Great Basin National Park is your perfect destination if you are looking to explore natural wonders. It is an expansive snake range mountain destination, rising more than a mile (over 1.6 kilometers) from the desert floor. The park gets its name from the vast expanse extending east from Sierra Nevada in California to the Wasatch Range in Utah, and from southern portion of the state of Oregon to southern portion of the state of Nevada. It’s home to 90 basins, the second-highest mountain in Nevada, named Wheeler Peak, and some varieties of oldest living trees.
Before you make your plans, read this guide until the end so that you know all about fun activities, the best seasons for visiting, tips and warnings, and information about travel insurance plans. Booking a travel insurance is what smart travelers do to prevent spending on emergencies.
Trip Cancellation Insurance for Travelers in Great Basin National Park - FAQs
Traveling to a distant land requires plenty of careful planning. You need to book your flights and accommodations in advance, and these expenses can be non-refundable. If you need to cancel your trip due to an emergency, you could lose all the money you spent on reservations. To avoid that, book a trip cancellation insurance plan.
Why should I get trip cancellation insurance for my Great Basin National Park travel?
The Great Basin National Park experiences harsh weather conditions. On top of that, there are frequent thunderstorms, hailstorms, and landslides that can close certain parts of the park. Book a trip cancellation insurance plan so that you can cancel your trip without losing money. The coverage between plans can vary, so make sure you read through the plan before you buy to know what reasons are approved and which are not.
What should I look for in my Great Basin National Park trip cancellation insurance?
Your trip cancellation plan should have coverages for expenses related to:
- Coverage for missed connections.
- Coverage for a covered reason causing trip cancellation or trip interruption.
- Coverage for lost or misplaced baggage and personal documents.
Buy a travel insurance plan so that you can deal with emergencies without worrying about monetary losses. Before you settle for a plan, go through its certificate wording carefully to check what it covers and doesn’t cover.
Great Basin National Park’s Most Popular Things To Do
- Lehman Caves Tour - The Lehman Caves Tour comprises Lodge Room Tour and Grand Palace Tour. Take the Lehman Caves Tour and marvel at limestone formations. The Lodge Room Tour take approximately 60 minutes and the Grand Palace Tour take about 90 minutes. You can book tickets at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center upon arrival or make prior reservations.
- Wheeler Park Scenic Drive - The Wheeler Park Scenic Drive begins at the Park boundary on Nevada Highway 488, and runs through the 12 miles (over 19.3 kilometers) of paved roads, elevating 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above the sea level. It will take you through various ecological zones. Prepare to be astonished by the amazing diversity of Pinyon Pine, Mountain Mahogany, Conifers, and Aspens just above the barren desert.
- Visit the Baker Archeological Site - Visit the Baker archaeological site to see an excavated Fremont Indian Village. It contains the remains of a village occupied from approximately 1220 to 1295 AD. You cannot see the foundations of the village on the surface as the site was backfilled for the sake of protecting the cultural remains. However, you can see some excavated artifacts along with modern walls.
- Enjoy Picnics - There is a number of picnic areas in the park. Some are Pole Canyon Trailhead Picnic Area, which is located off Baker Creek Road, Lehman Caves Visitor Center Picnic Area, Mather Overlook, Upper Lehman Creek Campground, and The Bristlecone Trail Parking Area. Each of them has their own facilities like restrooms, water facilities, and telescopes to use and enjoy. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a quiet but fun day with your family.
- Fishing and Gathering - You can enjoy fishing or pine nut gathering in the park. Both have some regulations. All Nevada State Fishing Regulations are applied here. A Nevada state fishing license is required, but the park doesn’t sell licenses. You can purchase it online at the Nevada Division of Wildlife website or print it out at the Border Inn, Hotel Nevada, or Sportsworld in Ely. Gathering pine nuts is allowed in fall only, to minimize the impact on the natural balance of the park.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Great Basin National Park
- When to go - The Great Basin National Park is open round the year, but from November to May (during heavy snow season), the top eight miles (about 12.9 kilometers) of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed. Summer remains as the best time to visit since the weather is pleasant and you can make the best of your trip.
- Transportation - Great Basin National Park is situated in a remote place, far from all amenities and with limited services. No public transports are available here. It is best to take your own car or to rent one.
- Lightning - Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, with frequent lightning. Move away from unprotected ridges and summits, and immediately begin descending to lower elevations for safety if you see clouds condensing during your hike.
- Be Cautious of Talus Slopes - Talus slopes are common above the tree-line. Be cautious while hiking in areas such as the Wheeler Peak, Bristlecone Pine, and Glacier Cirque trails. Wear proper footwear that provides ankle support and protects against sharp rocks. Beware of rocks that seem unstable.
- Book A Travel Insurance Plan - As soon as you reserve your tickets, book a visitors medical insurance plan or a trip cancellation insurance plan so that you can enjoy your trip without losing money because of emergencies.
Before You Travel to Great Basin National Park - Do This
Prepared for your trip to Great Basin National Park? Before you go, consider these suggestions.
- Before starting your journey, check the park's official website for alerts regarding weather and potential park closures.
- Do not enter tunnels. They may contain abandoned mines.
- Buy adequate travel insurance coverage so that you and your travel buddies can enjoy a carefree vacation. All that is needed is for you to enter basic trip information, look over the available plans, and choose the plan that is the best fit for you.