The GREAT Basin Desert (Las Vegas, Whitney: home, to live in, trains)

[WildWestDude]

Did ya know that the Great Basin is not only a geographical feature in North America but the LARGEST desert in the US?
Although its in high elevation, it receives very little rain which qualifies it as a desert.
Not ma ny people are aware of this in the american SW and certainly every Nevadan should.

Details:
Great Basin Desert - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by WildWestDude

Did ya know that the Great Basin is not only a geographical feature in North America but the LARGEST desert in the US?
Although its in high elevation, it receives very little rain which qualifies it as a desert.
Not ma ny people are aware of this in the american SW and certainly every Nevadan should.

Details:
Great Basin Desert - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

There are a lot of new people in Nevada that don't know much about anything outside of their own areas. But even though I never expect the people here in the Las Vegas area to know about such things, I am constantly surprised when I talk to so many that do. It would be interesting to know how many Nevadans have been to Great Basin National Park.

[MrWillys]

I have not been east of 95 in a vehicle since I was 8 years old. I'm looking forward to heading out there once I get my home squared away. Thanks for the link, and I did know Wheeler peak is the highest all within Nevada.

[wpme]

I live in the Great Basin, and its beautiful. Anyone that thinks Nevada is all desert has clearly never been to the north east part of the state. I can pull out of my driveway and be in an aspen forest next to a mountain stream in about 30 minutes

[Buzz123]

Originally Posted by wpme

I live in the Great Basin, and its beautiful. Anyone that thinks Nevada is all desert has clearly never been to the north east part of the state. I can pull out of my driveway and be in an aspen forest next to a mountain stream in about 30 minutes

I can to, and I live in Las Vegas. But I know what you mean and envy you that much. Sometimes I wish I didn't need to live in the city. We have hiked GBNP four or five times, and did Wheeler Peak twice. Best kept secret in the state.

[swagger]

Originally Posted by Buzz123

It would be interesting to know how many Nevadans have been to Great Basin National Park.

*raises hand*

GBNP has the darkest skies of all the national parks. They hold an astronomy event ("star party") there every June.

[Buzz123]

[quote=swagger;31334136]*raises hand*

GBNP has the darkest skies of all the national parks. They hold an astronomy event ("star party") there every June.[/QUOTE

Yes. I like sleeping under the stars up there. Have been wanting to go to that event, but I have to avoid high altitudes now that I'm getting decrepit. Was hoping to be like the late Dr. Watkins who I believe was in his 90s when he finally made it up Mt. Whitney. His goal was to climb all the highest peaks in the U.S., and I think he just about made it.

[WildWestDude]

lots of variations can be found in this desert:

https://www.google.com/search?q=grea...w=1517&bih=666

[Tiger108]

GBNP is awesome. Lehman Caves, and the ancient Bristlecone Pines. I read that the very oldest Bristlecone Pine was in GBNP, but its age wasn't known until it was cut down (now the oldest one is in the White Mountains of eastern California). Nearby Ely has some nice historic trains you can ride for several miles.

[WildWestDude]

This picture is from the Great Basin Natl. Park with Wheeler Peak and its small cloud in the back. Very much enjoyed that hike but man, the weather turned really fast on us. Clouds came around on top in less than ten minutes followed by storms!