The mission of Great Basin National Park is to preserve for the benefit, inspiration and enjoyment of current and future generations, a representative segment of the Great Basin of the Western United States, and to promote an understanding of the natural and cultural heritage of the entire physiographic region

Great Basin National Park is located five miles west of Baker, Nevada, approximately 10 miles from US 6-50 near the Nevada-Utah border on more than 77,000 acres. Driving distance: from Salt Lake City, 234 miles; from Las Vegas, 240 miles; from Reno, 385 miles. The closest international airports are in Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Scenic Airlines (1-800-634-6801, www.scenicairlines.com) offers flights between Las Vegas and Ely.

Ely airport has a rental car agency available.

The Park was established in 1986 and derives its name from the area’s unusual drainage. Streams and rivers unable to find an outlet to the sea form shallow salt lakes, marshes and mud flats, from which the water then evaporates.

Great Basin is home to 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, abundant wildlife and many limestone caverns, including the famous Lehman Caves. Attractions include interpretive walks and talks, a scenic drive, hiking, exhibits, audiovisual programs, picnicking, wildlife and bird watching, cave tours, cross-country skiing, fishing, climbing and spelunking.

The Great Basin Natural History Association offers several lectures and seminars in the summer. Call (775) 234-7270.

For more general information on Great Basin, visit www.nps.gov/grba. Or telephone (775) 234-7331.