Great Basin National Park

Lehman Caves and Ancient Bristlecone Pines

Climate /Map | Description | Things To Do | Camping /Lodging | Nearby

From the sagebrush desert at its alluvial base to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak, Great Basin National Park includes 5 ecological zones, which include streams, lakes, alpine plants, abundant wildlife and a variety of forest types including groves of ancient Bristlecone Pines. Part way up the eastern flank of Wheeler's Peak, behind the Visitor Center, is the entrance to Lehman Caves, a marble-limestone solution cavern famous for the diversity of its decorated passages and galleries extending deep into the mountain.

Rates & Fees

Entrance Fee Great Basin National Park has no entrance fee.
Lehman Cave Tour fee @8.00 to $10.00

Campgrounds: $12.00 per night

 

Seasons / Hours

Great Basin National Park is a mountain park. Roads and trails are open seasonally as snow conditions permit. Summer months are the best for access to the high country. The road from the town of Baker to the park Visitor Center is open year round. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive opens and closes progressively with changes in weather, but is always open for 3 miles to Upper Lehman Campground. Many backcountry dirt roads are available during summer months.

Visitor Centers

Summer Hours: 7:00 am to 6:00 pm PDT
Winter Hours: 8:30 am to 4:30 pm PST

Open daily year round except Thanksgiving, December 25, and January 1.

Facilities/Features

Stores/Museums
A bookstore located at the Visitor Center is managed by the Great Basin Natural History Association. Bookstore includes a large selection of books, maps, slides and postcards on the area.

Programs & Events
Introductory slide show and exhibits are available at the Visitor Center. Regularly scheduled tours of Lehman Caves are offered year round, more frequently in the summer. Campfire programs, guided walks and Junior Ranger programs are offered Memorial Day to Labor Day.

Food/Supplies
A concessionaire operates a cafe and gift shop from April to October. Restaurants and small grocery store and gas station are available in Baker.

Accessibility
All four campgrounds have a designated wheelchair accessible site. The Visitor Center is wheelchair accessible, as is the first room of Lehman Caves. A sign language interpreter is on staff. Please call in advance to check on availability.

Parking area is available for buses and RVs at Visitor Center. Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is not recommended for large RVs or buses.

It is the visitor's responsibility to know and obey park rules. Regulations are designed for visitors' protection and to protect natural resources.

Climate /Map | Description | Things To Do | Camping /Lodging | Nearby

Related DesertUSA Pages

• How to Turn Your Smartphone into a Survival Tool
  
• 26 Tips for Surviving in the Desert
  
• Death by GPS
  
• 7 Smartphone Apps to Improve Your Camping Experience
• Maps Parks and More
• Desert Survival Skills
• How to Keep Ice Cold in the Desert
  
• Desert Rocks, Minerals & Geology Index
• Preparing an Emergency Survival Kit
• Get the Best Hotel and Motel Rates
  

Share this page on Facebook:

The Desert Environment
The North American Deserts
Desert Geological Terms