[FULL GUIDE] 50 Must-Do Activities at Great Basin National Park for Adventurers

Key Takeaways:

• Great Basin National Park offers a diverse range of outdoor activities, from stargazing to hiking.
• The park’s unique mix of high desert, alpine forests, and stunning caves make it a hidden gem.
• Whether you’re into history, geology, or nature, Great Basin offers something for every explorer.

Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada, is one of the least visited but most awe-inspiring national parks in the United States. Spanning over 77,000 acres, the park showcases an incredible variety of landscapes, including the towering Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines, and the fascinating Lehman Caves. Known for its pristine dark skies, the park is a prime stargazing destination, offering some of the best views of the Milky Way. Visitors also flock to Great Basin for its rich history, geological wonders, and abundant wildlife. From easy hikes to challenging climbs, this park provides a peaceful retreat for those looking to connect with nature in a remote and scenic environment.

50 Things to Do at Great Basin National Park:

#1 Hike to the Summit of Wheeler Peak:
Climb to the highest point in the park for stunning panoramic views of the surrounding area.

#2 Explore Lehman Caves:
Take a guided tour through the park’s spectacular limestone cave system, full of unique formations.

#3 Stargaze at the Great Basin Observatory:
Enjoy incredible views of the night sky and the Milky Way at one of the darkest places in the U.S.

#4 Visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pines:
See some of the oldest living trees on Earth, including trees over 4,000 years old.

#5 Go Backpacking on the Baker Creek Trail:
Venture into the wilderness for a multi-day backpacking adventure with scenic views and solitude.

#6 Take a Scenic Drive on the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive:
Drive through alpine meadows and forests to reach a stunning viewpoint of the park.

#7 Visit the Great Basin Visitor Center:
Start your trip at the visitor center to get maps, information, and advice from park rangers.

#8 Hike the Alpine Lakes Loop:
Explore a moderate trail that takes you past stunning mountain lakes and through lush forests.

#9 Birdwatch at the Great Basin:
Spot a variety of bird species, including golden eagles and peregrine falcons, throughout the park.

#10 Fish in the Lehman Creek:
Enjoy fishing in the peaceful Lehman Creek, home to trout and surrounded by scenic beauty.

#11 Take a Night Sky Photography Class:
Join a ranger-led photography class to capture the breathtaking night sky and stars of Great Basin.

#12 Visit the Historic Ward Charcoal Ovens:
Explore these preserved 19th-century beehive-shaped ovens used to produce charcoal for smelting.

#13 Go Camping at the Wheeler Peak Campground:
Set up camp beneath towering peaks and enjoy easy access to hiking and stargazing.

#14 Snowshoe in Winter:
When snow blankets the park, enjoy snowshoeing through the quiet, snow-covered landscapes.

#15 Take a Nature Walk at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center:
Join a ranger-led walk to learn about the park’s diverse ecosystems and wildlife.

#16 Go Wildflower Watching:
In the spring and summer, hike the park’s trails to see vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout.

#17 Visit the Great Basin Dark Sky Reserve:
Experience one of the best places in the world for stargazing in a designated dark sky park.

#18 Explore the Snake Range:
Hike or drive through this beautiful mountain range, home to diverse wildlife and breathtaking views.

#19 Take a Scenic Drive through the Snake Creek Canyon:
Enjoy the stunning views as you wind your way through the picturesque canyon.

#20 Go Caving at the Lehman Caves:
If you’re adventurous, explore the more remote sections of the cave on a longer, guided tour.

#21 Enjoy a Picnic at the Wheeler Peak Picnic Area:
Relax and enjoy a picnic with a spectacular backdrop of Wheeler Peak and surrounding valleys.

#22 Take a Ranger-Led Historical Tour:
Learn about the park’s history, from ancient Native American cultures to early pioneers.

#23 Go Cross-Country Skiing:
In the winter, glide through the park’s snowy trails for a peaceful cross-country skiing adventure.

#24 Hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail:
This short but scenic trail takes you through a grove of ancient bristlecone pines.

#25 Go Rock Climbing at Wheeler Peak:
For experienced climbers, tackle the challenging rock faces of Wheeler Peak for a thrilling ascent.

#26 Visit the Great Basin Observatory for a Telescope Viewing:
Take advantage of telescope viewings to get a closer look at celestial objects.

#27 Visit the Lehman Caves Visitor Center Museum:
Explore exhibits that focus on the geological wonders and wildlife of the park.

#28 Take a Guided Wildflower Walk:
Join a ranger for a tour of the park’s beautiful wildflower hotspots during peak bloom.

#29 Explore the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Site:
Learn about the area’s industrial past at these historical charcoal ovens once used for smelting.

#30 Go Horseback Riding in the Park:
Experience the park’s rugged terrain on horseback, with scenic trails for all skill levels.

#31 Camp at the Lower Lehman Creek Campground:
Enjoy a quiet, secluded campground nestled in the forest, perfect for stargazing and wildlife viewing.

#32 Take a Guided Hike to the Alpine Lakes:
Explore the alpine lakes on a ranger-led hike, learning about the park’s flora and fauna.

#33 Watch for Wildlife at the Great Basin’s Wetlands:
The wetlands area is great for spotting various animals, including beavers, ducks, and herons.

#34 Take a Scenic Drive to Baker Creek:
Enjoy scenic vistas and the possibility of spotting wildlife along the way to Baker Creek.

#35 Hike the Scenic Ridge Trail:
This trail offers expansive views of the Great Basin and is perfect for photography enthusiasts.

#36 Explore the Scenic Snake Creek Canyon:
A stunning location with unique geological formations, perfect for a day of exploration.

#37 Go Stargazing at the Great Basin Dark Sky Festival:
Join other stargazers for a weekend event filled with star parties, talks, and telescope viewings.

#38 Take a Photography Tour of the Bristlecone Pines:
Learn how to capture the ancient trees and the surrounding landscapes on camera.

#39 Explore the Tuffet Area:
Visit this unique geological area known for its fascinating rock formations and scenic views.

#40 Hike the Cathedral Gorge Trail:
This trail leads you through towering rock formations and offers a unique desert landscape.

#41 Visit the Mountain View Picnic Area:
Relax with a picnic and take in the spectacular mountain views that surround the area.

#42 Go for a Scenic Drive through the Upper Lehman Creek Area:
A scenic route offering views of wildlife, rugged terrain, and lush forests.

#43 Take a Summer Wildflower Photography Class:
Join a photography class focused on capturing the vibrant wildflowers blooming throughout the park.

#44 Explore the Park’s Desert Ecosystem:
Hike and learn about the diverse desert landscape and the species that thrive in it.

#45 Go Birdwatching at the Great Basin Wetlands:
The wetlands are a prime spot for birdwatching, attracting a variety of migratory species.

#46 Take a Scenic Drive on the Great Basin Highway:
This scenic drive gives you views of the park’s vast desert landscape and high mountain peaks.

#47 Hike to the Echo Canyon:
Explore the unique rock formations in Echo Canyon, one of the park’s hidden gems.

#48 Try Snowboarding or Skiing at Eagle Point:
If you’re visiting in winter, enjoy some skiing or snowboarding at the nearby Eagle Point Resort.

#49 Relax at the Wheeler Peak Scenic Overlook:
Take in breathtaking views of the surrounding mountains and valleys at this scenic overlook.

#50 Go for a Scenic Bike Ride on the Park’s Trails:
Bike the park’s network of scenic trails, offering stunning views of the mountains and valleys.

To make sure your weekend adventure is perfectly planned, use PlanMyWeekend.ai to organize your visit to Great Basin National Park!

Author: Dejon Brooks

Dejon Brooks is an entrepreneur who founded Trend Watchers with his life savings. Aged 24, Dejon has turned Trend Watchers into a successful business. After reaching over 150M+ people on his personal accounts, he now spends his time growing Planmyweekend.ai