Visiting in Fall

 

 

Fall brings multicolored aspens to the flanks of the Snake Range

NPS

Changing Seasons and Starry Night Skies

Though New England may get all the press for vibrant fall colors, Great Basin has a natural paintbrush all its own, deserving many a walk through the wood. The heat and crowds of summer begin to fade, making autumn an ideal time to visit. For the stargazer fall brings longer nights with clear dark skies, celebrated during the annual Astronomy Festival each September.

As in any season, weather in the mountains can be unpredictable, with sudden rain or snowstorms possible. Food and goods services in the area will have shorter hours and less availability, so come prepared.

Fall Hiking Safety

To even the most experienced hikers, the cooling temperatures and decreasing monsoon activity of autumn can be deceiving. Dehydration is common, and altitude sickness can occur even at the lower elevations of the park between 5,000-7,000 feet (1,500-2,100 meters). Wear layers and bring plenty of water no matter the distance. It is also recommended to always have waterproof layers at the ready.

Remember that help is hours away. When in doubt, turn around – knowing when to stop is your greatest asset.

 

Check the forecast before your visit

Great Basin Weather

 

Great Basin Astronomy Festival

The annual Astronomy Festival, held during the new moon weekend in September , is one of the park’s most anticipated events. Visitors are treated to constellation talks and star parties, presentations from professional astrophysicists, tours of the Great Basin Observatory, astrophotography workshops and more – all for free. Campground and event reservations will sell out quickly, so visit the Astronomy Festival page of the park website regularly for updates.

Evening astronomy programs and other ranger programs continue through October, albeit on a more limited schedule. For a list of available programs, check the park calendar regularly.

 

See the Milky Way!

Visit the Annual Astronomy Festival

 

NPS

Where can I see fall colors?

The changing leaves of fall can be found throughout the park, but here are some starting suggestions to guide your visit. Almost all involve hiking, so familiarize yourself with park trails or speak to a ranger for questions and current information.

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: If you only have an hour, the easiest way to see autumn colors is taking the 12-mile scenic drive, where golden quaking aspens cover the road with their leaves. If you’re lucky to arrive with the first snowfall, the striking contrast of white, yellow, and bright green is a must-see.

Baker Creek: Along the 3.4 mile (round-trip) Baker Creek Loop lies an aspen grove of surprising height. On many aspens you might find historic arborglyphs, telling the story of Great Basin’s past. Today we practice Leave No Trace principles, and leave trees unmarked to protect their healthy growth.

Snake Creek: For the more adventurous leaf-peeper, the winding road along Snake Creek is flush with golden cottonwoods to explore. Hike 1.3 miles of the Shoshone Trail for aspen groves and valley vistas. Experienced hikers may wish to continue along the ridge of the Snake Divide Route leading to the Magic Grove of bristlecone pines (12 miles round-trip).

Strawberry Creek: Meander down the easy Sage Steppe Loop for an easy look at some aspens, or seek the meadow and aspens along the Upper Strawberry Trail for a more secluded but easily accessible set of trees.

 

Road and Campground Closures

The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive generally closes by November 1 after the first heavy snowfall of the season. This will also close the Wheeler Peak Campground, with Upper Lehman Campground following suit shortly after. Other park roads that close based on snow include Snake Creek, Strawberry Creek, and Baker Creek.

The Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker generally closes in mid-October. For the most up-to-date information on closures, visit the Lehman Caves Visitor Center (open year-round) to speak with a ranger and check the park website for active alerts.

 

Ranger Programs

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  Go Underground

  Lehman Caves Tours

  Enter the remarkable Lehman Caves and explore a unique marble cave full of stalactites, stalagmites, popcorn, cave shields, and mystery.

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  Look Up!

  Great Basin Astronomy

  Check out our free ranger-led Astronomy Programs every Wednesday, Thursday, and Saturday May through September.

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  Join a Ranger for fun!

  Evening Programs

  Rangers provide evening programs in the park between Memorial Day and Labor Day on a number of topics. Come join us!

 

Conditions

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  What's Open and What's Closed?

  Click here for the most up-to-date information on visitor center, road, campground, and trail statuses and special alerts.

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  Weather

  Know before you go by checking weather for your visit.

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  Operating Hours & Seasons

  Check here for visitor center hours and seasonal recommendations for activities on the park.