Popular types of activities in Great Basin National Park

Updated April 26th, 2022
Dramatic Mountains Rising Over an Alpine Lake
Image credit: Steve Prorak / 123rf

Great Basin National Park is known for its beautiful scenery and its many activities to do. The park is home to many hiking trails, camping sites, and picnic areas. There are also many ranger-led programs and tours available. In addition to the park, there are many other attractions in the area. These include the Lehman Caves, the Great Basin Visitor Center, and the Bristlecone Pine Forest.

1. Go for a hike

If you are hiking in Great Basin National Park, you should expect to see wildflowers, mountains, and other desert scenery. If you are hiking near Great Basin National Park, you should expect to see wildflowers, mountains, and other desert scenery.

2. Go for a bike ride

A bike ride in or near Great Basin can be an enjoyable experience. You may enjoy the scenery and the chance to get some exercise. If you are biking in the desert, be aware of the hot, dry conditions and the potential for sandstorms.

3. Go for a swim

If you go swimming in or near Great Basin, you should expect a hot, dry climate with little to no vegetation. The water might be hot or cold, and there might be sand or rocks in the water.

4. Go for a run

When running in or near Great Basin, expect a vast landscape with plenty of space to run. You may also expect a moderate to high degree of humidity, which can make running difficult. The temperature will be mild to warm, and the terrain will be mostly flat.

5. Go camping

Great Basin camping is a great option for those looking for an isolated experience. Many of the campsites are located in remote areas, and there are few other amenities nearby. Visitors should expect to spend a lot of time outdoors, hiking, biking, and fishing. Campsites can be quite dry and dusty, so packing a supply of water and insect repellent is a good idea.

6. Go fishing

When fishing in or near Great Basin, expect to find a wide variety of habitats, from arid deserts to pine forests, making it an excellent place to explore for a variety of fish species. In addition to the typical freshwater fish found in other parts of the country, you may also find species such as trout and salmon in the area.

7. Go birdwatching

The best time to birdwatch in Great Basin is during the spring and fall, when the bird population is at its highest. You can expect to see a variety of birds, including hawks, eagles, ospreys, and warblers. You may also see turkey vultures, condors, and other large birds.

8. Go horseback riding

If you're visiting the Great Basin National Park, you can expect to ride on horseback through scenic valleys and over rolling hills. You will also be able to see wildlife, such as bighorn sheep, elk, and deer. If you're visiting the Ruby Valley, you can expect to ride on horseback through a narrow valley surrounded by rocky hills.

9. Go sightseeing

When in Great Basin, visitors can expect to see the natural beauty of this area including mountains, valleys, forests, and lakes. Sightseeing opportunities also include visiting nearby historical sites such as the Great Salt Lake and the Pony Express stations.

10. Go stargazing

The night sky in or near Great Basin is an amazing sight. Not only are the stars and planets visible, but you can also see the Milky Way. If you're lucky, you may even be able to see a meteor shower.