(Baker NV)
Great Basin National Park sets in the Snake Mountain Range, on the east edge of Nevada, near the border with Utah. Snow covered Wheeler Peak, at 13,063 ft, stood above with the promise of seeing bristlecone pines.
Wheeler Peak at Great Basin National Park
A paved road went up to the Mather overlook with views of the snow capped mountains and of Snake Valley to the east. At 9,181 ft there was still another thousand feet or more to climb to the end of the road. Trails up there were not yet accessible due to the snow pack, including to the bristlecone pines grove.
Distant Snake Valley looking toward Utah
Mount Moriah Wilderness
Heading back down, the Mount Moriah Wilderness was visible to the north. Lehman Creek flowed next to a campground with a trail nearby going up toward Wheeler Peak. But, I was only interested in the cascading stream. I walked along it for a ways, in the cool mountain air, and got some photos.
Cascades on Lehman Creek
Grey Cliffs rock formation
On another road in the park, a sign warned of “Marmot Crossing”; and two ran across just afterward. The Grey Cliffs were impressive and rose above a creek. A picnic area below the cliffs had a trailhead for two tracks; one of which met-up with the trail that I would take later.
Grey Cliffs wall
Baker Creek
I hiked the Baker Creek trail that more or less followed the stream and steadily went up hill. It passed through a clearing with wildflowers and an aspen tree grove. The path was supposed to meet-up with Baker Lake trail which would loop back to the parking lot. But, I never did find the cut-over. When it began raining, and the trail was still going up, I turned around.
Aspen grove & wildflowers on trail
Tardis at Strawberry Creek camp
Through the Memorial Day holiday weekend I boondocked at a sweet spot next to some pine and birch trees with a view of Mount Moriah. It rained every day. When the sun finally appeared, I went to see the park.
Camp: Humboldt-Toiyabe NF – Strawberry Creek boondock
Scene: Mountains, cliffs, creeks, trees, wildflowers
Thanks for going to and photographing these wonderful places that us altitude challenged folks cannot ever go to.
My pleasure Barney. I really like the high places; so, I’m glad to not have the issues with elevation.
I also enjoy your photos and observations. It is a great resource for wannabe RV-ers. I can almost hear the water in your stream photos. Sweet.
Thank you for saying that about the photos Norman. That means I captured the moment. I hope those wanting to see such places will be encouraged to venture out.
Do you take any precautions in reaching high altitudes, such as going up slowly over the course of a couple of days?
Virtual hugs,
Judie
Well Judie, I don’t seem to be bothered by the high elevations; so, I’ve never thought about it. Of course I am seldom over 10,000 ft and perhaps that could be different. Traveling in the RV usually means a gradual ascent which may alleviate any issue. If you are bothered by altitude changes, then a slow pace might be helpful.