Practical Tips & Hacks: Great Basin

Money-Saving Strategies

Savvy choices help you stretch your budget further in the Great Basin.

Discount Cards and Passes

The America the Beautiful Pass covers entrance fees to all U.S. National Parks and federal recreation sites.
At $80 annually, this pass quickly pays for itself with visits to three or more parks within a year.
Purchase it at any park entrance station or online.

Free Activities and Attractions

Most hiking trails are free after paying the park entrance fee, offering varied excursions.
Stargazing is a free and spectacular activity, bring your own equipment or attend ranger-led programs.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (when open) provides breathtaking views at no additional cost.
Visitor centers offer free exhibits on the park's geology, ecology, and history.

Happy Hours and Dining Deals

Dining deals are not widespread in the immediate Great Basin area.
Seek out daily specials or "blue plate" deals at local diners in Ely.
These options can offer good value meals.
Limited dining establishments exist close to the park.

Transportation Savings

Share rental car and fuel costs with your group to lessen individual expenses.
Choose a fuel-efficient rental vehicle to reduce gasoline spending over long distances.
Gas prices are generally more favorable in Ely than in the more remote town of Baker.
Always fill your tank before venturing into the park or remote areas.

Accommodation Alternatives

Camping

Camping presents the least expensive lodging option.
Dispersed camping on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land surrounding the park is free.
National park campgrounds also offer very affordable rates.
Embrace the outdoor experience for budget-friendly stays.

RV Parks

If you own or rent a RV, RV parks in Baker and Ely are a cost-effective choice.
These parks often include hookups for added comfort.
RV parks are an alternative to hotels for extended stays.
Enjoy the flexibility of traveling with your home on wheels.

Time-Saving Tips

Efficient planning helps you get the most from your Great Basin visit.
Booking Lehman Caves tours online in advance is .
This approach avoids disappointment and lengthy waits for walk-up tickets.
Walk-up tickets frequently sell out, notably during peak season.

Best and Worst Times for Attractions

Lehman Caves tours at the start or end of the day often see fewer people.
Head to Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive early for fewer people and better photography light.
For any time during peak season, booking far in advance for Lehman Caves is beneficial.
Morning light often creates striking photo opportunities.

Efficient Routing and Pre-Booking

Optimize your travel flow and secure reservations early.

Express Transportation Alternatives

Driving your own vehicle offers the most direct and efficient way to explore Great Basin.
No faster public transit options exist in the park or immediate area.
Personal transport is for accessing various park sites.
Plan for self-driven itineraries.

Efficient Routing Suggestions

Group activities by geography to minimize driving.
Dedicate one block of time to Lehman Caves Visitor Center and nearby trails.
Allocate a separate time block for Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and its trails.
This organization lessens back-and-forth driving.

Pre-Booking Recommendations

Book Lehman Caves Tours once your travel dates are firm.
Reserve campgrounds well in advance, especially for summer visits.
Secure your rental car from a major airport well before your trip.
Book flights to LAS or SLC several months out for better rates.

Local Insights

Common tourist missteps include underestimating distances and remoteness.
Cell service is sparse; carry water, food, and emergency supplies.
Lehman Caves tours often sell out; secure your tickets early.
Temperatures change with elevation and time; always pack layers.

Local Customs and Social Norms

Familiarity with local ways enhances your visit.

"Loneliest Road in America" & Property

US-50 is known for its remoteness; embrace the solitude and vast spaces.
Much land outside the park is private ranchland or BLM land.
Respect "No Trespassing" signs and property boundaries.
Observe local land designations.

Unofficial Rules and Social Norms

It is common to wave to passing vehicles on remote roads.
Reduce your speed when driving through small towns.
Stay alert for wildlife, especially at dawn, dusk, and night.
Driving carefully is always wise.

Phrases that Impress Locals

Knowing local place names, like pronouncing "Nevada" as Neh-VAD-uh.
Show genuine appreciation for the vastness, quiet, and unique beauty of the desert.
A warm demeanor goes a long way.
Positive interactions enrich your journey.

Solo Traveler Advice

Inform someone of your itinerary, especially for backcountry hikes.
Stick to well-traveled trails if hiking alone.
Consider carrying a Satellite messenger for emergencies.
Join ranger-led programs or socialize at campgrounds to meet others.

Important Note on Connectivity

Cell service is unreliable or nonexistent in many areas of Great Basin National Park. Plan accordingly for navigation and communication.

Specific Travel Needs

Adapt your travel based on your companions and needs.

Family-Friendly Adaptations

Great Basin offers engaging activities for all ages.

Accessibility Considerations

Plan for varied accessibility requirements.

Kid-Specific Tips & Group Management

Kid-Specific Tips

The Great Basin Junior Ranger Program educates and engages children.
Pick up an activity booklet at a visitor center for a badge upon completion.
The Nevada Northern Railway Museum in Ely entertains kids with operational trains.

Managing Group Logistics

Book group campsites or multiple adjacent sites early for larger groups.
Reserve all Lehman Caves tour tickets together for your group.
Use walkie-talkies if splitting up where cell service is unreliable.

Accessibility Information

Refer to the park's official website for detailed accessibility information on infrastructure, attractions, transportation, and services. Contact park staff directly for specific needs or to arrange assistance; they are a valuable resource.

Practical Tips & Great Basin Hacks