History of Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park is located in the eastern part of Nevada and was established as a United States National Park in 1986. It is one of the few parks that still encompasses portions of three different bio-regions: the Great Basin, Snake River Plain, and Columbia Plateau. The park lies within two distinct deserts, the Mojave Desert to the south and the Great Basin Desert to the north, and has an elevation range of 5,000 feet up to 13,063 feet.

The Great Basin gets its name from the unique way water is drained in the area. Instead of flowing into the sea, streams and rivers collect in shallow salt lakes, marshes, and mud flats where it evaporates in the desert air. The Great Basin is not just one basin, but many, separated by mountain ranges that run parallel to each other. This creates a stunning landscape of alternating basins and ranges, from the Wasatch Mountains in Utah to the Sierra Nevada in California. While it may appear monotonous with endless sagebrush, a vibrant ecosystem is hidden beneath the surface. Above the valleys, towering mountains create a high-elevation archipelago, providing cooler air and more water. This allows for a diverse range of plants and animals that couldn't survive in the lower desert.

The Great Basin has served as a thoroughfare for many explorers over the years, from John C. Fremont who mapped much of the area in the 1840s to settlers traveling along the California Trail in search of gold and silver. The park was first established as a US National Monument by President Warren Harding in 1922, but it wasn't until 1986 that it became a full-fledged National Park.

Established on October 27, 1986, this breathtaking park is an extraordinary representation of the remarkable Great Basin region. Before its establishment, the area was known as Lehman Caves National Monument (established in 1922) and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Area of Humboldt National Forest.

Encompassing over 200,000 square miles, the Great Basin is a unique hydrologic region. Here, all precipitation, whether as rainfall or melting snow, remains within the basin. It evaporates or filters into underground aquifers, never reaching the ocean.

From the majestic Sierra Nevada Mountains in the West to the striking Wasatch Range in the East, and from the northern reaches of Idaho to the southern extents of Nevada, the Great Basin region presents an awe-inspiring landscape to explore. Come and discover the hidden wonders of Great Basin National Park.

Today, Great Basin National Park is a mecca for outdoor recreation and exploration. With its vast array of ecosystems, visitors can explore lush forests, towering peaks, and deep limestone caves - all in the same day. The park offers many recreational activities such as hiking, camping, fishing, wildlife viewing, and more!

The caves at Great Basin National Park have always been a popular attraction. A variety of tours are offered, from the easy and accessible Lehman Caves tour to the more challenging Cave Canyon Cave tour. In addition to cave exploration, visitors can also explore the high-elevation Wheeler Peak summit, offering stunning views of the surrounding mountain ranges. No matter what your interest may be, Great Basin National Park has something for everyone.

From its fascinating history to its bountiful outdoor recreation opportunities, Great Basin National Park is a must-see destination. With so much to offer, you'll be sure to find something that will make your visit unforgettable! So come and explore the wonders of this great park today!