Extensive Renovations in Great Basin National Park to Affect Summer Visitors
This year, five major construction projects are planned in the park, affecting campgrounds, trails, and roads. Temporary closures and restrictions will impact various areas of the park, including reduced cave tours and relocation of evening programs.
The Grand Palace Tour in Lehman Caves will be unavailable until June 9 due to renovations. Outdated electrical systems will be replaced, and damaged trail sections will be upgraded with boardwalks and bridges to protect the cave ecosystem and enhance visitor experiences. Lodge Room Tours remain available.
Starting in June, water and wastewater services will periodically be interrupted in the Lehman Caves area. The Legacy Restoration Fund project aims to renovate outdated systems to protect public and environmental health and conserve scarce desert water. Later this summer, the upper parking lot, amphitheater, and picnic area at Lehman Caves will close for a month. Cave tours will be temporarily reduced, and evening programs will move to the Great Basin Visitor Center.
Lower Lehman Creek Campground will close on May 28 for upgrades and expansion from 11 to 20 sites, including three fully accessible sites. The campground will reopen in the fall.
In July, Bristlecone Trail and Wheeler Peak Campground will close for the season, and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive will close at Summit Trailhead. Upgrades to Bristlecone Trail facilities include a new parking area, picnic spots, and accessible routes. Visitors wishing to explore alpine lakes and ancient bristlecone pines will need to start their hikes from Summit Trailhead, adding about two miles to their trip.
From early July through early September, visitors can expect one-way traffic control and temporary road, campground, and parking closures. Roads and parking areas will be resurfaced and repaired, extending the pavement life and improving driving conditions.
Visitor centers, cave tours, trails, and major park attractions will remain open throughout the construction period. However, visitors may face challenges finding campsites, parking spots, or cave tours during peak times and may experience travel delays. Please plan your visit accordingly.