You always hear about “the most popular national parks” all over social media – the Smokies, Yosemite, Zion, so forth – and all of the beautiful sights and wonders that they have to offer. And rightfully so! These parks are packed with natural wonders that keep bringing millions of people back to these parks, year after year.
But what about the most underrated parks – the ones that barely get visited but have so much to offer?
Well, here’s our hot take on the most underrated park: Great Basin National Park. The only National Park located in all of Nevada, Great Basin is a really cool place that shouldn’t be overlooked. It sits on the eastern side of Nevada near the Utah border and can be a little difficult to get to, but it’s definitely worth the trek and travel time.
Last year in 2023, only 147,000 people visited the park. Since the park’s opening in 1919, there have been a total of 4.7 million visitors; that’s how many people went to the Grand Canyon in 2023 alone!
Here’s some reasons why to visit Great Basin:
- Lehman Caves
- Lehman Caves started off as a National Monument before joining and becoming a National Park in 1986. There are ranger-guided tours available during the winter and summer, and it’s the only way you’re able to go see the caves. They highly recommend to book ahead to ensure a spot. Walk-ups are available based on availability and are not guaranteed. Plan ahead accordingly!
- The cave tour is really enchanting, and looking at all of the incredible formations naturally made by the stalagmites and stalactites is really fascinating. (Fun Fact: a lot of formations are named after food!)
- Dark Sky Park
- Great Basin is designated as a dark sky park, which means it has some of the darkest night skies in the country; as a matter of fact, it’s one of THE darkest spots in the lower 48 states. There are no city or industrial lights within 70 miles of the park, giving you the perfect destination for stargazing up at the Milky Way.
- If you’re planning to go in September, they will be throwing an Astronomy Festival from September 5th to 7th. They’ll have ranger talks, telescope viewings, and tours of the only observatory in any U.S. National Park.
- Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive
- The scenic drive is a great way to get out and see a lot of what the park has to offer. It’s 12 miles long and takes you 10,000 feet above sea level. There are lots of pullouts along they way for photo opportunities or to just stop & take in the sights.
- If you’re interested in making it a full auto tour, you can download the NPS App and listen to the self-guided Auto Tour.
This park has a LOT to offer for visitors past these three options. It’s got something for everyone! We are so happy we got the chance to visit it and always recommend it to others when they’re wanting to visit a park that’s a little less crowded and less popular than others.
Let us know what other underrated National Parks you guys love and tell us why we should visit there next!
Safe Travels!