Frommer's National Parks of the American West - Don Laine [227]
spring, weather can be a problem, with snow in the higher elevations. The park has its lowest visitation in January and February, but that is also when it is coldest and snowiest. For those who can arrange it, the best time to visit is from just after Labor Day through the end of September, when there are fewer people and the weather is beautiful—warm days and crisp, cool nights. Early October is also usually nice, but check the weather reports because you may find yourself in an early snowstorm.
Just the Facts
GETTING THERE & GATEWAYS
Great Basin National Park is 5 miles west of the small town of Baker, Nevada; 70 miles southeast of Ely, Nevada; 385 miles east of Reno, Nevada; 286 miles north of Las Vegas, Nevada; 200 miles north of St. George, Utah; and 234 miles southwest of Salt Lake City, Utah.
From points in west-central Utah, take U.S. 50 west just across the state line into Nevada, go south on Nev. 487 to the village of Baker, and then go west on Nev. 488 into the park. From St. George, take I-15 north to Cedar City; continue north on Utah 130 to Minersville; take Utah 21 west through Milford to the Nevada state line, where it becomes Nev. 487, which you follow to Baker; and then take Nev. 488 west to the park.
From Las Vegas, follow U.S. 93 north to U.S. 50, go east to Nev. 487, where you turn south to Baker, and then follow Nev. 488 into the park.
From Ely and Reno, Nevada, follow U.S. 50 east to Nev. 487, and follow directions above.
The Nearest Airports. The closest major airports are McCarran International Airport in Las Vegas, Nevada (☎ 702/261-5211; www.mccarran.com) and Salt Lake City International Airport (☎ 800/595-2442 or 801/575-2400; www.slcairport.com) in Salt Lake City, Utah. Both are served by most major airlines and national car-rental agencies, whose toll-free numbers appear in the appendix (p. 660).
INFORMATION
Contact Great Basin National Park, NV 89311-9702 (☎ 775/234-7331; www. nps.gov/grba). Be sure to ask for a copy of the park's excellent newspaper-style guide, Bristlecone, which includes a map, current activities and costs, and nearby services. Those who want to buy maps and books can contact the nonprofit Great Basin Association through a link on the park's website.
VISITOR CENTER
The visitor center, on Nev. 488 at the northeast corner of the park, sells tickets for cave tours. It contains the Great Basin Association's bookstore, distributes brochures and other free information, and shows exhibits on the park's geology, history, flora, and fauna. In addition, a slide show provides an introduction to the park.
The park is open every day of the year, but the visitor center and cave are closed January 1, Thanksgiving, and December 25.
FEES
Park entry is free. The 90-minute cave tour costs $10 for adults, $5 for children 5 to 15 (kids under 5 not permitted); the 60-minute tour costs $8 for adults, $4 for children 5 to 15, and free for kids under 5; the 30-minute tour fee is $4 for adults, $2 for children 5 to 15, and free for kids under 5. Cave tour tickets can be purchased by phone (☎ 775/234-7331, ext. 242) from 24 hours to 30 days in advance. Camping costs $12 per night.
SPECIAL REGULATIONS & WARNINGS
Although backcountry permits are not required, those planning to go into the backcountry are encouraged to register at the visitor center, where they will also receive information on the latest backcountry conditions and regulations. Hikers going to the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak may develop symptoms of altitude sickness (headache, nausea), in which case they should turn back immediately. Vehicles are also sometimes affected by the elevation and steep roads. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, which leads to several trailheads, is not recommended for motor homes over 24 feet long and vehicles pulling trailers.
For regulations and advice concerning Lehman Caves, see