Great Basin National Park

July 7th, 2009

I took a couple of days and traveled from Saint George to Great Basin National Park. 

CONDITIONS AND INFORMATION: Great Basin is located in a very remote part of Nevada. Don’t pass up fuel or rest stops. I stopped in Pioche for lunch on the way there. Fuel and food is available in Baker. 

DIRT ROADS: There are several interesting dirt roads that are south of the park. When leaving Baker I traveled many of these going from Baker towards Atlanta and then on to re-join Hwy 93. This section was over 70 miles to improved dirt roads with few hazards. All recently graded but remote. In the 70 miles I encountered exactly zero other vehicles. Be prepared. 

CAMPING: Over the fourth of July many campsites were occupied. I spoke to a Ranger and learned that on July 4th and Pioneer Days (July 24) the campgrounds can get crowded. Other than those dates the park is generally one of the least visited. 

ELEVATION SICKNESS: Wheeler Peak campground is above 10,000 feet. Be aware of the effects of the onset of elevation sickness (severe headache and nausea). If you are a flatlander there are two lower campgrounds at the 7,000 foot level. As I returned from a hike to the Bristlecone grove I encountered a 20 something preparing for a hike. She was puking her guts out and had not even left the parking lot. 

HIKES: I recommend the Bristlecone grove trail. Three mile round trip with only about 600 feet elevation gain. 

As I was setting up camp a neighbor came by for a visit. 

 Preparing dinner, boiling water and freeze dried beef stew, Yummy. 

 After dinner, time to relax and “Be”. 

It was nearly a full moon so I didn’t get any star field photographs. It is said that the night sky viewing from Great Basin is some of the best to be found anywhere. The temps were perfect on the mountain (50’s at night, 80’s by day). If you get a chance visit Great Basin…

© 2009 – 2020, Michael Fulcher. All rights reserved.