| Snake Range & Great Basin National Park Area |
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| Snake Range & Great Basin National Park   | 
| Page Type: Area Location: Nevada, United States, North America Lat/Lon: 38.98626°N / 114.31238°W | Page By: Cedar Created/Edited: Jan 31, 2010 / Jun 7, 2010 Object ID: 274760 Hits: 185 Loading... Page Score: 88.11% - 5 Votes Loading... Vote: Log in to vote |
OverviewThe Snake Range is the highest mountain range completely in Nevada topping out at 13,063' on Wheeler Peak. While it's hiking and climbing opportunities by far overshadow its biking potential, there is more than plenty to do on your 2 wheels.
The centerpiece of the Snake Range is the Great Basin National Park. This large piece of mountainous land was set aside to protect the Bristlecone Pines some of which are over 4000 years old. Unfortunately, as with all national parks however, this restricts bikes to park roads. Luckily though, that still leaves a large array of options as the park is only so big.Getting There  View along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive heading up.
The closest major cities to the Snake Range are Las Vegas and Salt Lake City. Both are close to about 200 miles away.
From Las Vegas
Head north on Interstate 15 to the Great Basin Highway (US-93) and head north (left) for Caliente/Ely/Great Basin National Park (on the signs) through wide-open desert. Continue a long way (around 150 miles?) north passing by the junction with Nevada 375/318 (Extraterrestrial Highway -- Area 51 is about 30 miles west of here if you're brave enough to venture in!) where the road heads up into the mountains for the first time (up to 6000'). Keep going on US-93 as it passes through Caliente, Pioche and then rural farmland (it's no longer wide-open desert!).
For Mount Washington, turn right on South Highland Road immediately after passing through a gap between the mountains and the Snake Range becomes fully visible. Continue to NV-894 and turn left past Shoshone. Turn right when the road curves left to the beginning of the road.
Otherwise, continue north to US-50 and turn right to Sacramento Pass.
From Salt Lake City
Start off heading south on Interstate 15 to the town of Nephi and Utah 132. Head west on Utah 132 to Lynndyl and keep left (west) onto US-6. Continue south to US-50 ("Loneliest Highway in America") in Delta and turn right (west). Continue west past the Utah-Nevada border to Sacramento Pass.
Alternatively, for Lexington Creek and its network of roads, turn left before reaching the border on Utah 159 to Garrison and continue south. Turn right on a dirt road before reaching Pruess Lake. Head off west as you please (keeping on the roads).
To Great Basin Lehman Caves Visitor Center
From Sacramento Pass, head east to Nevada 487 and turn right. Continue to the "town" of Baker (it's not really much of a town though it's bigger than Garrison) and turn right on Nevada 488 which heads up to the visitor center. The visitor center is a good place to park if you're planning to bike up the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.Places to Go  Leaving the Lexington Creek area.
The Snake Range is a big place. This section breaks it up into more manageable regions.
Sacramento Pass Recreation Area
This are is where you will find the only singletrack (that I know of) in these mountains along with mamy old logging roads which are now open to bikes. The land is managed by the BLM and is a multi-use area meaning dogs and horses are allowed. Area is closed in winter. Found just south of US-50/6 at Sacramento Pass.
Lexington Creek
This area is managed by the BLM. It's a starting point for backpackers into the southern part of Great Basin National Park. A main road, Lexington Creek Road, breaks up into a north and south fork heading west. The North Fork Lexington Creek Road sees less visitation and is longer and somewhat more "interesting" than the south fork where visitors to Lexington Arch go. If time allows, head the arch. It is a remarkable one very different from what you find in Utah.
Mount Washington
This is the only "real" mountain you are allowed to summit with a bike. A dirt road leads to the top where a grove of Bristlecone pine grows. The land was purchased by the Long Now Foundation for the site of the Clock of the Long Now which is suppose to be a clock which will run after mankind goes. Keep the bike on the road as the actual summit along with the grove is on NPS land. The road doesn't actually show up on Park Service maps since they probably aren't exactly trying to make the place popular. The summit is 11,678' above sea level.
Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
This is a paved road inside the park that climbs 3000' from the Lehman Caves Visitor Center to Wheeler Peak Campground. This isn't exactly a wilderness experience but the views and downhill return makes it worthwhile.External LinksGreat Basin National Park: Official NPS website
Humboldt-Toiyabe National Forest: The national forest which surrounds the park Images |
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