I have fond memories of Great Basin National Park, Nevada’s only national park. There was the time I jumped up on the picnic table to get away from the skunk that wandered into our campsite. My brother called him Hunk the Skunk. Don’t worry, though. That was the only time I’ve ever seen a skunk here, so you probably won’t encounter one.
And hiking to the top of 13,065 feet Wheeler Peak also holds a special place in my memories.
One of my favorite times of year to visit Great Basin National Park is in the fall. As long as the weather cooperates (they close the road if it snows), driving up to the top of the road makes for a beautiful fall color drive as the aspens turn color.
Autumn color at Great Basin National Park, 9-21-26, Liz Woolsey, Stargazer Inn and Bristlecone General Store
Hiking in the cooler temperatures of fall, with the trees decked out in their colorful autumn attire, also makes it a peaceful time of year.
This year, I’m not able to make it to the park, at least not this early in the season. So I reached out to Liz Woolsey of Stargazer Inn and Bristlecone General Store for a fall color report.
Liz ventured up to the higher elevations of Great Basin National Park on September 21, 2026.
She reports that the color by Wheeler Peak Campground and Lehman Creek Trail are sending mixed messages.
She says, “The fall colors in our area are a mixed bag this year. Some have turned early and are already fallen. Some colors aren’t as vibrant as other years. But there are other groves that are brilliant!”
Last year, we posted that the color at the upper elevations peaked around September 17. It’s possible that’s what happened this year, but as you can see from Liz’s photos, there’s still plenty of fall color in the park, making it a worthy fall foliage destination.
The fall color at Great Basin National Park cascades down the mountain, from 10,000 feet to the town of Baker at 5,309 feet. That means if you missed it at the upper elevations there’s still more to come farther down the mountain.
If You’re Visiting. . .
If you’re planning on visiting Great Basin National Park, be sure to see if there are any rooms available at Stargazer Inn in Baker, the closest town to the park. It’s a clean and cozy hotel that’s conveniently located near the park.
We also love Bristlecone General Store. It has a good selection of organic food and beverages as well as unique souvenirs and gifts, some from local artisans.
Great Basin National Park Fall Color Report September 23, 2026
Upper Elevations of Great Basin National Park – A mix of peak and past peak. This is a Go Now spot.
Middle Elevations – Should have color over the next week to two weeks.
