves
Snag an advance ticket and join a small-group, ranger-guided tour through marble chambers lined with shields, stalactites, and ribbons of “cave bacon.” You can only visit Lehman Caves by ticket, and tours often sell out, so don’t wait until you arrive to book. Wander Nevada’s longest publicly accessible cave—and the only one open to the public in Great Basin National Park.
See rare shield formations, bubble trails, and historic graffiti carved into the walls by 19th-century miners and early visitors. Keep an eye out for endemic species like the Snake Range millipede and the Great Basin cave pseudoscorpion. Choose the 60-minute Parachute Shield Tour to visit rooms like the Grand Palace and Cypress Swamp, as well as the iconic Parachute Shield formation.
Feeling brave? Opt for the Lantern Tour to explore the caves lit by nothing more than lantern light. For even more of a rush, book the Intro to Wild Caving Tour—you’ll climb, crawl, and maneuver through 1.5 miles of Lehman Caves, veering off-trail and into the dark. Pro tip: The cave maintains a steady 52°F year-round, so bring a jacket no matter the season.
Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Take a picturesque drive into the clouds on the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Start at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to browse the cave and night sky exhibits. While you’re near the center, stop by Rhodes Cabin to check out the 1920s ranger cabin that’s believed to be the oldest structure in Great Basin National Park. Wind around the South Snake Range as you climb to 10,000 feet above sea level.
Watch the landscape change from sagebrush flats to pinyon pines to alpen groves—you’re crossing through several ecological zones. Stop at Mather Overlook for striking views of the Great Basin Desert and pine trees that are older than the pyramids. Don’t miss the chance to snap photos of Nevada’s only remaining glacier from Wheeler Peak Overlook. You’ll gain more than 4,000 feet in elevation throughout the drive, so be sure to bring plenty of water.
Park at the Wheeler Peak Trailhead at the end of the drive. Soak in the scenery, launch into some of the park’s best hiking trails, or set up a picnic lunch surrounded by alpine forests and rugged ridgelines. Not ready to leave? Extend the fun with an overnight stay at one of the three campgrounds along the road. Before you go, check online for seasonal closures that may impact higher parts of the drive.
Hike the Bristlecone Trail
From the end of the scenic drive, head out on one of the park’s most iconic hikes. Start at the Bristlecone Trailhead and climb past glacial tarns and twisted pine forests to reach the only glacier in Nevada. Soak it in while you can—the glacier gets smaller every year. If you’re up for a longer hike filled with show-stopping scenery, link up with the Alpine Lakes Loop for a combined distance of 4.1 miles.
Begin around 9,800 feet and pass through a grove of bristlecone pines, some over 5,000 years old. Pass brightly colored wildflowers (during the summer), and sweeping rock faces carved by ancient ice. Marvel at the sparkling, crystal-clear waters of Teresa and Stella Lakes. Look out for wildlife sightings of marmots, pika, and mountain birds. Extending onto the Glacier Trail adds around a mile, but it’s worth it to see a natural formation that’s so rare in this part of the country.
Plan to start early to avoid afternoon storms and make the most of the cooler morning temperatures. Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, and sturdy boots—the trail is rocky and the elevation can be challenging for even the most experienced hikers.
Picnic in the High-Country Aspens
After the hike, reward yourself with a peaceful picnic lunch at the Bristlecone Trail Parking Area, where you’ll find picnic tables and restrooms. Rest, refuel, and bask in the alpine beauty while dining among the lush aspen groves. It’s also a trailhead for Alpine Lakes Loop, so you can hang onto your cooler and find a shady spot near one of the lakes for lunch.
Alternatively, head to the adjacent Wheeler Peak Campground to enjoy your meal in a grassy meadow surrounded by centuries-old trees and babbling brooks. Pack hearty sandwiches and thermoses of soup, or bring burgers to cook up on one of the campground’s grills. Look for mule deer grazing nearby and keep your food covered in case they wander too close.
Visiting in the fall? Expect to see the aspen trees glowing in deep golden hues, turning the area into a prime leaf-peeping spot. Don’t forget a camera for plenty of pictures—it’s not every day you get to picnic in the high-country aspens.
Stargaze Under Some of America’s Darkest Skies
Gear up for an epic night of stargazing at a Gold-Tier International Dark Sky Park. With low humidity, minimal light pollution, and high elevation, Great Basin is a bucket-list stargazing spot. Admire the Milky Way stretching overhead, with thousands of visible stars, planets, and even galaxies on moonless nights.
Join a ranger-led telescope program at the Astronomy Amphitheater if you’re here during the summertime. Start with a 30-minute ranger talk, followed by an hour and a half of telescope time to witness the marvels of the night sky. If you’re lucky, you might even spot the International Space Station as it flies over Great Basin National Park.
If you’re visiting in the off-season or just prefer to stargaze on your own, you can choose your own adventure. Find a spot in the Lehman Caves Visitor Center lot for easy access and ample dark-sky views, or drive back up to Mather Overlook for a more dramatic vantage point. Arrive 20-30 minutes before dark and give your eyes time to adjust. Pro tip: Download a stargazing app before you go so you know exactly which planets and constellations you’re admiring.
