Great Basin Activities

Bicycling
Mountain biking is allowed only on roads (no trails) in the park. Helmets are strongly recommended. There are primitive roads to access for more of a challenge.
For more information on possible rides, check with a ranger at a visitor center.

Bird Watching
Many types of birds can be found in Great Basin National Park and the surrounding area. A large variety of birds can be seen in the many different habitats encountered between the town of Baker (5,280 feet elevation) and the end of the Scenic Drive (10,000 feet elevation). Many birds such as the Common Raven, Northern Flicker and the American Robin, can be found in more than one type of habitat. Ask for a working checklist of all the birds found in Great Basin National Park. The Park encourages reporting of sightings of birds listed as uncommon or not found on the current checklist. The following is a listing of a few of the birds and some of the areas with easy access where specific birds may be found.

Camping
Great Basin National Park has four developed campgrounds with vault toilets, picnic tables, tent pads, and campfire grills. There are no hookups or leveled parking sites. Campsites are limited to eight people, three tents, and two vehicles per site. There are three campgrounds that have accessible sites.

All park camping is on a first-come, first-served basis. No reservations can be made (except for the Grey Cliffs Group Campground). Campsites may not be "saved" or reserved for family or friends arriving later. Campgrounds often fill in the summer months, especially on weekends and holidays. Visitors are advised to find a campsite early in the day.

Horseback Riding & Pack Animals
Horses and other pack animals (mules, burros, and llamas) are welcome in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. When planning a horseback riding or pack trip, please keep the following regulations in mind:

• Horses and pack animals are prohibited on paved roads, in campgrounds and developed areas (picnic areas, visitor center areas), on self-guided interpretive trails, and in day use zones.
  
  
• Horses and pack animals are allowed on all trails except: Wheeler Peak Day Use Area trails, Osceola Ditch trail, Lexington Arch trail, and Baker to Johnson Lake Cutoff trail. Portions of trails may close to horse and pack animal use for safety or environmental concerns.
  
  
• Manure piles dropped at trailheads or in overnight backcountry camping areas must be scattered.
  
  
• All feed must be certified "weed free." Please remember to use weed-free feed for one week prior to arrival. This helps to reduce the spread of noxious weeds.
  
  
• Do not tie animals to trees or other vegetation for more than 60 minutes or in a manner that causes damage to park resources.
  
  
• Do not picket, hobble, or allow animals to graze within 100 feet of any lake, stream, spring, or riparian area.
  
  
• Horse trailers may not be cleaned out in the park.