Great Basin National Park is your perfect destination if you are looking to explore natural wonders. It is an expansive snake range mountain destination, rising more than a mile (over 1.6 kilometers) from the desert floor. The park gets its name from the vast expanse extending east from Sierra Nevada in California to the Wasatch Range in Utah, and from southern portion of the state of Oregon to southern portion of the state of Nevada. It’s home to 90 basins, the second-highest mountain in Nevada, named Wheeler Peak, and some varieties of oldest living trees.
Before you make your plans, read this guide until the end so that you know all about fun activities, the best seasons for visiting, tips and warnings, and information about travel insurance plans. Booking a visitors medical insurance is what smart travelers do to prevent spending on emergencies.
Visitors Medical Insurance for Travelers in Great Basin National Park - FAQs
Nobody expects medical emergencies while traveling. However, mishaps do occur, whether we want it or not. If you suffer from an illness or injury, you will need professional help. At a private hospital, your bill could finalize to an exorbitant amount. To prevent paying such a hefty sum, book a visitors medical insurance plan.
Why buy visitors medical insurance before traveling to Great Basin National Park?
While visiting the Great Basin National Park, you will be hiking to great heights. These elevated trails experience harsh weather and are prone to snowstorms and hailstorms. The trails can be rugged and unstable. If you suffer from an unexpected injury, you should seek medical help, immediately. A visitors medical insurance plan allows you to benefit from the best treatment without worrying about financial consequences.
What should I look for in my Great Basin National Park visitors medical insurance?
- Your visitors medical insurance plan should cover emergency medical evacuation so if needed you can be transported to a nearby medical treatment facility for adequate care.
- Your visitors medical insurance plan should offer coverage for injuries sustained during your planned activities.
- If anyone attending the trip has a pre-existing condition that could be aggravated, look for a plan with acute onset of pre-existing conditions coverage.
Avoid losing a fortune for your treatment at a private medical facility. Instead, buy a visitors medical insurance plan and prevent a financial catastrophe.
Great Basin National Park’s Most Popular Things To Do
- Lehman Caves Tour - The Lehman Caves Tour comprises Lodge Room Tour and Grand Palace Tour. Take the Lehman Caves Tour and marvel at limestone formations. The Lodge Room Tour take approximately 60 minutes and the Grand Palace Tour take about 90 minutes. You can book tickets at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center upon arrival or make prior reservations.
- Wheeler Park Scenic Drive - The Wheeler Park Scenic Drive begins at the Park boundary on Nevada Highway 488, and runs through the 12 miles (over 19.3 kilometers) of paved roads, elevating 10,000 feet (3,048 meters) above the sea level. It will take you through various ecological zones. Prepare to be astonished by the amazing diversity of Pinyon Pine, Mountain Mahogany, Conifers, and Aspens just above the barren desert.
- Visit the Baker Archeological Site - Visit the Baker archaeological site to see an excavated Fremont Indian Village. It contains the remains of a village occupied from approximately 1220 to 1295 AD. You cannot see the foundations of the village on the surface as the site was backfilled for the sake of protecting the cultural remains. However, you can see some excavated artifacts along with modern walls.
- Enjoy Picnics - There is a number of picnic areas in the park. Some are Pole Canyon Trailhead Picnic Area, which is located off Baker Creek Road, Lehman Caves Visitor Center Picnic Area, Mather Overlook, Upper Lehman Creek Campground, and The Bristlecone Trail Parking Area. Each of them has their own facilities like restrooms, water facilities, and telescopes to use and enjoy. Pack a picnic basket and enjoy a quiet but fun day with your family.
- Fishing and Gathering - You can enjoy fishing or pine nut gathering in the park. Both have some regulations. All Nevada State Fishing Regulations are applied here. A Nevada state fishing license is required, but the park doesn’t sell licenses. You can purchase it online at the Nevada Division of Wildlife website or print it out at the Border Inn, Hotel Nevada, or Sportsworld in Ely. Gathering pine nuts is allowed in fall only, to minimize the impact on the natural balance of the park.
Key Guidelines for Travelers in Great Basin National Park
- When to go - The Great Basin National Park is open round the year, but from November to May (during heavy snow season), the top eight miles (about 12.9 kilometers) of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed. Summer remains as the best time to visit since the weather is pleasant and you can make the best of your trip.
- Transportation - Great Basin National Park is situated in a remote place, far from all amenities and with limited services. No public transports are available here. It is best to take your own car or to rent one.
- Lightning - Thunderstorms are common in the summer months, with frequent lightning. Move away from unprotected ridges and summits, and immediately begin descending to lower elevations for safety if you see clouds condensing during your hike.
- Be Cautious of Talus Slopes - Talus slopes are common above the tree-line. Be cautious while hiking in areas such as the Wheeler Peak, Bristlecone Pine, and Glacier Cirque trails. Wear proper footwear that provides ankle support and protects against sharp rocks. Beware of rocks that seem unstable.
- Book A Travel Insurance Plan - As soon as you reserve your tickets, book a visitors medical insurance plan or a trip cancellation insurance plan so that you can enjoy your trip without losing money because of emergencies.
Before You Travel to Great Basin National Park - Do This
Prepared for your trip to Great Basin National Park? Before you go, consider these suggestions.
- Before starting your journey, check the park's official website for alerts regarding weather and potential park closures.
- Do not enter tunnels. They may contain abandoned mines.