Great Basin National Park Map and Entrances Explained
Great Basin National Park Map
Click the image below to view map of Great Basin National Park in full size.
Great Basin National Park is covered by six topographic maps in the U.S. 7.5 minute series. The Wheeler Peak and Kious Springs maps cover much of the high-elevation backcountry. The Windy Peak map covers a number of the most popular trails and well-developed trails. The Lehman Caves map covers mostly low-elevation areas outside the park. The most remote, least-used backcountry areas are covered by the Minerva Canyon and Arch Canyon maps.
Where Is Great Basin National Park Located?
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada, near the border of Utah, in the western United States.
📍 Location Details
- State: Nevada
- County: White Pine County
- Nearest Town: Baker, Nevada
- Distance from Las Vegas: About 290 miles (467 km) north
- Distance from Salt Lake City: About 235 miles (378 km) southwest
The park protects a large section of the Snake Range, home to Wheeler Peak (13,063 feet / 3,982 m), ancient bristlecone pine forests, and the famous Lehman Caves.
Map Location
Great Basin National Park sits along Nevada State Route 488, about 5 miles west of Baker. The park is approximately:
- 65 miles east of Ely, Nevada
- 6 miles from the Utah state line
- Along U.S. Highway 50 and U.S. Highway 6 access routes
Coordinates
- Latitude: 38.9833° N
- Longitude: 114.3000° W
Why It’s Unique
Great Basin National Park is one of the most remote and least-visited national parks in the United States. Its isolation provides:
- Exceptional dark skies for stargazing
- High alpine scenery
- Ancient bristlecone pines over 4,000 years old
- Extensive cave systems, including Lehman Caves
Many visitors are surprised to find towering mountains, glaciers, alpine lakes, and lush forests in the middle of Nevada’s desert landscape.
Great Basin National Park Entrances
Unlike many large national parks, Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada has one primary entrance road that provides access to the park’s main attractions. Visitors enter the park via Nevada State Route 488 (NV-488) from the town of Baker. This road leads directly to the Lehman Caves area, visitor facilities, campgrounds, and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
Main Park Entrance
Great Basin National Park Entrance (NV-488)
- Location: Approximately 5 miles west of Baker, Nevada
- Access Road: Nevada State Route 488
- Open: Year-round, 24 hours a day
- Provides Access To:
- Lehman Caves Visitor Center
- Lehman Caves tours
- Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
- Campgrounds and hiking trails
- Bristlecone Pine Groves
- Wheeler Peak Trailhead
This is the park’s only official road entrance and serves as the gateway to most visitor activities. After passing the entrance sign, visitors can continue to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center or turn onto the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
Access Points Within the Park
Lehman Caves Area
The Lehman Caves Visitor Center is located about 5.5 miles from Baker at the end of NV-488. This area serves as the primary visitor hub and the entrance to the famous Lehman Caves system.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
Just beyond the main entrance, the 12-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs into the Snake Range and provides access to several popular trailheads, including:
- Lehman Creek Trailhead
- Osceola Ditch Trailhead
- Summit Trailhead
- Bristlecone Trailhead
- Wheeler Peak Campground
The road reaches elevations above 10,000 feet and offers spectacular mountain views.
Directions to the Entrance
From Las Vegas
- Drive north on US-93 to Ely.
- Continue east on US-6/US-50.
- Turn south on NV-487 toward Baker.
- Follow NV-488 to the park entrance.
From Salt Lake City
- Take I-15 south to US-6 west.
- Continue to Ely and follow US-6/US-50.
- Turn south on NV-487 and continue to Baker.
- Follow NV-488 to Great Basin National Park.
Entrance Fees
Great Basin National Park is one of the few U.S. national parks with no entrance fee. However, tickets are required for guided tours of Lehman Caves.
Quick Facts
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| State | Nevada |
| Nearest Town | Baker, Nevada |
| Main Entrance Road | NV-488 |
| Number of Road Entrances | 1 |
| Entrance Fee | Free |
| Major Attraction Near Entrance | Lehman Caves |
| Highest Accessible Area | Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive |
The single entrance road makes navigation simple, but the park’s remote location means visitors should fuel up and stock supplies before arriving in Baker. Great Basin is one of the least-visited national parks in the United States, offering exceptional stargazing, ancient bristlecone pines, alpine scenery, and the remarkable Lehman Caves.
