Great Basin National Park

[purplesage]

Having been mandated some down-time, I started revisiting photos and thought I would write up a weekend ride to Great Basin National Park.

Sta-bil oil, battery tender, 30's by day and teens at night. The riding season is over. I wasn't supposed to be just sitting at my desk today looking at motorcycle stuff, but I've been told to "take it easy" while waiting for some surgery. I'm pretty sure that means no snowboarding too

During this last riding season I have been experiencing pain in my lower abdomen that I kept subconsciously pushing away. It was especially noticeable during a fall ride on the Transcontinental Railroad Grade and a previous trip in central and southern Utah. Finally, I wasn't able to ignore it anymore and was informed a couple of days ago that I have a hernia rupture. I guess I'll consider myself lucky that I didn't have any "picking up the bike in the middle of nowhere" experiences on recent trips, that might have gone badly. Anyways, that's not why we're here, so enough whining and let's head west towards the Utah/Nevada border.

Located about 230 miles SW of Sandy, Utah, Great Basin National Park is one of the less visited National Parks

http://www.nps.gov/grba/index.htm

Located off the 6/50 highway and just west of the Utah border in Nevada, GBNP is often missed by tourists who are unaware of it's existence, or who consider it to far off the beaten path while looping through Parks like the more popular Canyonlands areas, Grand Canyon, Yellowstone/Teton, Yosemite, etc.

It is a fantastic area in Basin and Range country and in the park there are many attractions including hiking up 13063 ft. Wheeler Peak and taking a tour of the Lehman Caves.

Shunning the I-15 south, I take the 68 south/Redwood Road out of the south SLC valley. Riding the roller coaster road along the west side of Utah Lake with the Cedar Valley Lake Mountains on my right, I can hear through my helmet the repeated _crack_ of small arms fire. The foothills have become a practice firing range over the years, maybe partially due to development on the Wasatch Front causing the demise of outdoor rifle ranges.

A few pictures near Utah Lake









I hit the 6 at Elberta and head west towards the Tintic Mining District. Silver and gold have been pulled out of these hills since 1869, and while the major deposits have played-out, there is still some mining activity in the area. Downtown Eureka/Tintic







Immediately after passing through town (about 2 minutes) you see the Bullion Beck & Champion Mining Company Headframe





Grate over the opening



After Eureka the 6 takes a sharp turn S/SW towards Lynndyl and then Delta. Random scenery on side road just past Eureka





Old mine structure?



A few miles past Delta and just before Hinckley, I detour briefly south past the tiny town of Deseret to seldom visited Fort Deseret



What do you think, I'm guessing someone started with the .22 and moved to the shotgun. That's a pretty tough sign! But, after all, it is a fort



A good share of the original adobe structure is still intact







Here, in years past and before these irrigation ditches were cement, we would come to pick the freshest, best tasting asparagus imaginable by the shopping bag full



Reminiscing over with I get back on the 6 west. I take a break in some sparse shade on the way to Border



Wonder where this goes





Looking west. Wheeler Peak in background



Border. Gas, motel, restaurant and slots. There is gas available in Baker, Nevada, but it costs more. Still good to know though, as it is a 24 hour cardlock



A few miles further down the (now) 6/50, I take a back road SW to Baker



In Baker, I get a room at the Silver Jack Motel. After some dinner and a few exports from the fine selection, I hang-out with my only motel neighbors, three guys from England and Australia. We had a good time and went for a late night walk towards Garrison, walking down the middle of the 21.

Eventually I turn-in, anticipating touring the park tomorrow.

In the morning I arrange to keep the room another night. I leave most of my gear behind except tools, water bottles and some snacks and head south on highway 21 towards Garrison. The 21 is a very remote paved road, even for Utah, and goes south then west to Milford, Utah. On a different ride along this road, I visited the Frisco ghost town site in the San Francisco Mountains: a large, remarkable site almost on the scale of Bodie though not in the same state of preservation. I pass through Garrison (love the color of the road)



and go a little further to Pruess Lake



Just past the lake I reach my goal of Lexington Arch Road







It is about 12 miles of dirt heading into the mountains and it feels fairly remote. I motor nonstop to the parking lot where the hike for the arch begins. I take several pictures before heading down. I feel bad, but I don't do the hike to the arch. The usual dilemma. I don't want to do a hot, high altitude hike in my riding gear and I am not comfortable leaving it behind without any lockable baggage





Fine, I brought my bear traps for nothing







Do you like pesto? You could grow your own basil in the summer and then gather the pine nuts yourself. 25 lbs ought to do it





Looking back the way I came, about to head back down. Were you chiding me for not taking any pictures on the way up? You should 'cause I didn't!
But I try to make-up for it on the way down



Hmm, water on the road...



...ok, it's leaking from that cattle tank



Baby water crossing. The Tamarisk is loving it



Nice day, nice ride









I wonder what the story is behind this log cabin?



Just cruising





The only way to cross a state line







I get back on the 21 and head north. At Garrison, I take a quick run west on dirt Snake Creek Road. Then I go back to the 487 and head towards the main park area. I reach the park headquarters. I am too late to get a bite to eat at the small cafe, so I take a few pictures and head up Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive



There are lots of fruit trees and guests can pick what they can eat out of hand during the season. These apricot trees are over 100 years old and were probably planted by Absalom Lehman, who discovered Lehman Caves. I have been on the cave tour several times and it is a must do

http://www.nps.gov/grba/historycultu...-discovery.htm



Critters





This cabin was built in 1928 and was the original headquarters when the park was still "Lehman Caves National Monument"



Great stone architecture



I head up the road. On the Scenic Drive, there are Lower and Upper Lehman Creek and Wheeler Peak campgrounds. I have camped at all three over the years. Only the Lower CG is open all year. Some of the sites overlook the fantastic views of the House Range to the east







Part way up. It's hazy, but you can just see Notch Peak in the upper right, a major landmark in the House Range







First view of the Wheeler Peak Headwall. Pardon the poor quality and shooting into the sun



Close to the end of the drive there is an observation area being built with the same stonework as the headquarters





A few more shots of the NE facing headwall. That sheer face is about 2000 ft. and there is a glacial cirque at the bottom. While in high school I climbed to the summit with my Dad and a friend (the regular hiking trail, not the face!). Here is a link to some information about the hike

http://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisi...ler%20Peak.pdf







The road gains over 4000 ft. of elevation in about 12 miles. It tops out at over 10000 ft. According to the article below, for 4900 years the oldest known living tree, a Bristlecone Pine named "Prometheus," grew up here. The next oldest is 4600 years old in the White Mountains of California.
Unfortunately, a graduate student and the US Forest Service cut it down in 1964.
Anything for a dissertation I guess. I would have failed him and kicked him out of college
(sound of diploma being ripped "you won't be needing THIS anymore!")

http://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisi...cone-pines.htm



Some shots near the campground







Now early evening, I enjoy the ride back down the mountain. I see several groups of wild turkeys. Back in downtown Baker



Terry Marasco owns the "Silver Jack Inn and LectroLux Cafe." He offers clean, reasonable rooms and excellent food. I've stayed there several times over the years and highly recommend it

http://www.silverjackinn.com/home



This guy is watching over my bike so I am not worried



There is a beautiful art garden





I enjoy some delicious pasta



and relax on my patio area



I wander around and take a couple of shots in the fading light







In the morning I enjoy some excellent coffee and eggs and then I pack up. On the back road from Baker to Border I visit the Baker Archeological Site

http://www.nps.gov/grba/historycultu...gical-site.htm









Back on the 6/50 east, I get a different perspective as I approach the House Range. Remember Notch Peak?





House range to NW.





Road east running past foot of the range



Intersection where Painter Springs Road goes into the House Range. Plenty of dual-sport adventuring and exploring available in there







In background, dry Sevier Lake. which along with Utah Lake and the Great Salt Lake are the largest remnants of prehistoric Lake Bonneville. In the 80's, snow melt and runoff from the Sevier River caused it to temporarily be Utah's second biggest lake



Interesting cloud formations



Back in Eureka/Tintic area I take a last break in the hills above town before arriving home. What is this, a miniature Widowmaker?



Pretty colors



That's all, it's a hop and a skip home. Thanks for tagging along!



TransCon RR east

Transcontinental Railroad Grade west-Pony Express Trail east

San Rafael Swell-Waterpocket Fold-Burr Trail

High Uintas Wilderness

Dinosaur National Monument-Echo Park

Pony Express Trail Video

Dalton Highway Video

[Wolfgang55]

Wish I had been there w/ you.

You did good.

[Pitster]

I love the west desert, good stuff!!

[rschopp]

Good luck on your surgery and hope you are on the trails soon. Another great write up. The doctor recommends that you also do a write up on the Ely, NV area

[Gunner45]

Great RR as allways Sage!

Nothing better than a few days off, a KLR and western Utah!

Good luck, we all hope you get feeling better.

Gunner45

[roarin calhoun]

Thanks. Interesting. Love that country. Headed there next year. Do the Pony Express thing too. Probably use your stuff for planning. I've been there but not NEARLY enough. Love that SPACE.

[purplesage]

Wolfgang55, Pitster, rschopp, Gunner45, roarin calhoun, thanks very much.


I just can’t get enough of the West Desert and Great Basin area’s combination of incredible riding, diverse scenery, geology, history, lack of traffic and remoteness factor. It’s a harsh environment, but there is a certain beauty in that harshness. It has played such a large role in preventing growth and allowing us to see a part of the land mostly unchanged except for by natural forces.


This coming season I am planning on finally getting a GPS. I have been planning/loosely routing a sort of loop passing through part of the Great Basin. Roughly, from SLC area clockwise and sticking to dirt as much as possible: west on Pony Express; south through House Range; west through GBNP area into Nevada; west through Schell Creek Range/Ely area/maybe White Pine Mountains; north and through the Ruby Mountains; then from Wells, NV area east to Lucin, UT and then finish with the TransCon RR and back roads south from Brigham City back to SLC area. Maybe 4-5 days?


Thanks for the well wishes, if the procedure is routine, I should be back in the game soon.

[Pitster]

Originally Posted by purplesage

Wolfgang55, Pitster, rschopp, Gunner45, roarin calhoun, thanks very much.


I just can’t get enough of the West Desert and Great Basin area’s combination of incredible riding, diverse scenery, geology, history, lack of traffic and remoteness factor. It’s a harsh environment, but there is a certain beauty in that harshness. It has played such a large role in preventing growth and allowing us to see a part of the land mostly unchanged except for by natural forces.


This coming season I am planning on finally getting a GPS. I have been planning/loosely routing a sort of loop passing through part of the Great Basin. Roughly, from SLC area clockwise and sticking to dirt as much as possible: west on Pony Express; south through House Range; west through GBNP area into Nevada; west through Schell Creek Range/Ely area/maybe White Pine Mountains; north and through the Ruby Mountains; then from Wells, NV area east to Lucin, UT and then finish with the TransCon RR and back roads south from Brigham City back to SLC area. Maybe 4-5 days?


Thanks for the well wishes, if the procedure is routine, I should be back in the game soon.

Sounds like a great route, have you figured the mileage and gas stops? Some of those western desert areas don't offer much for fuel.

[dutchjohn]

Originally Posted by purplesage

Wolfgang55, Pitster, rschopp, Gunner45, roarin calhoun, thanks very much.


I just can’t get enough of the West Desert and Great Basin area’s combination of incredible riding, diverse scenery, geology, history, lack of traffic and remoteness factor. It’s a harsh environment, but there is a certain beauty in that harshness. It has played such a large role in preventing growth and allowing us to see a part of the land mostly unchanged except for by natural forces.


This coming season I am planning on finally getting a GPS. I have been planning/loosely routing a sort of loop passing through part of the Great Basin. Roughly, from SLC area clockwise and sticking to dirt as much as possible: west on Pony Express; south through House Range; west through GBNP area into Nevada; west through Schell Creek Range/Ely area/maybe White Pine Mountains; north and through the Ruby Mountains; then from Wells, NV area east to Lucin, UT and then finish with the TransCon RR and back roads south from Brigham City back to SLC area. Maybe 4-5 days?


Thanks for the well wishes, if the procedure is routine, I should be back in the game soon.

I hope all go's well with your visit to the doctor! but I think in wells we should head further north to jarbidge and up to murphy hot springs and then over to luci LOL what kinda gps you going for? take care, heal fast! dutchjohn

[roarin calhoun]

Originally Posted by purplesage

Wolfgang55, Pitster, rschopp, Gunner45, roarin calhoun, thanks very much.


I just can’t get enough of the West Desert and Great Basin area’s combination of incredible riding, diverse scenery, geology, history, lack of traffic and remoteness factor. It’s a harsh environment, but there is a certain beauty in that harshness. It has played such a large role in preventing growth and allowing us to see a part of the land mostly unchanged except for by natural forces.


This coming season I am planning on finally getting a GPS. I have been planning/loosely routing a sort of loop passing through part of the Great Basin. Roughly, from SLC area clockwise and sticking to dirt as much as possible: west on Pony Express; south through House Range; west through GBNP area into Nevada; west through Schell Creek Range/Ely area/maybe White Pine Mountains; north and through the Ruby Mountains; then from Wells, NV area east to Lucin, UT and then finish with the TransCon RR and back roads south from Brigham City back to SLC area. Maybe 4-5 days?


Thanks for the well wishes, if the procedure is routine, I should be back in the game soon.

You're right. That's one of the dwindling areas that hasn't been over run with "growth" . Still much as it's always been. Finding places like that is why I dual sport ride. As remnant nature gets evermore 'remnant", it just makes riding what's left that more valuable & appreciated. That ride you are planning sounds GREAT. When is that Wheeler Peak area open in spring--backroads & stuff? Think I'll head down there early as possible. Thanks. Am sitting up here in snow,not enough to ski. Your report's making me drool.love it.

[quota]

Great stuff. I've been everywhere that you posted a photo of, except for the road to Lexington Arch. Great Basin NP is my favorite park. Probably because of the lack of people. Great spring skiing/snowboarding there as well.

Terry at the SilverJack is an excellent host. Every May, I go to the Italian motorcycle get together that he hosts (plenty of other bikes there as well). Very unique place. Amazing selection of beverages for a place in a town of probably under 50 people.

Get better soon!

[scarysharkface]

Beautiful. I was *this close* in September but ran out of time to look around. Now I have an excuse to go back.

John

[purplesage]

Originally Posted by Pitster

Sounds like a great route, have you figured the mileage and gas stops? Some of those western desert areas don't offer much for fuel.

Hi Pitster, no, I still have my work cut out for me to figure out those aspects. You are right, gas stops are few and far between out there!

[purplesage]

Originally Posted by dutchjohn

I hope all go's well with your visit to the doctor! but I think in wells we should head further north to jarbidge and up to murphy hot springs and then over to luci LOL what kinda gps you going for? take care, heal fast! dutchjohn

Hey dutchjohn, sounds good! You got me looking at the map. That whole area looks awesome, Mountain City, Owyee, Jarbidge. I want to check it out!! I was checking-out the Etrex 20 as what seemed like a good value/starter gps. It seems to have all the latest main features including GPS and GLONASS reception, internal/external memory. I like that it has buttons instead of a touchscreen, though I'm not sure how the side-mounted buttons will workout. I am up for any suggestions as I am still on a learning curve when it comes to GPS. Thanks!

[purplesage]

Originally Posted by roarin calhoun

You're right. That's one of the dwindling areas that hasn't been over run with "growth" . Still much as it's always been. Finding places like that is why I dual sport ride. As remnant nature gets evermore 'remnant", it just makes riding what's left that more valuable & appreciated. That ride you are planning sounds GREAT. When is that Wheeler Peak area open in spring--backroads & stuff? Think I'll head down there early as possible. Thanks. Am sitting up here in snow,not enough to ski. Your report's making me drool.love it.

roarin calhoun, we are definitely fortunate to live so close to these places. I haven't done any early spring trips to the area by motorcycle, but I would imagine that generally you might start accessing the back roads by May/June unless there is a heavy snow year like last winter. I think there would be some water crossings to ford that early. Here is a link to the nps site and some info on the GBNP area seasons:

http://www.nps.gov/grba/planyourvisit/hours.htm

Definitely doesn't seem like a heavy snow winter so far! It is some consolation to me that I am not missing any powder right now since I can't go riding, but I wouldn't wish this on any one else, and besides, I want some base so that when I can go out later this season I'm not needing my rock board!

Thanks a lot and your enthusiasm is contagious!