Current Projects

 

Infrastructure Projects at Great Basin National Park, 2024.

NPS

Rehabilitate Deteriorated Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Systems

This project will replace the aging sewer collection system and potable water distribution piping in the areas surrounding the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Current systems were installed in the 1960s and are beginning to fail, threatening access to water and wastewater treatment.

Dates: Through Winter 2024

Impact: Temporary disruptions to Lehman Caves Visitor Center parking, access, and water systems. Parking disruptions will likely lead to a decrease in available Lehman Cave tours due to parking space limitations.

Alternatives: Visit the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker to speak with a ranger if parking is limited at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Rangers will be available every day to assist with trip planning, emergency reporting, and general park information. The WNPA Bookstore at the Great Basin Visitor Center also stocks all the same items for purchase as the Lehman Caves Visitor Center.

Upgrade and Improve the Bristlecone Recreation Area and Trailhead System

A major renovation to the most heavily trafficked trailhead in the park includes replacement and expansion of asphalt parking lots, accessibility upgrades, crosswalks, a new picnic area, and improved signage.

Dates: July 2024 through Winter 2024.

Impact: Temporary closures of the Bristlecone parking area and the Wheeler Peak Trailhead, which will cause regular and extended closures to Wheeler Peak Campground. The campground will open intermittently for first-come, first-serve camping.

Alternatives: Parking will be available for much of the summer at the Summit Trailhead, located approximately 1 mile from the Bristlecone Trailhead. This will allow continued access to this popular area of the park, but parking will be limited so arrive early for best chances at a spot. Weather permitting, Wheeler Peak Campground will be open for first-come, first-serve camping prior to the beginning of this project. Hiking is also available throughout the park, so consider alternatives like those found on our Hiking pages. Want to see Bristlecone Pines and ready for a bit of a challenge? You may continue to access the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone trailhead via the Lehman Creek Trail, or follow the Snake Divide route to the Magic Grove.

Refurbish and Improve the Lower Lehman Creek Campground

This project involves redevelopment and expansion of Lower Lehman Creek Campground from 11 to 20 sites, including accessibility upgrades, a host site, fee station and trailhead improvements, new waterlines, and an expanded entrance road. Three sites will be upgraded to accommodate those with accessibility needs.

Dates: After Memorial Day weekend through Winter 2024

Impact: Closure of the Lower Lehman Creek Campground through Winter 2024.

Alternatives: Camping will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Baker Creek and Upper Lehman Creek campgrounds throughout the summer for tents and RV's/trailers, and at Loop A of Grey Cliffs campground for tents only.

Pavement Preservation Project

This project includes a chip seal, micro surfacing, patching, crack sealing of all paved park roads and parking lots to improve the visitor experience, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of the existing pavement surface. Chip seals typically occur on 10 year cycles, with the Scenic Drive only undergoing two since its creation many decades ago.

Dates: Through Winter 2024

Impact: Temporary disruptions to traffic along paved park roads, mainly the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Closures and one way traffic control will occur intermittently for the duration of the project. Due to access demands, this project will cause all campgrounds to only be available on a first-come, first-serve basis. Group campsites at Loop C of Grey Cliffs will remain reservable via recreation.gov.

Alternatives: The chip seal project mainly affects paved surfaces in the park. To avoid any delays or closure, head down one of the improved gravel roads in the park like Snake Creek Road or Strawberry Creek Road for a variety of hiking and learning opportunities!