Pre-Trip Checklist: Great Basin

Chronological Planning Timeline

A structured approach helps with trip organization.

Booking & Documents

Secure major arrangements well in advance.

3-6M

Months Before

Flights

Book international flights to LAS or SLC early for better prices.

Rental Car

Reserve your rental car, consider 4WD if exploring rough roads.

Lehman Caves Tours

Book specific tour times via Recreation.gov; they sell out quickly.

3-6M

Months Before Cont.

Campgrounds

Reserve preferred campsites within the park early, especially for summer.

Accommodations

Book hotels in Baker or Ely early, especially during peak season.

Passport/Visa

Confirm passport validity and apply for ESTA or visa if needed.

Month Before

Travel Insurance

Purchase comprehensive travel insurance covering medical emergencies and trip changes. World Nomads is an option.

Gear Check

Inventory and purchase hiking, camping, and stargazing gear. Eagle Creek has packing solutions.

Fishing License

If fishing is planned, buy your Nevada fishing license online.

Required Advance Bookings

Confirm these popular activities well in advance.

Reservations

Lehman Caves tours fill up quickly.
In-park campgrounds are popular choices.
Any hotels in Baker, Nevada, have limited availability.
Secure these bookings to avoid disappointment.

Final Week Preparations

Last-minute checks for a smooth departure.

Checklist for the Week Before

Lay out all clothing and gear, focusing on layers.
Download offline maps, park content, and emergency contacts.
Obtain smaller denominations of U.S. Dollars for remote areas.
Notify your bank and credit card companies of your travel plans.

Arrival Checklist

Steps for a smooth entry and start to your adventure.

First Steps Upon Arrival

Clear immigration and customs at LAS or SLC.
Pick up your reserved rental vehicle.
Stop for groceries in Las Vegas, Salt Lake City, or Ely.
Stock up for camping or self-catering.

Orientation Strategies

Make Great Basin Visitor Center your first stop.
Pick up physical maps and current alerts.
Talk to a park ranger for up-to-date recommendations.
Ranger advice is a good source of information.

Currency & Transportation

Use ATMs at airports or in Ely to withdraw cash.
Purchase your park entrance pass or use your America the Beautiful Pass.
Drive your rental car directly to your booked accommodation.
Allow ample time for the drive (3.5-5 hours from airports).

Final Confirmation

Reconfirm all flight, rental car, accommodation, and tour reservations before you travel. Check the Great Basin National Park website for any last-minute road closures or alerts.

Departure Checklist

A few final steps for a smooth departure.

Souvenirs & Shipping

1
Purchase Souvenirs
Acquire mementos at park gift shops or in Ely before you depart.
2
Consider Shipping
For larger items, mailing them home from the U.S. Post Office in Ely might be simpler than carrying them on your flight.
3
Customs Awareness
Familiarize yourself with your home country's customs regulations regarding imported goods.

VAT/Sales Tax & Timing

No VAT Refunds
The U.S. Does not have a federal VAT or GST system offering refunds to tourists; sales tax is not refundable.
Pre-Departure Timing
Allocate ample time (4-5 hours) for the drive back to LAS or SLC airport from the park.
Airport Procedures
Factor in additional time (2-4 hours) for rental car return, airport check-in, and security screening.

Return Trip Preparation

Pack Belongings

Confirm all personal belongings are securely packed.

Double-check chargers, documents, and small items.

Leave No Trace

Adhere to "Leave No Trace" principles at your campsite or accommodation.

Depart with your space clean and tidy.

Fuel Tank

Top off your rental car's fuel tank before returning it.

This avoids potential extra charges if a full tank is required.

Important Considerations for Planning

Underestimated Challenges

Distances within the Great Basin are vast; plan realistic driving times.
Cell service is limited; do not rely on your phone for navigation alone.
The remoteness means few gas stations; carry extra water and food.
Be prepared for sudden weather changes, packing layers is sensible.

Advance Tour Bookings

Lehman Caves tours have limited capacity and often sell out weeks ahead.
Secure your tour spots early to ensure participation.
Avoid waiting in line for walk-up tickets, which often go quickly.
Pre-booking is highly recommended for popular attractions.

Travel Data

Essential figures for planning your journey.

Driving Distances

Las Vegas to Great Basin National Park:290 miles (467 km)
Salt Lake City to Great Basin National Park:234 miles (377 km)
Ely to Great Basin National Park:60 miles (97 km)
Baker to Great Basin National Park Visitor Center:5 miles (8 km)

Best Time to Visit

Late spring to early fall (May to October) generally offers the best weather.
Pleasant temperatures for hiking and exploring.
Ideal conditions for stargazing due to warmer nights.
Higher elevation roads and trails are typically open during these months.

Essential Planning

Always check official park resources for the latest conditions and updates.

Pre-Trip Checklist