Why Alex Honnold Loves Great Basin National Park

Thanks to its remote setting, Great Basin National Park is one of the least crowded national parks in the country. To Alex Honnold, that’s a good thing. It’s just an extra reason to explore its remote wilderness, colossal peaks, and glacially carved terrain. In Episode 4 of his five-part travel series “Get a Little Out There with Alex Honnold,” the renowned climber explores this hidden Nevada gem, summiting Wheeler Peak, gazing up at impossibly dark skies, and exploring some surprisingly sweet mountain bike trails in the area. Follow in his footsteps (and tire tracks) with our insider travel guide.

Wheeler Peak

Wheeler Peak is a constant presence in Great Basin National Park, towering above wide valleys, sprawling caves, and ancient trees. To reach the 13,063-foot summit—Nevada’s second-ranking peak in both height and prominence—you’ll climb roughly 3,000 feet in a little more than 4 miles. On a clear day, 100-mile views are waiting at the top. Bonus: The vista includes Nevada’s only glacier.

Stargazing in Great Basin National Park

Recognized as an International Dark Sky Park, Great Basin National Park features some of the darkest skies in the country. Thanks to the park’s low humidity, high elevation, and minimal light pollution., there are truly no bad spots to take in the celestial show. Join a free ranger-led astronomy program every Thursday-Sunday in the summer months, when the Milky Way is clearest or attend the Great Basin Astronomy Festival in September.

Bristlecone General Store

If they don’t have it at the Bristlecone General Store in Baker, you don’t need it. Part grocer, part bookstore, and part community gathering place, this store just outside of Great Basin has it all. You’ll find everything from outdoor gear to locally made art and all kinds of monthly events, like full moon hikes and farmers markets. Plan your park-side stay at the adjacent Stargazer Inn, and be sure to greet all four shop cats.

Mountain Biking at Ward Mountain Recreation Area

Ward Mountain is a typical Nevada adventure destination—easy to miss but, for those who visit, hard to forget. This system of mostly beginner and intermediate singletrack offers a big-mountain feel with accessible riding. The trails wind all the way into the town of Ely, which hosts Fears, Tears, and Beers, the longest-running enduro race in the country.

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