Visiting in Summer

An Oasis in the Desert

Energy, wildlife, warmth, excitement. Great Basin National Park swells in the summer as schools enjoy their summer breaks and good weather returns to our corner of the desert. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive opens up, snow melts on the trails, fallen trees get cleared away, and access to many of the park's most popular destinations is restored. Campgrounds throughout the park open as the snow melts, comfortably letting you camp even in the heat of summer up at 10,000 feet. As the summer continues, hot temperatures and summer monsoons bring spectacular displays of lightning and rain.

As the park opens and weather improves, the busiest season begins. With melting snow comes crowded parking lots, with more cave tours come full cave tours. The best thing to pack during a summer visit is an ample amount of patience and flexibility.

Nearby towns and services outside the park increasingly open during the summer months, making the visitor experience easier and more available as compared to the other seasons.

Summer Hiking Safety

Summer is a wonderful time to get on trail, but comes with its own set of risks in the high desert. Many are surprised to find out the lowest elevations in the park are still higher than 5,000 feet (1,500 meters). Those who are not used to high elevations may come to Great Basin and only find themselves short of breath, others may begin experiencing more serious symptoms associated with elevation sickness. The main advice any ranger can give you is to know when to recognize you may need more time to acclimate, know when to stop and rest, and to eat and drink enough water, electrolytes, and nutrition. Remember, safety is everyone's responsibility.

What is the Weather Like?

Always check the forecast close to a visit to the park. With such a wide ranging elevation, weather varies throughout the park. On the hottest July days, the town of Baker below the park may reach over 100º F. At the same tme, hikers on the Alpine Lakes Loop might experience around the 70sº F. This drastic difference is thanks to the over 8,000 feet of elevation change from the floor of the valley to the top of Wheeler Peak. Many areas of the park will still be hot even with the elevation increase. Come prepared and aware of the signs of heat exhaustion.

The summer months also mean the beginning of monsoon season. Afternoon thunderstorms are common across much of July and August, creating hazardous hiking conditions across much of the park. Try beginning hikes early in the day so you can be off exposed trails by early afternoon. Practice good safety by not hiking in a thunderstorm.

When Will the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive Open?

Typically, the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is open between Memorial Day and early November. This date will vary depending on how heavy snowfall in the park is, sometimes opening as early as April, sometimes as late as July based on spring melt conditions. Check the conditions page to see if the road is open today.

Camping in the Summer

Many park campgrounds are open in the summer, opening as conditions allow. Find information on each campground, reservations, and whether they're open or not at our camping page. You can also check the conditions page for basic information on campground closures, reservation windows, and more.

Summer Hiking

Summer is a wonderful time to visit for the best trail conditions and access. The popular areas up at the top of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive have parking lots which can fill on holiday weekends. If you want to get off the beaten path, consider visiting Snake Creek or Strawberry Creek trailheads for more opportunities for solitude and some of the finest hiking in the park.

Consider starting summer hikes earlier in the morning so you are off trail by the afternoon. Not only does the afternoon bring hotter temperatures, but also thunderstorms which make many trails extremely dangerous. Check with a ranger or the forecast to know what the day might bring.