What is it like to stand in the shadows of or with your hand on the oldest living non- clonal organisms ever known? Awe inspiring! Incredible experience! It definitely is something near impossible to put into words. Great Basin National Forest is one home to these living ancient wonders. Its remoteness assures a private connection.

If you are traveling east or west via U.S. 6 and 50, take Nevada State Highway 487 to Baker, Nevada. It will be a quick 5 miles and then another 5 miles on Highway 488 to the park.

From southern Utah travel north on Highway 21 and when you cross the Utah-Nevada border 21 becomes 487. Turn west on Highway 488 in Baker for the last 5 miles to the park.

From southern Nevada travel north on Highway 93 to the junction of U.S. Highway 6 and 50 and drive east to Nevada State Highway 487 and then it is 5 miles to Baker and another 5 miles to the park via Highway 488.

Just for reference, Ely, Nevada, is 68 miles distant, Delta Utah, is 106 miles, and Cedar City, Utah, is 142 miles. This area is off the beaten path! You won’t have cell phone service or the Internet. Fill up the gas tank before you venture into this remote area.

So again, tell me, why are we are going to Great Basin National Park? Oh, that’s right – the bristlecone pine. Get directions at the Park Visitors Center to the Bristlecone Pine Trail. Take your hiking shoes, appropriate clothing depending upon the season, water and a lunch. It’s only 2.8 miles round trip on a moderate, well-marked trail. If you have more time and energy, continue up the trail to see Nevada’s only glacier at the foot of Mt. Wheeler (13,063 ft. elevation), Nevada’s second highest peak.

The Lehman cave tours, either 60 minutes or 90 minutes, are well worth the fee of $8 and $10 respectively for adults and $4 and $5 respectively for youth 5-15 years of age. Infants and toddles are free but are not permitted on the 90 minute tour.

Limited camping is available during the summer and holidays, so make arrangements ahead of time.