05/22/2026
Alright everyone, it's Memorial Day weekend! We have a host of things to share that will help you plan your trip to Great Basin.
First things first: ranger-led tours of Lehman Caves begin tomorrow, May 22. Tickets are available by reservation and first-come, first-served at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. We strongly encourage advance reservations, as walk-up tickets go quickly once doors open—we often have a line forming well before the visitor center opens! Book tickets at https://www.recreation.gov/ticket/facility/251853. Remember: check in for reserved tours at least 15 minutes before your tour’s start time, with a hard cut-off 5 minutes before. If you arrive after that point, you will not be able to go on the tour.
Next, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is fully open! While that does mean the Bristlecone Trailhead is open, we urge caution when hiking in the higher elevations of the park. Trails may still have snow and ice, so come prepared for wintry conditions if planning to hike to the bristlecone pines and glacier.
As a general rule for a holiday weekend, expect that visitor centers and trailheads will be busy, and know that parking is limited. Come early if you know there’s a trail you want to do, or if you have a cave tour to catch, and be flexible. If one parking lot is full, rest assured there are more trails to see. You can stop in a visitor center to pick up a trail guide or check our website for ideas: https://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/hiking-information.htm
And of course, we want everyone to have a good time, so please explore with your safety in mind. Elevation in the park ranges from 5,300 feet at the Great Basin Visitor Center to 13,065 feet at the summit of Wheeler Peak. If you are coming from lower-elevation areas, gaining elevation quickly can take a toll on the body. Bring water and snacks, wear layers, and if you begin to feel dizzy, nauseated, develop a headache, or have difficulty breathing, turn around and come back down. If moving to a lower elevation doesn't make you feel better, dial 911. No view is worth putting your life at risk.
We look forward to seeing you this summer! Safe travels and have a wonderful weekend!
