Quick Stats
Creation Date
October 27, 1986
Time Zone
Pacific (GMT-7 Daylight, GMT-8 Standard)
Lowest Elevation
6,195 feet at Snake Creek
Highest Elevation
13,063 feet on Wheeler Peak
Lowest Average Temp
18°F in January
Record Low Temp
-26°F in 1989
Highest Average Temp
86°F in July
Record High Temp
108°F in 1981
Park Creation Timeline
1922
On January 24, 1922, the Lehman Caves area is first protected as Lehman Caves National Monument.
1986
On October 27, 1986, the monument is greatly expanded to include the surrounding mountains and redesignated Great Basin National Park.
Animals and Plants
Large mammals include mule deer, pronghorn, elk, bighorn sheep, mountain lions, coyotes, and bobcats. Smaller mammals include golden marmots, badgers, jackrabbits, and several varieties of bat.
The park has several types of snakes, including racer, night, gopher, and Western rattlesnake. There are many lizards as well, such as collared, desert horned, short horned, western fence, western skin, and the Great Basin whiptail.
The park has been named an Important Bird Area by the Audubon Society. The NPS has prepared a
detailed species list.
Plant life varies greatly by elevation. The lower elevations have Rocky Mountain and Utah juniper and pinyon pine. The higher elevations have a variety of fir, spruce, and pine. The highest dwelling trees are the rare and extremely long lived bristlecone pine.
Great Basin National Park
Info at (775) 234-7331
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