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Great Basin National ParkWinter in the creek
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Great Basin National Park
Winter Activities & Conditions
 

| Recreation | Road Closures | Camping | Weather

Recreation
Tours of Lehman Caves are offered daily throughout the winter, except for Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day.

Outdoor activities depend on recent weather conditions. Hiking is usually possible on lower, south-facing slopes. The quarter mile Mountain View Nature Trail is the only developed trail in this zone. Snowfall is usually greatest during January, February and March. These are good months to cross country ski or snowshoe in the park. It is possible to climb Wheeler Peak in winter with the proper experience. If you consider extending your hike by spending the night in the backcountry, please register at a park visitor center.

 

 
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NPS Photo

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive

Winter Road Closures
The road to Park Headquarters and the Lehman Caves Visitor Center is plowed during the winter months. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is plowed to the parking lot at the Upper Lehman Creek Campground. There is no snow removal beyond this point. The upper portion of the road closes depending on snowfall, usually November through early May.

 
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NPS Photo

Lower Lehman Creek Campground

Camping
Lower Lehman Campground remains open all year.  Water is available at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center (about 3 1/2 miles from the campground), but not in the campground.  The RV Sanitary Station is also closed.  

 
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NPS Photo

Weather
Winter days can range from mild (50's) to cold (high in 30's). Nightly low temperatures are often between 10 and 30 degrees, sometimes dropping as low as -10 degrees.

Weather conditions can change rapidly, so come prepared for extreme conditions.

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Winter Touring
Winter Touring
Information
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Wheeler Peak in Winter
Wheeler Peak in Winter
Hiking
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Your Safety
Your Safety
Safety Information
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Snow on Wheeler Peak  

Did You Know?
Precipitation patterns are highly variable in Great Basin National Park. The wettest year on record at Lehman Caves was 21.2 inches of precipitation in 1982 and the driest year was 7.4 inches in 1953.

Last Updated: February 01, 2008 at 13:14 EST