Great Basin National Park?

[blacktie.shooter]

Anybody ever been to Great Basin National Park on the Eastern Nevada State line? I'm having a hard time imagining what there would be to see there, but it might be worth a stop on my way from Phoenix to Portland via Yellowstone. Could sure use your input.
Thanks, All.

[BryanL]

Mountains? Caves? Scenery?

See the NPS website or GBNP.

bristlecone pine trees
rocky glacial moraines
high desert
nighttime stars in a dark sky

A place to start on the 'loneliest road in the US' across Nevada following the old pony express trail.

Don't be looking for crowds, civilization, and such things, though.

[Ron2]

Drove the "Loneliest Highway" several years ago (in Sept) and my Wife and I loved it, she was a little apprehensive before we started but had a great time and wouldn't mind doing it again. Lehman Caves has a nice campground (tight fit if driving a large RV) but we didn't take the cave tour because we enjoyed viewing the surrounding mountains so I can't give you info on the caves. Downtown Ely is a neat little town with a railway museum and some gambling if you are into that sort of thing. The old restored mining town of Eureka is a great place to spend some time. Just before you get to Austin there is a campground at the Hickison Petroglyph Recreation Site, again spaces are small but you could probably stay in the parking lot if you wanted to, not many people use this campground so it is real quiet and a great place to watch the sunrise and if you are there in the evening follow the trail West and view the petroglyphs and watch a great sunset. Also spending some time in Austin is a must! We drove the entire length from the Lehman Caves to Carson City but actually there isn't much to see West of Fallon because it starts getting crowded. There is an old Pony Express Site about 40 miles before Fallon. You can't even imagine the stars in the sky at night! You have to enjoy the "high desert", no crowds, no trees, coyotes howling at night,and sometimes a little wind to really enjoy the trip but it is a trip worth making.

Ron

[LindaH]

GBNP is great! Be sure to take the cave tour and drive the road up Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive in your toad and take the 1/4-mile hike along the Island Forest Trail at the end (keep in mind, though, that you'll be at around 10,000' when at the end of the Scenic Drive). There are other hikes within the park, too.

BrianL gave you the link to the NPS's website for GBNP...be sure to explore it, particularly the "Plan Your Visit" section.

[blacktie.shooter]

Bryan, Ron, Linda - Three great responses, thanks much. I think you've made up our minds.