I stopped by the Ward Charcoal ovens headed east out of Ely. There were half a dozen of these huge ovens, plus a short nature trail and remains of 2 lime kilns.
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| It's astounding that the land was cleared of all trees for up to 35 miles away from some mining sites. |
Great Basin National Park is a stunning and diverse landscape located in eastern Nevada, near the Utah border. Established in 1986, it encompasses 77,180 acres and protects a significant portion of the Great Basin, the arid region between the Sierra Nevada and the Wasatch Mountains.
ReplyDeleteKey Features and Highlights:
* Wheeler Peak: Towering at 13,063 feet (3,982 meters), Wheeler Peak is the park's highest point and the second-highest in Nevada. It features a remnant glacier, the only one in the state, and offers challenging hiking trails with breathtaking views.
* Ancient Bristlecone Pines: The park is home to groves of bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some trees exceeding 4,000 years in age.
* Lehman Caves: This intricate limestone cave system at the base of Wheeler Peak is a major attraction, offering ranger-led tours showcasing stunning formations like stalactites, stalagmites, and rare helictites.
* Dark Night Skies: Due to its remote location and lack of light pollution, Great Basin National Park boasts some of the darkest night skies in the contiguous United States, making it a prime location for stargazing and astronomy programs.
* Diverse Ecosystems: The park's dramatic elevation changes support a wide array of ecosystems, from sagebrush-covered valleys to alpine forests and lakes, providing habitat for diverse plant and animal life.
* Hiking Trails: With over 60 miles of trails, the park offers opportunities for all skill levels, from short nature walks to strenuous summit hikes. Popular trails include the Bristlecone and Glacier Trail, the Alpine Lakes Loop, and the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail.
* Scenic Drives: The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive climbs to over 10,000 feet, offering stunning vistas and access to trailheads.
Things to Do:
* Explore Lehman Caves on a ranger-led tour. Reservations are highly recommended.
* Hike to the summit of Wheeler Peak.
* Wander through the ancient bristlecone pine groves.
* Stargaze and attend an astronomy program.
* Hike to Stella and Teresa Lakes.
* Drive the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
* Go birdwatching or wildlife viewing.
* Camp in one of the park's developed or backcountry campgrounds.
* Fish in the park's lakes and streams (with a valid Nevada fishing license).
Location and Getting There:
Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada, about five miles west of the small town of Baker. It is a relatively remote park, and services outside the park are limited.
* From the east or west: Take U.S. Highway 6 & 50 to Nevada State Highway 487 south to Baker, then west on Highway 488 to the park.
* From the south (Utah): Take Utah State Highway 21 north, which becomes Nevada State Highway 487. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker.
* From the south (Nevada): Take U.S. Highway 93 north to U.S. Highway 6 & 50 east, then south on Nevada State Highway 487 to Baker, and west on Highway 488.
The nearest major airports are in Salt Lake City, Utah (approximately 234 miles away), and Las Vegas, Nevada (approximately 286 miles away).
Great Basin National Park offers a unique and rewarding experience for those seeking natural beauty, solitude, and a glimpse into ancient history. Remember to plan your visit in advance, especially if you intend to tour Lehman Caves or camp in the park.
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