We have become huge fans of the National Park System. So, we took the opportunity to visit one of the least visited National Parks, Great Basin. This park is located on the Eastern border of Nevada. The only way to get there is via Highway 50. It's called "the loneliest highway." We found this to be very true. We drove across the State of Nevada on this highway and only saw a few cars on the entire trip!
Luckily we got to the Lower Lehman Creek Campground early and were able to secure the best of the 11 available sites. There are no utilities (no electricity, water or sewer) but we can get by fine without them for a few days.
The most stunning geography at the park is Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet). The Great Basin covers almost all of Nevada and is named for its lack of drainage. Its streams and rivers mostly find no outlet to the sea.
We took the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. In 12 miles it gains 3,400 feet in elevation. We did get to see some spectacular Aspens in full color!
Mark made it to the top of Wheeler Peak!
Great views of "the basin" and the mountain ranges from the top.
We enjoyed the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail. This trail head is at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
But, if you make it to Great Basin National Park the most important thing to do is sign up for the ranger led Lehman Caves Tour!! It is a single cavern that extends a quarter-mile.
Just walking through this cave you see some beautiful formations
Before this was a national park they held parties in the cave. Sadly they broke off the stalactites and took them home as souvenirs.
When these have graceful stalactites and draperies hanging from their lower plate they are called the Parachute.
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