The Great Basin National Park Adventure

By JT Reynolds

Many citizens, especially inner-city youth of Nevada, do not know that their state has a great adventure, a natural wonder, a National Park Service “Crown Jewel” waiting to be discovered. Great Basin National Park is that adventure, centered in the state of Nevada, about 5 hours north of Las Vegas. The park allows visitors to experience high deserts, mountain lakes, valleys, and unobstructed vistas. At night the park shares telescopes for viewing a truly dark sky, offering brilliant views of planets, constellations, and the Milky Way. Visitors also experience the underground world of Lehman Cave. This underground cavern is a beautifully decorated geologic wonder that weaves through passages that began developing 515 million years ago.

Our July 2024 adventure included a hike to high mountain lakes (Stella and Teresa) nestled at the base of a mountain range that includes Wheeler Peak. The students and adults enjoyed the scenery, and experienced the natural quiet, and little “begger” ground squirrels. As the trail meandered through pinyon-juniper woodlands to higher stands of ponderosa pine and Douglas fir, with scenes of high U-shaped slopes and sharpened peaks scraped by glaciers. Upon reaching our lake destinations, the excited trail hikers dropped their packs, discarded their shoes and socks, and waded in the cold water near the shore. Some just sat on rocks with their feet in the water and gazed at the scenery, while others sat, gathered their thoughts and shared their feelings about their accomplishment of completing the hike to the lakes. Thoughts ranged from “a physical exercise accomplishment”, of “never seeing mountains with remnants of snow”, to a “spiritual experience".

Upon our arrival from Las Vegas to our campsite at Grey Cliffs campground, a rain shower greeted us with a fresh smell of the desert vegetation that intrigued first time campers. Instead of taking cover, we sat in the rain and discussed logistics, “leave no trace” concepts, and divided the group into teams to ensure we all had chores “for the good of the team”. Once the shower passed, we located sites for pitching tents and setting up the kitchen to prepare a great evening meal.

The Lehman Caves tour led by Ranger Olivia Ford was a first for many. The cave visit allowed our participants to view the marvels of nature, minerals, and water- as some described, “build an underground cathedral”. Many pictures were taken, knowledge was shared, new feelings were experienced, and some even experienced claustrophobia, sharing how unsure they would have lasted if the tour was longer. Therefore, Ranger Olivia planned the tour, just right.

Another ranger shared quite a bit of information about the mountain lions in the park. During her program she got the audience involved in a very effective style, by allowing us to touch and examine a mountain lion skull and hide. This discussion shattered myths many had about these important animals that live in Great Basin National Park and elsewhere. Following our program, darkness began to expose the night sky. This too allowed many first-timers to see “so many stars” and experience a true dark sky, exposing constellations, the Milky Way, and clear views of planets.

Before the Great Basin Adventure, the Great Basin National Park Foundation provided funds for planning adventures in the Las Vegas area that afforded us the opportunity to meet the parents of students involved with the Quiet Storm Foundation. Once the parents realized we were a group of adults interested in providing youth with a “Lifetime Adventure,” to Great Basin National Park, they agreed to support their children’s participation. Several of the parents joined us as chaperones. We supported activities by providing rental vehicles, snacks, and tickets for entry to the Mandalay Bay Aquarium, and local museums. I also participated in some of the Quiet Storm Foundation’s “Out of School” activities to establish relationships with parents and students. Building this type of trust was really important for our success.

Overall, one might say this adventure changed many lives, enlisting future stewards of our planet that includes natural areas. The adventure also helped all to understand the National Park Service mandate of protecting and conserving these areas for future generations, and how important it is for human survival.

So again, Great Basin National Park Foundation, you have allowed another group of inner-city folks to have a “Lifetime Adventure!”