Great Basin National Park: planning guide
A desert mountain park in Nevada with bristlecone pines and a cave. Quiet, high, and far from big cities.
Great Basin National Park is in NV, United States. The nearest town is Ely — roughly 36.6 mi (58.9 km) out, about 1 hr 15 min of driving.
When to go
Best window: July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow. Shoulder season: late June and late September.
High passes and trails hold snow from October into June, and some roads close entirely for the winter.
Afternoon thunderstorms build fast above treeline in summer. Start early and be off exposed ridges by early afternoon.
Closest towns and cities
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Ely | 36.6 mi (58.9 km) | 1 hr 15 min |
| Pioche | 73 mi (118 km) | 2 hr 11 min |
| Caliente | 95 mi (153 km) | 2 hr 42 min |
| Eureka | 96.2 mi (155 km) | 2 hr 44 min |
| Alamo | 121 mi (195 km) | 3 hr 19 min |
| West Wendover | 122 mi (197 km) | 3 hr 20 min |
| Spring Creek | 139 mi (223 km) | 3 hr 44 min |
| Elko | 150 mi (241 km) | 4 hr |
Before you go
Great Basin National Park does not gate the entrance itself. Specific roads, hikes, or tours still need a permit or timed ticket.
| Booking | Covers | How |
|---|---|---|
| Lehman Caves Tours | Guided tour | Timed ticket |
Camping
| Name | Booking | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Baker Creek | Reservable | — |
| Grey Cliffs | Reservable | — |
| Lower Lehman Creek | Reservable | — |
| Upper Lehman Creek | Reservable | — |
| Wheeler Peak | Reservable | — |
Where Great Basin National Park sits
Official Great Basin National Park site — hours, closures, and fees.
Drive times from Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park sits close enough to Zion National Park, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park, and Death Valley National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Zion National Park | 134 mi (216 km) | 3 hr 38 min |
| Bryce Canyon National Park | 151 mi (243 km) | 4 hr 1 min |
| Capitol Reef National Park | 177 mi (286 km) | 4 hr 39 min |
| Death Valley National Park | 234 mi (377 km) | 6 hr |
Parks close by
- Zion National Park
A red-rock canyon in southern Utah with a river and steep walls. The main canyon shuttle is the usual way in when it’s running.
- Bryce Canyon National Park
Pink and orange hoodoos in a high Utah amphitheater. Short rim walks give you most of the classic views.
- Capitol Reef National Park
A long wrinkle of colorful rock (the Waterpocket Fold) in Utah. Orchards, cliffs, and quieter than the famous Utah parks.
- Death Valley National Park
Hot, dry basin and range in California. Salt flats, sand dunes, and colorful badlands; summers are extreme.
Common questions
Where is Great Basin National Park?
Great Basin National Park sits in NV, United States. Ely, about 36.6 mi (58.9 km) away — roughly 1 hr 15 min of driving.
When is the best time to visit Great Basin National Park?
Generally July through mid-September, once the high country is clear of snow, with late June and late September quieter on either side.
Can you camp in Great Basin National Park?
Yes — Recreation.gov lists 5 campgrounds at Great Basin National Park. Recreation.gov releases most national park campsites six months before the arrival date, at 10:00 a.m. Eastern time. Windows are set per campground, so confirm yours on the Seasons and Fees tab on that campground page.