Great Basin with a Ranger

Bristlecone Pine Hikes
The ranger-guided hike to the ancient bristlecone grove in the Wheeler Peak cirque is an excellent way to learn more about the natural history of these incredible trees and the Wheeler Peak area. Meet the ranger at 10:00 am at the Bristlecone Trailhead. The group hikes at a relaxed pace 1.4 miles (with an elevation gain of 600 feet) to the bristlecone grove, stopping along the way for discussion. From that point, you may continue on to the glacier, hike the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, or return the 1.4 miles to the parking lot. This program is weather conditional. Bristlecone hikes are offered is offered early July through mid-August on Thursdays and Sundays at 10:00 A.M. The last Bristlecone hike for 2004 will be held August 12.

Campfire Programs
Campfire programs are offered in the summer season at Upper Lehman Creek and Wheeler Peak Campgrounds. Program topics vary, covering subjects related to Great Basin National Park's cultural and natural resources. Programs last 40-60 minutes. Please come prepared with warm clothing and a lantern or flashlight. Memorial Day through Labor Day.

Call us at (775) 234-7331, ext. 212, stop in at a visitor center, or check the campground bulletin boards for further information on these programs.

Lehman Caves Walks
Lehman Caves can only be entered with a guided tour. Cave tours are 60 or 90 minutes long. Longer tours go further along the same route than shorter tours. The full tour route is 0.54 miles round-trip. Because children ages 4 and under have a limited attention span, they are not permitted on the 90 minute tour. Cave tours are limited to 25 persons per tour. Cave tours often sell out during busy summer months. To ensure space, buy your tickets early in the day, or in advance over the telephone (775-234-7331 x242). Please note that tickets cannot be purchased over the phone on the day of the tour. Great Basin National Park is on Pacific Time. Fees vary with the length of the tour.

Safety Information

The elevation at the cave entrance is 6,825 feet (2080m).

There are steps and slopes along the cave tour route.

Watch your head. Low ceilings may require frequent stooping.

Trails may be wet and slippery. Shoes should have good traction. Watch your step and always use handrails where provided.

Stay with your tour, as the ranger will turn off the lights as the group leaves an area.

The cave is a constant 50 degrees F (10 degrees C). A light jacket or sweater is recommended.

Regulations for Cave Protection

Do not touch or collect any natural formations, rocks, ceilings, or walls in the cave.

No food, gum, tobacco products, or beverages (including water) are allowed in the cave.

Narrow passages make it necessary that excess items (such as purses, camera bags, fanny packs, backpacks, strollers, tripods, walking sticks, etc.) not be taken in the cave. These items should be secured in your vehicle.

Children under 16 must be accompanied by an adult.

Stay on the trail.

Flash photography is allowed; please be considerate of others.

December 20, 2005
GBA is a not-for-profit organization whose mission is to support the interpretive, educational, cultural, and research activities of the park. Visit this site to learn more about the GBA or to browse their on-line bookstore.
Visit this site to learn about places to stay, eat, and shop in and near Baker and the park.
The Great Basin National Park Foundation's mission is to promote and support projects that enhance the values of the park. Visit this site to learn about current Foundation projects.