Nearby Destinations: Great Basin

Ely, Nevada

Ely is a historic mining town with many points of interest. Explore the Nevada Northern Railway Museum, a National Historic Landmark with train rides and historic engine house tours. Visit the Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, featuring unique beehive-shaped ovens from the 1870s. Discover the outdoor Murals of Ely, depicting the town's history. The White Pine Public Museum shares local historical context.

Travel by personal vehicle or rental car. No public transport connects the park to Ely. Spend a half-day to a full day here to explore Ely and its immediate surroundings.

Travel Options

Independent travel with a rental car is the practical choice for exploring the park and its surroundings.
This travel style brings flexibility and exploration at your pace.
Organized tours to Great Basin from major cities are rare due to its remote location.
Consider booking day trips through platforms like GetYourGuide for other destinations.

Natural Escapes

The broader Great Basin holds more natural beauty beyond the national park boundaries.

Spring Valley State Park

Located approximately a 2-hour drive south of Ely, this park offers reservoir-based recreation. Enjoy fishing, boating, and camping. It presents a distinct desert lake setting.

Activities

Reservoir recreation.
Fishing and boating.
Camping opportunities.

Cathedral Gorge State Park

About a 2.5-hour drive south of Ely, this park showcases dramatic erosion-formed clay spires and slot canyons. It resembles a miniature Bryce Canyon.

Highlights

Dramatic clay spires.
Explore slot canyons.
Excellent for photography and short hikes.

Scenic Landscapes

US Route 50

Vast, open desert landscapes.
Historic towns along the route.
Solitude and expansive views.
Rugged mountain ranges appear.

Other Features

Undeveloped mountain ranges offer remote hiking.
Wildlife viewing opportunities are available.
Extensive Bureau of Land Management (BLM) lands surround the park.
Dispersed camping options exist on BLM lands.

Seasonal Phenomena

Wildflowers bloomLate spring and early summer.
Dark skies offer exceptional stargazingYear-round.
The park is an International Dark Sky Park.Always.
Clearer skies often appearIn summer and fall.

Important Reminder

Always check the Great Basin National Park official website (Nps.gov/grba) before your visit for current conditions, road closures, and operating hours. This helps ensure a smooth trip.

Cultural Excursions

Explore Nevada's fascinating past with these cultural excursions.

Ghost Towns

Discover the remnants of Nevada's rich mining past. Hamilton, Belmont, and Cherry Creek offer glimpses into 19th-century boom-and-bust cycles.

Pony Express Stations

Historical markers along US-50 indicate former Pony Express stops. Learn about this brief but significant communication period.

Rural Villages

Baker, NV, at the park entrance, and Garrison, UT, just across the state line, portray contemporary rural life in the Great Basin.

Historical Insights

Explore remnants of Nevada's mining past in ghost towns and learn about communication lines.

Sites

Ghost Town Exploration.
Pony Express Historic Markers.
19th-century boom-and-bust cycles.

Local Communities

Experience contemporary rural life near the national park boundaries.

Local Experience

Rural community life.
Small general stores.
Peaceful atmosphere.

Cultural Guidelines

Cultural PreservationThe National Park Service protects natural and cultural resources.

Respect Local WaysInteract respectfully with local residents.

Photography EthicsAlways ask permission before photographing people or sensitive sites.

Site ProtectionDo not disturb archaeological sites or artifacts.

Private PropertyRespect private property and designated 'no photography' zones.

Dress CodeMaintain respectful, quiet conduct at community events.

Tip for Visitors

Your respectful interactions contribute positively to the close-knit communities of the Great Basin.

Multi-Day Extensions

Consider adding extra days to your trip to explore more of Nevada or neighboring states.

Extend Your Journey

Eastern Nevada Loop

Combine Great Basin National Park with Ely, Cathedral Gorge State Park, and potentially Valley of Fire State Park.

Utah National Parks

Continue east into Utah to visit Zion, Bryce Canyon, or Capitol Reef National Park.

Death Valley

Travel south/west to Death Valley National Park for a starkly beautiful desert experience.

Next Destinations

Las Vegas, Nevada: For urban entertainment, dining, and airport access.
Salt Lake City, Utah: For city experiences, a major airport, and a gateway to northern Utah.
Death Valley National Park, California: A beautiful desert, best visited in cooler months.
Grand Circle Road Trip: A longer journey through Southwest national parks.

Travel Connections

All these extensions are best traveled with a personal vehicle or rental car.
No direct public transport connects these remote areas; road trips are standard.
Great Basin can be a stop on a Grand Circle road trip encompassing Utah and Arizona parks, typically 7-14+ days.

Transportation Insights

Personal Vehicle

All these extensions are best traveled with a personal vehicle or rental car.

Public Transport

No direct public transport connects these remote areas; road trips are standard.

Grand Circle Route

Great Basin can be a stop on a Grand Circle road trip encompassing Utah and Arizona parks, typically 7-14+ days.

Planning Your Route

Road trips are the main way to explore the vast landscapes of the Great Basin and its neighboring states.

Nearby Destinations