St. George to Great Basin National Park
One of the least visited national parks in the Lower 48, Great Basin offers Lehman Caves, 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak, ancient bristlecone pines (some over 5,000 years old), and some of the darkest night skies in America.
I-15 N to UT-56 W to US-93 N (via Cedar City & Pioche)
280 miles
Distance
4 hr 15 min
Drive Time
northwest
Direction
June-October
Best Time
6,200-13,063 feet elevation
Driving from St. George to Great Basin National Park
Route: I-15 N to UT-56 W to US-93 N (via Cedar City & Pioche)
Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, then west on UT-56 to Nevada. Continue north on US-93 through Pioche and Ely area. Take US-50/US-93 to NV-488 to the park. The drive traverses Nevada's Great Basin desert — vast, empty, and beautiful in its own stark way.
About Great Basin National Park
Great Basin National Park sits at the base of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak in eastern Nevada, protecting a remarkable range of ecosystems from sagebrush desert to alpine tundra — all within a vertical mile. The park is anchored by two extraordinary attractions: Lehman Caves, a spectacular marble cave system adorned with rare shield formations found in only a handful of caves worldwide, and a grove of ancient bristlecone pines that rank among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some specimens exceeding 5,000 years of age.
The drive from St. George takes about four hours and fifteen minutes, heading north through Cedar City and then west across Nevada's vast Basin and Range landscape. The route through Pioche and along US-93 passes through quintessential Great Basin scenery — wide valleys flanked by isolated mountain ranges, sagebrush extending to the horizon, and a sense of solitude rarely found elsewhere in the Lower 48. The park's remote location means very few visitors (under 150,000 annually compared to Zion's 4+ million), creating an intimate experience with nature.
Beyond the caves and ancient trees, Great Basin offers serious mountain hiking including the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail — a strenuous 8.6-mile round trip gaining 2,900 feet of elevation to the second-highest peak in Nevada. The Alpine Lakes Trail passes pristine mountain lakes surrounded by wildflowers, and the Glacier Trail leads to Nevada's only remaining glacier (though it is rapidly shrinking). The park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, offering some of the best stargazing in the United States with visibility of thousands of stars, planets, and the Milky Way on clear nights.
Gas Stops Along the Way
- Cedar City — 52 miles / 55 min (full services — fill up here)
- Pioche, NV — 150 miles / 2 hr 20 min (small gas station, limited services)
- Ely, NV — 220 miles / 3 hr 15 min (full services — last reliable fuel before park)
Weather & Climate
Great Basin spans from desert valley to alpine summit with extreme variation. Baker (park entrance) at 6,200 feet sees summer highs of 85-95°F and winter lows near 0°F. Wheeler Peak summit can be below freezing even in July. The high country receives 20+ feet of snow annually. Summer afternoons bring dangerous thunderstorms above treeline. The dry desert air creates 50+ degree temperature swings between day and night.
Best Time to Visit
June-October
Summer and early fall offer the best access to high-elevation trails and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The bristlecone grove and summit are typically snow-free from mid-June through October. Lehman Caves can be visited year-round at a constant 50°F. Winter closes the scenic drive above 7,500 feet but offers incredible solitude. Night sky viewing is best on moonless nights from May through October.
Things to Do in Great Basin National Park
From outdoor adventures to dining, here is everything worth experiencing when you visit Great Basin National Park, Nevada.
Caves, Peaks & Ancient Trees
Lehman Caves Tour
$8-$11 + free park entryRanger-guided tours through a spectacular marble cave system featuring rare shield formations, stalactites, stalagmites, and delicate cave formations. Choose from 60-minute Lodge Room tour or 90-minute Grand Palace tour. Cave temperature is a constant 50°F.
Wheeler Peak Summit Trail
FreeStrenuous 8.6-mile round trip to the 13,063-foot summit of Wheeler Peak — Nevada's second-highest mountain. Gains 2,900 feet of elevation through forest, meadows, and alpine tundra. Start early to avoid afternoon thunderstorms. Spectacular 360-degree views.
Bristlecone Pine Grove Trail
FreeModerate 2.8-mile round-trip hike to a grove of ancient bristlecone pines, some over 5,000 years old — among the oldest living organisms on Earth. The gnarled, weather-beaten trees are hauntingly beautiful. Elevation: 10,000 feet.
Alpine Lakes Trail
FreeModerate 2.7-mile round-trip hike to Stella and Teresa Lakes nestled in a glacial cirque below Wheeler Peak. Pristine alpine scenery with wildflowers in summer. A great option for those not attempting the summit.
Glacier Trail
FreeA 4.6-mile round-trip extension from the bristlecone grove to the base of Nevada's only remaining glacier — a small but significant ice mass beneath Wheeler Peak's north face. The glacier is rapidly shrinking due to climate change.
Nearby Services (Baker/Ely)
Kerouac's Restaurant at Hidden Canyon Retreat
$$The closest dining option to the park in the tiny town of Baker. Casual American fare with a surprisingly good menu for such a remote location. Seasonal hours — check ahead.
Lectrolux Cafe
$Quirky and beloved cafe in Baker run by a local family. Pizza, espresso, and baked goods in a charmingly eccentric space. Limited hours and seating — a true hidden gem.
Cell Block Steakhouse
$$$Steakhouse in Ely (60 miles from the park) housed in a historic jail building. Prime rib, steaks, and a unique atmosphere. The best full-service dining option in the area.
Economy Drug Store Lunch Counter
$Old-fashioned soda fountain and lunch counter in Ely. Milkshakes, burgers, and sandwiches in a nostalgic setting. A beloved local institution since 1939.
Combine With
Cathedral Gorge State Park
$10/vehicleDramatic cathedral-like formations of eroded bentonite clay in eastern Nevada. Narrow slot-like passages, towering spires, and excellent camping. About 100 miles south of Great Basin on US-93.
Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park
$7/vehicleSix massive beehive-shaped stone charcoal ovens from the 1870s silver smelting era, remarkably well preserved in a mountain setting south of Ely. Great for photography and a quick historical stop.
Great Basin Highway Scenic Drive
FreeUS-93 through eastern Nevada is one of America's loneliest and most scenic desert highways. Wide valleys, isolated mountain ranges, and virtually no traffic create a meditative driving experience unlike anywhere else in the country.
Travel Tips for the St. George to Great Basin National Park Drive
Book Lehman Caves tours in advance at recreation.gov — the 90-minute Grand Palace tour is worth the extra time and cost
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (12 miles, paved) closes in winter above Upper Lehman Creek — check road conditions before visiting
Start the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail before 8 AM to avoid dangerous afternoon thunderstorms above treeline
Baker has extremely limited services — fuel up and stock up in Ely (60 miles away) or Cedar City before heading to the park
Stay for stargazing — Great Basin is an International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest skies in America
Bring layers year-round — temperatures at the summit can be 30-40°F colder than the park entrance
Frequently Asked Questions: St. George to Great Basin National Park
How far is Great Basin National Park from St. George?
Great Basin National Park is approximately 280 miles (4 hours 15 minutes) from St. George via I-15 North through Cedar City, then west on UT-56 and north on US-93 through eastern Nevada to the park near Baker, NV.
Do I need reservations for Lehman Caves?
Yes, Lehman Caves tours are ranger-guided and require advance tickets available at recreation.gov. Two tour options are offered: the 60-minute Lodge Room tour ($8 adults) and the 90-minute Grand Palace tour ($11 adults). Tours sell out during summer weekends. The cave maintains a constant 50°F year-round — bring a jacket.
How difficult is the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail?
The Wheeler Peak Summit Trail is strenuous — 8.6 miles round trip with 2,900 feet of elevation gain starting from the Wheeler Peak trailhead at 10,160 feet. The thin air at high altitude makes the climb challenging. Most fit hikers complete it in 6-8 hours. Start before 8 AM to avoid dangerous afternoon lightning storms above treeline.
Where can I see the bristlecone pines?
The Bristlecone Pine Grove is reached via a moderate 2.8-mile round-trip trail starting from the Wheeler Peak trailhead at 10,160 feet. The grove sits at approximately 10,000 feet elevation. These ancient trees — some over 5,000 years old — are among the oldest living organisms on Earth. The trail is typically snow-free from mid-June through October.
Is Great Basin good for stargazing?
Great Basin National Park is one of the best stargazing destinations in the United States. It is designated as an International Dark Sky Park with some of the darkest measured skies in America. On clear, moonless nights you can see thousands of stars, the Milky Way in vivid detail, planets, and even the Andromeda Galaxy with the naked eye. The park hosts astronomy programs and star parties throughout summer.
Nearby Destinations from Great Basin National Park
Salt Lake City
Utah's capital city offers world-class skiing, a thriving food scene, professional sports, and the international airport that connects Southern Utah to the world. The I-15 corridor is the most-traveled route for St. George residents.
Bryce Canyon National Park
A wonderland of orange, red, and white hoodoo rock spires unlike anything else on Earth. Bryce Canyon sits at 8,000+ feet, offering cooler temperatures and some of the darkest night skies in the world.
Capitol Reef National Park
The least-visited of Utah's Mighty Five national parks is arguably the most rewarding. A 100-mile geological wrinkle in the earth, pioneer orchards where you can pick free fruit, and legendary homemade pies at the Gifford House.
Complete Guide: Driving from St. George to Great Basin National Park
St. George to Great Basin National Park — 280 miles, 4 hr 15 min Drive
Great Basin National Park sits at the base of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak in eastern Nevada, protecting a remarkable range of ecosystems from sagebrush desert to alpine tundra — all within a vertical mile. The park is anchored by two extraordinary attractions: Lehman Caves, a spectacular marble cave system adorned with rare shield formations found in only a handful of caves worldwide, and a grove of ancient bristlecone pines that rank among the oldest living organisms on Earth, with some specimens exceeding 5,000 years of age.
The route from St. George, Utah to Great Basin National Park, Nevada covers 280 miles and takes approximately 4 hr 15 min via I-15 N to UT-56 W to US-93 N (via Cedar City & Pioche). Head north on I-15 to Cedar City, then west on UT-56 to Nevada. Continue north on US-93 through Pioche and Ely area. Take US-50/US-93 to NV-488 to the park. The drive traverses Nevada's Great Basin desert — vast, empty, and beautiful in its own stark way.
Things to Do in Great Basin National Park
Caves, Peaks & Ancient Trees: Lehman Caves Tour, Wheeler Peak Summit Trail, Bristlecone Pine Grove Trail. Nearby Services (Baker/Ely): Kerouac's Restaurant at Hidden Canyon Retreat, Lectrolux Cafe, Cell Block Steakhouse. Combine With: Cathedral Gorge State Park, Ward Charcoal Ovens State Historic Park, Great Basin Highway Scenic Drive.
Best Time to Visit Great Basin National Park
Summer and early fall offer the best access to high-elevation trails and the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The bristlecone grove and summit are typically snow-free from mid-June through October. Lehman Caves can be visited year-round at a constant 50°F. Winter closes the scenic drive above 7,500 feet but offers incredible solitude. Night sky viewing is best on moonless nights from May through October.
Travel Tips
Book Lehman Caves tours in advance at recreation.gov — the 90-minute Grand Palace tour is worth the extra time and cost. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (12 miles, paved) closes in winter above Upper Lehman Creek — check road conditions before visiting. Start the Wheeler Peak Summit Trail before 8 AM to avoid dangerous afternoon thunderstorms above treeline. Baker has extremely limited services — fuel up and stock up in Ely (60 miles away) or Cedar City before heading to the park.
For more things to do near St. George, explore our Things to Do guide, browse the Events Calendar, or discover local businesses in the St. George Business Directory. Check out all road trip destinations from St. George including Salt Lake City, Bryce Canyon National Park, Capitol Reef National Park.