Itinerary · 2 days · Nevada
2 Days in Great Basin National Park: The Perfect Itinerary
Two days is enough to see the best of Great Basin National Park without rushing. Here is the day-by-day plan, built around the park's highlights.
Best time to go: Jul–Sep. Closest major airport: Salt Lake City (SLC), about 4 hours.
Day 1: The icons
- Morning: Tour Lehman Caves. Start early to beat the crowds.
- Afternoon: Hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail.
- Evening: Summit Wheeler Peak (13,063 ft).
Day 2: Go deeper
- Morning: Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
- Afternoon: Stargaze at the Astronomy Amphitheater.
Great Basin is remote, on 'The Loneliest Road in America' (US-50). Plan meals and fuel carefully.
When to go
The best time to visit Great Basin National Park is July–September.
Best time to visit Great Basin, month by month · What to pack
Questions
How many days do you need in Great Basin National Park?
Two full days covers the highlights: tour lehman caves and hike the bristlecone pine trail on day one, then drive the wheeler peak scenic drive on day two. Add a third day if you want a long backcountry hike or a slow morning.
When is the best time for this Great Basin itinerary?
Go in Jul–Sep, when the park is rated at its best. September offers the best balance of good conditions and smaller crowds.
Can you do Great Basin in one day?
You can see the highlights in one very full day by doing day one below and skipping day two, but you will miss drive the wheeler peak scenic drive. Two days is the sweet spot.