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Great Basin National Park

© Kathleen M. Brune

Beauty that will hold you in awe: a place where you can put aside your everyday world, at least for a short time.

We all have favorite places to be--places that hold a piece of our spirit and keep us tied in some way to something greater than ourselves. The Great Basin National Park could easily be held in this esteem by any of its visitors. Among the many streams and lakes, the variety of forests and plants, and the limestone caverns, everyone is sure to find just the spot for getting away from it all.

So many people think of Nevada as barren desert land: the Great Basin is just one of those spots that will quickly dispel that idea. You may even find yourself overwhelmed with all that there is to do and see. Consider purchasing a National Parks annual pass, and visit often!

There are many activities that can be enjoyed here. Even if you’re just an amateur photographer, make sure to bring that camera, and lots of film. While hiking, you can enjoy bird watching, catching beautiful views or the variety of animals and plants. Other ways to occupy your time are biking, fishing, horseback riding, snowshoeing, camping, caving, and climbing. Learning about the area prior to your trip, however, could greatly enhance and even have you changing your thoughts about your vacation.

A great place to start making plans for your visit is on the web. You’ll find links that will take you to sites where you can learn about the environment, the plant and wildlife of the area, and where you’ll choose to stay. There are several campgrounds available, and there are areas that are considered wheelchair accessible.

The Great Outdoors Recreation Pages offers pretty extensive information on fishing, biking, hiking—even on 4-wheel driving. If you’re into fishing, the fact that there are five different species of trout should grab your attention. So, find out where they are located and gather your gear.

Another great site to check out offers an Educator’s Pre-Visit Packet. While geared toward helping teachers provide an educational experience for their students on field trips, there is a wealth of information here for everyone. This would also offer great ideas for families vacationing together. Consider making a family travel journal, allowing each member to write his or her daily experiences. Keep room for plenty of photos! It would also be a great idea to print out the packet for its usefulness as a reference during your trip: it includes rules and regulations for the different areas within the park, and tips and information that will make your stay more enjoyable and safe. In addition to the package, this site offers information on the biology, geology, history and culture of the area. There is also much to learn about the wildlife you’ll find at the park.