Current Projects

 

Infrastructure Projects at Great Basin National Park, 2024.

NPS

Rehabilitate Deteriorated Wastewater Collection and Water Distribution Systems

This Great American Outdoors Act - Legacy Restoration Fund project will replace the aging sewer collection system and potable water distribution piping in the areas surrounding the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Current systems were installed in the 1960s and due to the system deteriorating it needs replacement.

Dates: Through Winter 2024

Status 7/16/2024: Temporary disruptions to Lehman Caves Visitor Center parking, access, and water systems, including restroom closures. These disruptions may affect cave tour schedules and visitor center hours. Weekly astronomy programs may be moved to the Great Basin Visitor Center during parking disruptions at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Check at a visitor center for updated schedules.

Alternatives: Visit the Great Basin Visitor Center in Baker to speak with a ranger if parking is limited at the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Rangers will be available every day to assist with trip planning, emergency reporting, and general park information. The WNPA Bookstore at the Great Basin Visitor Center also stocks all the same items for purchase as the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. Astronomy Programs will continue to be provided at regularly scheduled times at the Great Basin Visitor Center parking area,

Upgrade and Improve the Bristlecone Recreation Area and Trailhead System

A major renovation to the most heavily trafficked trailhead in the park includes replacement and expansion of asphalt parking lots, accessibility upgrades, crosswalks, a new picnic area, and improved signage.

Dates: Late July 2024 through Winter 2024.

Status 7/16/2024: The Bristlecone Trailhead and Wheeler Peak Campground will tentatively close in late July.

Alternatives: Parking will be available at the Summit Trailhead, located approximately 1 mile from the Bristlecone Trailhead. This will allow continued access to this popular area of the park, but parking will be limited so arrive early for best chances at a spot. Weather permitting, Wheeler Peak Campground will be open for first-come, first-serve camping prior to the beginning of this project. Hiking is also available throughout the park, so consider alternatives like those found on our Hiking pages. Want to see Bristlecone pines and ready for a bit of a challenge? You may continue to access the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone trailhead via the Lehman Creek Trail, or follow the Snake Divide route to the Magic Grove.

Refurbish and Improve the Lower Lehman Creek Campground

This project involves redevelopment and expansion of Lower Lehman Creek Campground from 11 to 20 sites, including accessibility upgrades, a host site, fee station and trailhead improvements, new waterlines, and an expanded entrance road. Three sites will be upgraded to accommodate those with accessibility needs.

Dates: After Memorial Day weekend through Winter 2024

Status 7/16/2024: Work underway on new roadway and campsites. Lower Lehman Creek Campground closed through fall 2024.

Alternatives: Camping will be available on a first-come, first-serve basis at Baker Creek and Upper Lehman Creek campgrounds throughout the summer for tents and RVs/trailers, and at Loop A of Grey Cliffs campground for tents only.

Pavement Preservation Project

This project includes a chip seal, micro surfacing, patching, crack sealing of all paved park roads and parking lots to improve the visitor experience, reduce maintenance costs, and extend the life of the existing pavement surface. Chip seals typically occur on 10 year cycles, with the Scenic Drive only undergoing two since its creation many decades ago.

Dates: Beginning week of July 8th through September 2024

Status 7/16/2024: Patching and crack sealing is ongoing on the park Entrance Road and Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. One-way traffic control is generally in effect, and visitors should expect up to a 30-minute delay. Upper Lehman Creek Campground's upper loop is closed for pothole repair; the Lehman Creek Trailhead is open.

Alternatives: The chip seal project mainly affects paved surfaces in the park. To avoid any delays or closure, head down one of the improved gravel roads in the park like Snake Creek Road or Strawberry Creek Road for a variety of hiking and learning opportunities.