The Natural and Geographic Attractions of Basin Park
The Great Basin National Park was coined by legendary explorer John C. Fremont in the 1800s. It covers a vast area, stretching from California's Sierra Nevada all the way to the Wasatch Range in Utah and from the southern tip of Oregon to the south of Nevada. The basin is characterized by an Ice Age-esque landscape replete with glacier tipped peaks that arise more than a mile from the sandy deserts below. The region is comprised of a total of 90 valleys that are bathed by rivers that flow inland. Great Basin National Park is home to the second highest mountain in Nevada, known as Wheeler Peak. The summit rises to a total elevation of 13063 feet and is crowned by the only glacier in the region. Great Basin National Park is home to some of the ancient trees in the world. The bristlecones, which once enveloped the region, exist in clumps today and are believed to be more than 3000 years old. Located at an altitude of 6800 feet in the flank of the mountain are the Lehman Caves. The caves include a labyrinth of underground passages that are totally 1.5 miles long. These passages were formed naturally during the Ice Age and have now become a popular tourist attraction. This vinyl fridge magnet depicts a scintillating image of a mule deer herd and is an excellent souvenir to rekindle fond memories of your time spent in the park.
Best Time to Visit and How to Get There
Although the Basin National Park is open all year round, the best time to visit would be during the summer months. This is when the prevailing temperatures are most conducive and visitors can make the most of their trip. There are several ways to get to the park, depending on your location. From Las Vegas, one must take the I-15 to US 93 and then continue along the US 50 to Nev 487 until you reach Baker. The Nev.488 from Baker will take you directly to the park entrance. If you are traveling from Salt Lake City in Utah, take the I-15 to US 50 and continue along the Nev.487 to Baker. Then take the Nev.488 from Baker all the way to the park entrance.