Great Basin National Park

Small but stunning, the Great Basin National Park and the ridges of the South Snake Mountains dash across the eastern edge of Utah with their twisted bristlecone pines and wild sage and juniper. The reserve runs from the crests of Wheeler Peak to the ancient tunnel systems of the Lehman Cave, which are a whopping 550 million years old! Unlike its compadres in the Wasatch and the Rockies, this one rarely gets crowded. So, hit one of the 12 managed hiking trails and get ready to go off-track with bobcats and bald eagles.

Small but stunning, the Great Basin National Park and the ridges of the South Snake Mountains dash across the eastern edge of Utah with their twisted bristlecone pines and wild sage and juniper. The reserve runs from the crests of Wheeler Peak to the ancient tunnel systems of the Lehman Cave, which are a whopping 550 million years old! Unlike its compadres in the Wasatch and the Rockies, this one rarely gets crowded. So, hit one of the 12 managed hiking trails and get ready to go off-track with bobcats and bald eagles.

An official International Dark Sky Park since 2016, the Great Basin is a doozy of a stargazing hotspot. It’s got some of the lowest ambient light pollution in the country, so you can often spy the whole Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy!

An official International Dark Sky Park since 2016, the Great Basin is a doozy of a stargazing hotspot. It’s got some of the lowest ambient light pollution in the country, so you can often spy the whole Milky Way and even the Andromeda Galaxy!

The Great Basin National Park in Nevada is known for the beautiful Lehman Caves which visitors can thoroughly explore, serenely dark skies to stargaze beneath, and sprawling parks to set up your tent in.

It is almost impossible to not find an excellent stargazing spot at this dark-sky-approved national park. Great Basin National Park has a variety of altitudes all within reach of a crystal clear night sky that is optimum for taking in a starry display. On a clear summer night, witness the Milky Way that is visible from the sprawling park grounds

Camping, hiking, caving, ancient trees, desert and high elevation

Small but stunning, the Great Basin National Park and the ridges of the South Snake Mountains dash across the eastern edge of Utah with their twisted bristlecone pines and wild sage and juniper. The reserve runs from the crests of Wheeler Peak to the ancient tunnel systems of the Lehman Cave, which are a whopping 550 million years old! Unlike its compadres in the Wasatch and the Rockies, this one rarely gets crowded. So, hit one of the 12 managed hiking trails and get ready to go off-track with bobcats and bald eagles.

United States Nevada Nevada

Map of Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park Lists

  • National Parks To Visit After Dark

    Whether it's getting lost in our shimmering galaxy or witnessing the beauty of bioluminescence, these parks offer some incredible nighttime experiences that will have you packing up your camping bag for an adventure. Who said the fun had to stop when the sun sets? This summer consider these parks for a mesmerizing nighttime experience cloaked in the night sky, beneath sparkling stars, and munching on a toasty marshmallow or two.

  • Best National Parks for Stargazing

    Witness the extravagance of a dark sky filled to the brim with sparkling stars. From desert landscapes to sandy shores- these national parks share the protected night sky in common. This list includes designated "Dark-sky" destinations that display clear views of the milky way in the summertime, and misty hues of green aurora borealis during the frosty winter. Experience firsthand the magic of our universe in the form of endless twinkling lights and planets at our favorite stargazing spots across North America.

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  • The Loneliest Road in America

    A road trip along the Nevada portion of Route 50 is dubbed the Loneliest Road in America. Although the road is long and barren, there are some amazing and unique sites along the way and provides a taste of real America. A word of advice though: fill the tank at every gas station. You never know when you will see another.

  • National Parks in the U.S.

    The US boasts an impressive 63 national parks, each with its own distinct character, awe inspiring views and countless ways to connect with nature. The parks are managed by the National Park Service which offers an annual pass for access to all 63 parks throughout the year for one flat price. Let's explore.

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