National park · Nevada

Great Basin National Park

A Nevada park preserving ancient bristlecone pine groves (some over 4,000 years old), the marble Lehman Caves, and Wheeler Peak's 13,000-foot summit beneath some of the darkest night skies in the lower 48.

Entrance
No fee listed by NPS
Hours
Open 24 hours daily Great Basin National Park
Established
October 27, 1986
Region
Desert Southwest
Great Basin National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Great Basin National Park patch

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History

Great Basin National Park is significant for its unique ecosystems and geological features, including ancient bristlecone pines and Lehman Caves. It preserves a vital part of the Great Basin region, showcasing diverse wildlife and natural history.

Key events

  1. Lehman Caves were originally designated as a national monument on January 24, 1922, by President Warren G. Harding.
  2. October 27, 1986Great Basin National Park established by Congress, incorporating Lehman Caves.
  3. The park's Bristlecone Pine groves contain some of the oldest non-clonal living organisms on Earth, with the famous Prometheus tree (cut in 1964) dating to about 4,862 years old.

Trails

  • Wheeler Peak Summit 8 mi · Hard
  • Bristlecone and Glacier Trail 4.8 mi · Moderate
  • Alpine Lakes Loop 3 mi · Moderate
  • Lehman Creek Trail 6.8 mi · Moderate
  • Mountain View Nature Trail 0.3 mi · Easy

Plan your visit

Hours · Great Basin National Park

Open 24 hours, every day

Park Grounds and Trails Check "Visitor Centers" tab for facility-specific hours

Entrance fees

NPS lists no entrance fee for this park.

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Summer. All roads and trails open, ranger programs, ideal hiking
  • Fall. Golden aspens, fewer crowds, excellent stargazing
  • Spring. Wildflowers at lower elevations, cave tours year-round
  • Winter. Limited access but cave tours available, solitude

Wildlife

Mule deerPronghornMountain lionsBighorn sheepPorcupinesGolden eaglesPygmy rabbitsGreat Basin rattlesnakes
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