Great Basin National Park, United States

For an immersive stargazing experience, venture into the scenic Great Basin region between the Sierra Nevada and Wasatch Mountains. Located roughly halfway between Las Vegas and Salt Lake City, the Great Basin National Park spans 31,230 hectares (77,180 acres).

Being situated in a sparsely populated region, the park benefits from the natural basin-and-range topography of the Great Basin, which helps shield it from light pollution from distant cities. This unique feature makes Great Basin National Park an exceptional dark-sky area. Therefore the park has been designated as Dark Sky Park since 2016.

Seekers of celestial wonders can bring their own equipment and stargaze from popular viewpoints like Mather Overlook and the Baker Archaeological Site. The National Park Service recommends bringing a pair of binoculars, a red flashlight, and a star chart for optimal viewing. Alternatively, visitors can take part in the park's astronomy programs, which are typically held on nights from May through October.

Get further information on their website.

Address

Lehman Caves Visitor Center, Nevada 488, Baker 89311, United States

Weather

The weather at Great Basin can be unpredictable, with rapid changes and frequent occurrences of thunderstorms and rain. It is advisable to stay prepared by checking the forecast before your visit.

Furthermore, weather patterns within the park exhibit noticeable variations based on elevation. During late spring and early summer, the valley experiences hot days, while higher elevations may still retain snowpack. As part of the Great Basin, the region embodies a desert climate characterized by low relative humidity and significant temperature drops at night. The summer season brings frequent and intense afternoon thunderstorms. Additionally, snowfall is possible at higher elevations throughout the year.

BAKER WEATHER