Great Basin National Park

Great Basin National Park, eastern Nevada, established as a national park 1986. It includes Lehman Caves, a national monument from 1922 until incorporated into the new Great Basin park, and land once part of Humboldt National Forest. Wheeler Peak (3,982 m/13,063 ft), in the Snake range, Nevada’s second highest mountain and the site of the southernmost glacier in the United States, is here. The ecosystem here is unique, ranging from desert through lush meadows and glacial lakes to arctic-alpine tundra. Sagebrush, manzanita, and shrublike juniper grow on the valley floor; aspen, mountain mahogany, pine, spruce, and fir on the mountain slopes; and alpine plants above the tree line. The most unique feature of the park is the bristlecone pine, Pinus longaeva, some specimens of which are more than 3,000 years old. Wildlife in the park includes the pronghorn, mustang, jackrabbit, hawks, western bluebird, eagles, mountain lion, and mule deer. Area, 31,234 hectares (77,180 acres).

Reviewed by: National Park Service