Overview

Great Basin is about as far as you can get from civilization in the lower 48 states: the park is 200 miles from the nearest population center.

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Overview Details

Great Basin is about as far as you can get from civilization in the lower 48 states: the park is 200 miles from the nearest population center. Lightly visited, this park in east-central Nevada is worth seeking out for its unique experiences, including a 12-mile scenic drive to the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak where you'll see the southernmost glacier in the Northern Hemisphere. The park visitor center is located at the intersection of highways 487 and 488 in the small town of Baker, Nev. Highway 488 serves as the main access road, connecting with the Wheeler Peak road before ending at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Ranger-led tours venture up to a half-mile into the limestone and marble cave system, where visitors will see a multitude of stalactites, columns, crystals, pools, and other formations. Also off Highway 488 is Baker Creek Road, leading to a cave containing ancient petroglyphs. Hiking trails reach Baker Lake and Lexington Arch, and the park's remoteness makes it a favorite of stargazers and amateur astronomers. Date Formed: October 27, 1986 Area: 77,180.00 acres Website: [www.nps.gov/grba](http://www.nps.gov/grba)

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