Camp at Wheeler Peak Campground in Great Basin NP
Nevada › Wheeler Peak Campground
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Activities:
Camping, Photography, Hiking
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Skill Level:
Beginner
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Season:
Spring, Summer, Autumn
Great Basin is one of the least visited NPs..no crowds! Explore ancient Bristlecone Pine groves, the oldest living organisms and Lehmann Cave for spectacular formations.
Located on the Nevada/Utah border about 4 hours from Salt Lake City, it's a hidden gem!
Wheeler Peak is Nevada's second highest mountain at just over 13000ft and provides the backbone of the park. A beautiful winding road takes you almost to the top of Wheeler from the bottom of the valley (around 5000 up to 10000ft at the top). I've been there twice now and have loved it. Lehmann Cave is one of the most spectacular caves I've seen! There is a very accessible grove of ancient Bristlecone Pine trees, the oldest living organisms, a two mile hike from Wheeler Campground. Some are almost 5000 years old and are just beautiful!
Great Basin's remoteness means there is little light pollution so star watching and night photography is a must. There are also numerous hiking trails that take you through a variety of terrains. You can also climb Wheeler Peak for great views!
Nights can be cold so bring a sweater even in summer! Baker, NV is the nearest town with a few places to eat but make sure to stock up before you get there as it's miles from a big city.
For more campground information or updates: https://www.nps.gov/grba/plany...
Pack List
- Tent, there are 3 main campsites with the Wheeler Peak site located at around 10000ft!
- Warm clothes, even in summer
- Tripod
- Camera
- Rain jacket if you go to the cave as it is damp
- Backpack (you can camp in the back country)
I've never seen a night sky more vibrant and well defined than at Great Basin National Park. With really no city of any meaningful size within at least a 100 miles of the park, the light pollution is nonexistent. Combine that with consistently clear skies during the warm summer months, and it becomes a fantastic destination to star-gaze.
over 1 year ago
If you have four wheel drive there is an impressive arch (lexington arch) near the southern boundary of the national park.
over 2 years ago
I've always wanted to go here!
almost 3 years ago
When I'm not running a neuroscience lab at the University of Utah I'm usually seeking out adventures in this beautiful state and surrounding West.
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