Plan Your Visit
The Plan is optional. Planning is essential.
Our mission is to provide you with the information, goods and services you need so that you can embrace all that our area has to offer. The following tips and recommendations are important in planning an adventure that is out of this world!
Baker, Nevada, (pop. 150) is nestled on the Loneliest Road in America, and surrounded by more mountains than people. The nearest town of Ely, NV, is 65 miles west and Delta, Utah, is 90 miles east. The Bristlecone General Store provides ample groceries and supplies, but if there are items you need from a pharmacy or a big-city store, please plan to bring those with you. Coming prepared with the supplemental provisions is a good back-up plan.
Great Basin National Park is a very popular place to visit from May to October, but it’s truly a wonderful place to explore throughout the year. The park is open 24 hours a day and does not require a fee. The Lehman Visitors Center is open year round, while the Great Basin Visitor Center is only open spring-fall. For visitor center hours go to: www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and Bristlecone Pines
Hiking to the ancient Bristlecone Pine grove near Wheeler Peak is a wonder to behold and a very popular destination for travelers. The trailhead is located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The best time of year to make this trek is June – October.
Weather conditions impact access to high-elevation drives & hikes in the park. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive closes in the winter and spring due to snow and ice. It typically doesn’t re-open until the end of May. For more information about current conditions and road closures in Great Basin National Park visit: www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit
Check your favorite weather app for current forecasts. Pack layers of clothing as temperatures vary between day and night in our desert biome, even in the summer months.
Lehman Caves
We highly recommend that you take a Ranger-led tour of this limestone caves system that is millions of years old. The beautiful variety of formations will astound you and the rangers have a wealth of knowledge about the geological wonder. Cave tours reservations are mandatory and are available for booking only 30 days in advance. Mark your calendar and follow this link. Tours fill up very quickly. www.recreation.gov/ticket
Stargazing
If seeing the Milky Way and a sky full of sparkling stars in your goal, please check the moon cycles before making reservations. While a full moon is glorious to behold (and full moon hikes are amazing), it does alter the stargazing experience! www.timeanddate.com/moon/phases
Places for stargazing and astrophotography are abundant throughout the park. Closer to Baker the Baker Archeological Site on the Cutoff Road between Routs 487 and 50, and the Ranching Exhibit on Route 488 are prime viewing locations.
Dining Options
While the Bristlecone General Store on this property is not a restaurant, we do have a great selection of healthy and decadent groceries that provide a delicious picnic-style breakfast, lunch and dinner! We serve fresh coffee and a lovely assortment of teas and we have a selection of craft beer and wine that has been given the local seal of approval.
The restaurants in Baker will also keep you well-fed during the spring, summer and fall. Dining options are limited in the winter. Check our this website for all dining options in Baker: www.greatbasinpark.com/eat-and-drink
Fuel Up!
Nevada has looooooong stretches of road with few or no amenities. It is VERY important to fuel up whenever possible! There is a gas station in Baker and one at the Border Inn, 8.5 miles east of Baker. The Border Inn also has air for your tires and propane tanks for sale. There is no propane filling station in Baker.
There are EV charging stations in Baker and at the Border Inn.
Please reach out to us if you have any questions!
