BRISTLECONE GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK SUMMER, 1990 INFORMATION ACTIVITIES

Welcome to Great Basin National Park

Welcome to Great Basin National Park; an area of surprising beauty and diver­ sity. As the nation's 49th national park, Great Basin enters a select corps of the finest and most valued portions of this nation's heritage which are protected as units of the National Park System. A concept which began with Yellowstone National Park in 1872 and has spread throughout the country and, indeed, around the globe, now has incorporated one of the most superlative examples of Great Basin geology, biologic diversity and scenic grandeur.

As you visit Great Basin National Park this season, we hope that you take ad­ vantage of the naturalist programs and activities which will provide a greater understanding of this special place. Join a ranger on a walk to an ancient grove of bristlecone pines, or attend an evening campfire program to learn more of the history, geology or wildlife of the park. Schedules and program descriptions are to be found elsewhere in this newspaper. We sincerely believe that a more com­ plete understanding of what you see here, will help to enhance your appre­ Park Drafts Management Plan ciation of the park. While Great Basin National Park is A General Management Plan (GMP) is Local issues, such as grazing, mining, the mailing list, for their further review new, and changes in facilities and opera­ being developed at Great Basin Na­ interpretive services, fishing and wild­ and comment. Responses regarding the tions will continue for many years, there tional Park which will guide the man­ life management, cave management and recommended directions to be taken is one constant trait which is already agement direction of the park for the special uses (i.e. snowmobiling, moun­ were then consolidated and analyzed. present. The sublime beauty of the area next 10 to 20 years. An opportunity for tain biking, hang gliding, etc.) will all is here for all to enjoy. Whether you view public participation and comment will be addressed in the General Manage­ The planning process is now approach­ the park while traveling in your family be available, shortly. Interested individ­ ment Plan, as they relate to Great Basin ing another major opportunity for pub­ car along the Wheeler Peak Scenic uals can add their names to the GMP National Park. Similarly, the potential lic involvement. The Draft General Drive, while walking one of the trails to mailing list at the park's visitor center need for new facilities, such as camp­ Management Plan, which will include an alpine lake, or while backpacking the information desk. They will, as a result, grounds, visitor centers, staff housing, the selection of a preferred alternative, is crest of the range, the scenic and natural receive GMP information and have the roads and trails, and their proposed scheduled for release in January, 1991- splendor will refresh and renew. Enjoy opportunity to respond to planning is­ locations, will be reviewed. Upon release, public comment will be your stay. sues and proposed management sought regarding all issues of concern. directions. The planning process began at Great Albert J. Hendricks Basin National Park shortly after its Any interested individuals who are un­ Superintendent establishment on October 27, 1986. able to sign up for the mailing list at the The management of a national park is a The effort is being guided by a team of visitor center, may do so by writing to complex task. On many issues, there are professional park planners from the Na­ the Superintendent, Great Basin Na­ management policies which have been tional Park Service's Denver Service tional Park, Baker, Nevada 89311, and established to guide the uniform direc­ Center. On site park staff also play a indicate their interest. A copy of the tion taken by all national parks across major role in creating the Plan, as do all Draft General Management Plan will be the nation. In other instances, local the members of the general public who mailed as soon as it becomes available. A issues and circumstances dictate the es­ wish to participate. public comment period will be open for tablishment of a local planning docu­ at least 30 days, following distribution ment to provide specific guidance. This To date, public scoping meetings have of the Draft GMP. document, the General Management been held to invite the identification of Plan, is designed to review both the issues which need to be addressed in the Public input is an important factor in facility needs of the park, as well as the Plan. Those issues identified were com­ determining the final management di­ management direction to be taken on a piled in an Alternatives Workbook, rection to be taken at Great Basin Na­ wide range of issues. which was distributed to everyone on tional Park. Exploring the Park

The Visitor Center is open 7:30 Cabin. The guide booklet ob­ If you plan to photograph Wheeler a.m. until 6 p.m. and is the best tained at the Visitor Center adds Peak and its close neighbor Jeff place to begin your visit to Great information on trees, flowers, ani­ Davis Peak, the early morning is Basin National Park. Here you can mals, geology and cave insights the best time to see the alpenglow get your tickets for one of the many found along the trail. contrasting with the snow covered daily tours through Lehman peaks and deep blue sky. Caves, view a movie or slide show Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive and obtain general information winds past the Lehman Creek Exploring the area of the six story and books that will aid you in the Campgrounds to the Wheeler Peak high Lexington Arch about 18 enjoyment of the park. Campground. There are a number miles south of the Visitor Center is of scenic view pull-offs along the an adventure. It includes driving Near the Visitor Center is a picnic way. The first turnoff is located at gravel roads and a 2 mile hike up area, the historical Rhodes Cabin the trailhead to remnants of the an obscure trail to this unusual and a short nature trail. The Oscola gold mining ditch. Stop at limestone feature. In the spring Mountain View Nature Trail is a the Serene and Peak Overlooks to you'll find many wildflowers half mile (3/4 km) self-guided loop get a better view of the surround­ blooming along the way. Check at that begins near the Rhodes ing valleys and Wheeler Peak. the Visitor Center for more de­ tailed directions. Naturalist Activities Cave Tours: -Hourly Tours, Monday-Friday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. -Every half hour, Saturday and Sunday, 8 A.M. to 5 P.M. -Candlelight Tours, 6 P.M. daily. -Spelunking Tours, Saturday and Sunday, 1:30 P.M. Reservations recommended.

Tour Fees Adults (Age 16 & older) $3.00 Children (Age 6 to 15) $2.00 Children (Age 5 & under) Free Holders of Golden Age Passports $1.50 Spelunking $6.00 Holidays Tours are offered on busy holiday weekends as frequently as possible. However, holiday weekend tours frequently sell out early in the day. Since tours are on a first-come, first-served basis, we encourage purchasing tickets as soon as possible upon your arrival.

Patio Talks: —Daily at 10:15 A.M. and 2:15 P.M. at Visitor Center patio. Conducted Walks: —Bristiecone Pine Walk: Four miles; four hour naturalist walk to the bristiecone pine grove. Meet at Wheeler Peak Campground trailhead. Daily at 1:30 P.M. June 10 through Labor Day. —Nature Walks: Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Monday at 3:30 P.M. Sunday at 10:00 A.M. Check at Visitor Center or on park bulletin boards for topic and location. Evening Campfire Programs: —Upper Lehman Creek and Wheeler Peak Campgrounds. Nightly at 8:30 P.M., June-July 13. Nightly at 8:00 P.M., July 14-Labor Day. Camping in Great Basin

If you are interested in staying overnight Pine Forest, and Stella and Teresa alongside a pleasant stream. There is a and Shoshone campgrounds. These in Great Basin National Park, there are Lakes. Upper and Lower Lehman nightly fee of $5.00 per campsite at the areas provide picnic tables, tent sites, several camping areas from which to Creek campgrounds (with pull- Lehman Creek Campgrounds where and pit toilets — there is no water choose. Wheeler Peak and Upper and through sites for small RV's and trailers) drinking water is available. Please re­ available at these sites. Lower Lehman Creek campgrounds and Baker Creek Campground are member that water from other park are developed sites, complete with rest- situated at more moderate elevations campgrounds should be boiled for at All park campgrounds are on a first- rooms, picnic tables, tent-pads and bar- least five minutes to ensure that it is come, first-serve basis — no advance beque pits. safe. reservations can be made. Please do not "save" or "reserve" campsites for friends Wheeler Peak Campground, situated Other undeveloped camping facilities and relatives who may be arriving at a at 9,950 feet, serves as a trailhead for within the park include Snake Creek later time. trips leading to the Wheeler Peak Summit, the Ancient Bristlecone

Campgrounds LOWER LEHMAN CREEK CAMPGROUND: 7,500 feet; eleven sites; water; pit toilets; 2M> miles from the Visitor Center. Open Year-Round.

UPPER LEHMAN CREEK CAMPGROUND: 7,800 feet; 24 sites; pit toilets; one handicapped site; group picnic site available by reservation; 3 miles from the Visitor Center. May 21—October 15.

BAKER CREEK CAMPGROUND: 8,000 feet; 20 sites; pit toilets; 3 miles from the Visitor Center. Approximate open dates: May 21-September 21.

WHEELER PEAK CAMPGROUND: 9,950 feet; 37 sites; water; pit toilets; 12 miles from the Visitor Center. June 7-October 15.

Important Information:

Plants and Animals — Please leave Snowmachines — Snowmobiles and plants and animals in their natural set­ other over-snow vehicles are not permit­ ting for others to enjoy. Picking wild- ted on or off-road in Great Basin Na­ flowers is not permitted. Do not tional Park. approach or feed wild animals. Many animals carry diseases and should never Water Warning — Mountain stream be touched or fed. Feeding, harming, or water is very tempting to drink but may killing wildlife is prohibited. carry organisms that cause intestinal infections such as giardia. These micro­ Pets — Pets must be on a leash and scopic organisms are transmitted into under physical control at all times. Pets the water systems by livestock, wildlife, are not permitted on trails, in the back- and humans. Water should be brought country, the Visitor Center, nor on to a boil for five minutes to kill harmful ranger-led activities. organisms prior to consumption. Back­ packers should bury human wastes at Fishing — A Nevada fishing license is least 100 feet from any water sources. required in Great Basin National Park.

Wood-Cutting — Campers are allowed beyond this point. The Lower Lehman to collect dead and down wood only. Creek Campground loop is plowed dur­ Persons with Forest Service and BLM ing the winter. wood-cutting permits should be aware of agency boundaries. Backcountry Registration — Visitors planning to spend time in the back- Winter Road Closures — Roads to country are urged to register at the Park Headquarters at Lehman Caves are Front Desk of the Visitor Center. The plowed during the winter months. The Backcountry Registration system is vol­ Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is plowed to untary but it is recommended visitors the parking lot at Upper Lehman Creek register for their safety. Campground. There is no snow removal "After Sunsef The Night Skies of

Glowing embers snap You si, by ,h, GrCat BaSitl NatiOtial Pa^ at your fingertips. Planispheres, as well campfire looking into dancing flames, as books on astronomy, are available in reliving the day's experiences. Perhaps the visitor center and Lehman Caves you were fascinated by the beautiful Cafe/Gift shop. formations decorating Lehman Caves, or the raw beauty of Wheeler Peak and Celestial suggestions: the tenacity of the ancient Bristlecone pines living on its flank. What a shame Our eyes are wonderful windows to the this day should end. As your eyes lift to pleasures of stargazing. Binoculars watch the flight of glowing sparks, you greatly enlarge this window, while var­ see among the rapidly dying points of ious apertures of telescopes can lead to light, other gleaming sparks . . .stars. discovering the deepest regions of space.

You stand, and turning away from the The moon, viewed through binoculars, fire's glare, you see stretching across the is always exciting. Study the terminator vault of the night sky, the luminous region on the moon, where day and glow of our galaxy, the Milky Way. In night merge. This is best seen during every direction the sky is ablaze with the moon's waxing or waning phases. stars of various brightness and subtle The terminator region is where shadows colored hues. Another marvel of Great create the greatest contrast between cra­ Basin National Park has revealed itself. ters and mountain ranges.

The area encompassing the park, as well Summer evenings are best for exploring as a great percentage of the Great Basin the Milky Way. As we look toward the proper, is a stargazers delight. With a plane of our galaxy, we begin to detect combination of unusually clear skies, families of stars, known as galactic clus­ cool dry air, minimal air turbulence, ters. Star colors are also observed. These and freedom from man-made light pol­ result from the various temperatures of lution, all these positive factors can the stars. The hottest stars being blue result only in a paradise for both the and white; the cooler stars yellow and casual night-sky observer as well as the orange-red. serious astronomer. The swift ones: In 1984, the Kitt Peak National Obser­ vatory in Tucson, Arizona, conducted a Only your eyes are necessary during the study which determined that of fifty-six late evening and early morning hours of mountain peaks located throughout five August tenth through the fourteenth. western states, Wheeler Peak offered the This is the time for the Perseid Meteor best site for viewing the night sky. Shower. Remnants of a comet, the Per- seids are among the finest of meteor Throughout the summer season Great displays. A clear, moonless night may Basin National Park offers evening cam­ produce as many as one hundred sight­ pfire programs pertaining to the enjoy­ ings per hour by you and friends as this ment and undetstanding of our starry swift visitor streaks through our sky. Free of the negative effects of auto, atmosphere. manufacturing, and light pollution, we only have to lift our eyes to the celestial Saturn: world overhead to be, once again, as children: full of wonder. Spending this summer in the Sagit­ tarius constellation, Saturn is the show­ Some helpful hints to better enjoy the piece of the solar system to several night sky: skygazers. A telescope of even modest size will reveal its beautiful ring system. A Planisphere . . . Your roadmap to the stars. A wonderfully simply device; gazer to "dial in" the sky as it appears on Names of constellations, stars, and tht Enjoy the wonders of Great Basin Na­ the planisphere allows the aspiring star- any given date and hour of the night. approximate location of the planets are tional Park. The sky's the limit.

Weather Warnings

A wide range of weather conditions may Mountain Sickness is a condition diately. Persons with heart conditions Avalanches are common at the higher be experienced during your visit to brought on by ascending to high eleva­ should avoid strenuous activity at elevations of the Snake Range during Great Basin National Park. Tempera­ tions too rapidly. Difficulty in breathing, higher elevations. the winter and spring months. Many ski tures of 90 degrees Fahrenheit ot more nausea, headache, and lethargy are symp­ trails cross avalanche paths and run­ are common during the summer months toms of a person experiencing mountain Hypothermia is always a potential dan­ outs. Skiers should be alert for avalanche at lower elevations. Cooler temperatures sickness. This condition is caused by a ger. It is a condition in which a person's hazards, carry proper equipment, and are common at higher elevations and lack of oxygen at higher elevations. A entire body temperature is lowered. It check with park rangers about current snowstorms are possible in the moun­ victim with mountain sickness could be can be avoided by wearing appropriate avalanche conditions. Winter moun­ tains any month of the year. in serious danger and the proper remedy clothing and being prepared for sudden taineers are urged to register at park is to descend to lower elevations imme­ changes in the weather. headquarters. Livestock in the Great Basin

by Dr. Rayjaindl Congress created Great Basin National Park to preserve a part of the Great As early as 1847, pioneers recognized Basin ecosystem for the benefit and in­ rhe porenrial opporruniries for livestock spiration of the people. Congress also production in the Great Basin. The div­ mandated that livestock grazing be al­ erse topography found here provides a lowed to continue in Great Basin Na­ unique situation. The desert valleys re­ tional Park. ceive relatively little snow allowing the grasses and shrubs to be used as forage to When visiting the park this summer, feed sheep and cattle during the winter. you may encounter a cow and a calf In the spring and early summer when grazing in a meadow, or a band of sheep the desert becomes hot and dry, the herded by a Basque shepherd. These livestock can follow the retreating animals continue to follow the pattern of snows into the mountains where the desert winter and mountain summer forage is lush and nutritious, the tem­ grazing that was established by the early peratures are cooler, and water is pioneers of the Great Basin. The sheep available. and cows you encounter generally be­ long to local ranches which were estab­ lished in the late 1800's. The forage on Our forefathers' philosophy that our Great Basin National Park provides an natural resources were unlimited re­ important part of the livestock food sulted in excessive use of the natural source integral to these local family resources found throughout the United ranches. States; this included the rangeland re­ source in the Great Basin province. By the early 1900's the effects of excessive Great Basin National Park has initiated use were observed through a decrease in a program of resource management native plants, an increase in weeds, and which is taking into consideration the an increase in erosion of the soil from historical influences as well as the influ­ overgrazed lands. In response to these can support has continued to decline, the range of pinyon and juniper trees ences of today — influences such as fire changes, livestock numbers decreased though cattle and sheep stocking rates that historically were limited to a suppression, visitor impacts, and live­ as landowners attempted to match graz­ are decreasing. This is a result of events smaller area. These trees compete with stock grazing. This program includes a ing to the forage the land could natu­ which occurred during the initial settle­ native grasses and flowers which used to study of grazing and the range resource. rally produce without ill effects. ment of the Great Basin. Excessive use occupy those areas. The resulting It will lead to a management strategy of forage, fire control, and the introduc­ change in vegetation has led to a loss of which will insure survival of that part of tion of weeds initiated major vegetation forage for wildlife and livestock, and an the Great Basin ecosystem found in The number of livestock which the land changes. This includes an expansion of increase in soil erosion. Great Basin National Park.

What is the Great Basin

"Surrounded by lofty mountains, contents basin," was the first document to ex­ almost unknown, but believed to be filled plain the Great Basin. Since Great Salt with rivers and lakes which have no commu­ Lake was not an arm of the Pacific nication with the sea, deserts and oases Ocean, the last hope for a passage to the which have never been explored . . . but in Pacific Ocean was gone. It was the end of America such things are new and strange, an exciting era of exploration that began unknown and unsuspected, and discredited with Columbus' discovery of the New when related." World. John C. Fremont We know today that the Great Basin is a Ever since Europeans arrived in the New vast geographic region that stretches World, expeditions searched for a pas­ from the Wasatch Mountains of Utah to sage to Asia. Stories told of a mythical the Sierra Nevada of California and from San Buenaventura River that provided the Idaho-Nevada border in the North an easy passageway through the moun­ to the Death Valley and Las Vegas region tains of the west to the Pacific Ocean. in the south. Water draining off the Adding credence to this tale was the more than two hundred mountain discovery of Great Salt Lake by fur trap­ ranges in the Great Basin does not flow per Jim Bridger. The salty lake, ex­ into the oceans. Instead it drains inland plorers reasoned, must be an arm of the to soak into the ground, evaporate into ocean. the atmosphere, or accumulate in land­ locked lakes. In the spring of 1827, Jedediah Smith led the first Euro-American party to To protect and interpret this area, Great traverse this American wilderness Basin National Park was created on Oc­ known as the Great Basin. The explorers tober 27, 1986. The park represents the headed south through Utah, passing by east across the Great Basin. Smith, de­ died in 1831 before he was able to de­ unique geology, flora, fauna, and his­ present day Zion National Park, to reach scribing his route across the Great Basin scribe and map the Great Basin. tory of the Great Basin. Modern trav­ southern California. After being de­ as "completely barren and destitute of Almost twenty years later, John C. Fre­ elers follow in the early explorers' tained in California by the Mexican game," was perhaps the first white man mont's expedition of 1843—44 criss­ footsteps as they discover the many se­ authorities, Smith and two of his men to fully understand this internally crossed the same area. His report, de­ crets in this land of "contents almost crossed the Sierra Nevada and travelled draining basin. Unfortunately, Smith scribing the province as "truly a great unknown." The Osceola Ditch Story

In 1872, prospectors James Matteson carry the water from six creeks on the and Frank Heck discovered gold three west side of the Snake Range to their miles northwest of what is today Great placer operations. It did not meet the Basin National Park. Over the next six company's needs, however, and on Sep­ years some 100 claims were staked in the tember 12, 1885 the White Pine News quartz veins of the new Osceola mining reported that the hydraulic mines were district. The production of the lodes, "running very slow at present on ac­ however, was not enough to operate the count of the scarcity of water — only mines at a profit. averaging about two hours per day."

In September 1889 construction began on a second, 18-mile ditch to collect water from Lehman Creek and its tribu­ taries on the east side of the mountain range. Water rights were purchased from Absalom Lehman, who had re­ cently discovered Lehman Caves. Sev­ eral hundred men using hand tools, wagons, horses and mules labored ten months to complete the ditch. Local sawmills produced lumber for 2.2 miles (3.5 kilometers) of wooden flumes, and mining activity at Osceola came to a the clearing at the end of the trail, as the the support beams for a tunnel 633 feet virtual standstill. ditch was built. (193 meters) long blasted through a ridge near Strawberry Creek. Mining has continued sporadically at Watch for the portions of the ditch Osceola over the past several decades. winding along the hillsides on your way In 1877 placer gold was discovered by The Osceola Ditch was completed on Production was renewed from 1936 to up the Scenic Drive. If you're especially John Versan, and mining began to flour­ July 4, 1890 at a cost of $108,223, an 1942, and again following World War adventuresome, drive up the Strawberry ish. Within two decades the town of expensive gamble in a business where II. Even today, numerous claims remain Creek road for another close-up look. Osceola grew to a population of more profitable yields wete not guaranteed. at the site, many of them re-working the Inquire at the visitor center about road than 1500 people and uncovered almost Indeed, gold production did not meet tailings left by priot mining efforts. All conditions. two million dollats worth of gold, in­ expectations. The gross yield of the Os­ told, Osceola has produced almost $314 cluding a nugget weighing 24 pounds, ceola Gravel Mining Company in 1890 million worth of gold. If your visit falls near the 4th of July, worth almost a quarter million dollars at was only $16,191, and in 1892 only take advantage of special programs of­ today's prices. Though unimaginable $20,223. Beginning in 1892 placer Portions of the Osceola Ditch remain fered by the Park Service to commemo­ wealth lay buried in the gravel of Dry mining was further hampered by water today, and may be seen at many places in rate the 100th anniversary of the Osceola Gulch, too little water still made large- shortages caused by mild, dry winters. the Park. Stop at the wayside exhibit Ditch's completion. Though only por­ scale operations impossible. Water theft, leaky wooden flumes, and halfway up the Wheeler Peak Scenic tions of the Ditch remain, it stands as a legal battles over water rights reduced Drive, and walk the Vs mile trail to a monument to the transient yet impor­ In 1884-85 the Osceola Gravel Mining the water supply even more. In 1901 the surviving remnant of the Ditch. Imag­ tant role mining played in the history of Company constructed a 16-mile ditch to Ditch was abandoned, and by 1905 ine the busy work camp once located in the Great Basin. Volunteers in Parks In 1970 the National Park Service en­ The Campground Host is a volunteer ute maps and brochutes, help visitots Gordon and LaRoyce Millward from acted the Volunteers in Parks (VIP) pro­ with a particular interest in meeting register and find campsites, provide St. George, Utah are the hosts at Leh­ gram. There are 101 different ways in and assisting park visitors. They are self- emergency assistance, and assist the man Creek Campground for the sum­ which volunteers are used within the sufficient and can contribute 40 hours of Patk staff. Hosts are provided a free mer months. LaRoyce is spending part NPS, here at Great Basin National Park their time to the park each week. They campsite, laundry facilities and receive of the summer working for one of the they ptimatily work as Campground are usually retired couples but individ­ a small reimbursement for out-of- local restaurants. Hosts. However, we have had volunteers uals, couples and families can provide pocket expenses. This year we are assist with mapping, photography, this valuable service. The primary du­ pleased to have Campgrounds Hosts for George and Frances Kelley from Boy- range management and archeology. ties are to provide information, distrib­ the entire summer season. nton Beach, Florida are the hosts at Wheeler Peak Campground for the summer. George is an active member of the Boynton Beach Rotary.

Charles and Edwina (Babe) Danzinger from Las Vegas, Nevada are the hosts at Baker Creek Campground. They are splitting the summer months with the Williams'. On their days off, you may find them heading up one of the many trails of the park.

L. W. and Mildred Williams from Ker- rville, Texas will be the hosts at Baker Creek Campground for the second half of the summer. They are looking for­ ward to having their son from Boise, Idaho visit and be able to view the Park from his plane. The Mystery of Bristlecone Pines

Windswept, twisted — the ancient It is thought that the dense, resinous bristlecone pines cling stubbornly to wood is resistant to attack by weather life. At treeline, in an environment of and disease. The trees do not succumb fierce winter storms and wind-driven as readily to the forces of destruction as ice, their scattered ranks include indi­ the lower-elevation forms and so they viduals that are among the oldest living persist for thousands of years. things known. It is also possible that the ancient bris­ We do not know why the Great Basin tlecones live for thousands of years be­ bristlecone pine (Pinus longaeva) lives cause of their adaprability to changing so long. By studying the treeline habi­ conditions. In dry years the living tissue tat of the oldest bristlecones we are able dies back to an amount that can be to offer two possible explanations. supported by the available moisture. In this way, the bristlecone pines survive Bristlecone pines are typically high- the driest years and continue to cling to elevation trees. The ancient ones are life for thousands of years. found at elevations of 9,500 to 11,000 feet. The species is not confined there, Wharever the reason for the exceptional however. Some grow considerably lower life span of these bristlecone pines, their in environments of relatively abundant persistence in the face of adversity make soil and moisture. These trees live in a them one of the most intriguing features less stressful environment. The growing of Great Basin National Park. The most season is longer and water is not a limit­ accessible stand is located in the ing factor. Strangely enough the trees Wheeler Peak cirque. To reach this that have a relatively easy life live only grove, drive to the end of the twelve three to four hundred years. Growth mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Park rings are more widely spaced and the in the hiker's parking lot. The trailhead wood is less resinous and dense than the is located at the entrance to the Wheeler treeline specimens. Peak Campground. Take the trail to the left, about three and a half miles round In contrast, higher elevation forms of trip. the bristlecone pine live for thousands of years in an environment where the Visit the ancient trees on your own or, growing season is barely long enough — join a ranger on a guided walk. Daily only three months or less of tempera­ ranger led hikes ro the bristlecone grove tures warm enough for the growth of are offered in rhe summer, from approx­ new foliage. Available water is limited, imately mid-June (when the trail be­ as moisture is frozen for three-quarters comes snow-free) to mid September. of the year and there is little soil to The Bristlecone Pine Hike meets at 1:30 absorb and hold water. The growth rings P.M., at the trailhead located at the end are incredibly fine, the wood extremely of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. dense, tough, and resinous.

Backcountry Ethics

Great Basin National Park offers a wide extra care with fire. Do not build a fire zone above treeline or in a bristlecone or bicycles are permitted in the range of exciting backpacking trips. above 10,000 feet elevation. Collect pine forest. Campsites should be at least backcountry. Spectacular peaks and picturesque al­ only dead and downed wood and do not 100 feet from any stream, lake or pine lakes and meadows await the back- collect bristlecone pine wood under any spring. Human waste should be buries These guidelines are established in order country traveler. In addition, many circumstances. When possible use exist­ safely away from water sources. Trash to protect the resources within the park trails are sparsely used offering solitude ing fire rings and do not leave any fire musr be packed out. from caused impacts. Low impact cam­ for those who desire. To preserve these unattended. The park urges the use of ping will provide future generarions the fine opportunities all backcountry backpack stoves instead of fires for back- Horses, llamas, and mules are allowed chance to experience the thrill of the campers must follow certain guidelines country cooking. in the backcountry. Manure piles should backcountry which we can enjoy today. for low impact camping. be scattered and animals tied to pickets Anyone who takes a backcountry trip Campsires should be selected with great or nightlines, not to vegetation. No pets will agree it is an experience worth First, stay on trails when possible. To care. Again, where possible, use a pre­ passing on. Remember 'take only pic­ disperse use in trailless areas, do not existing site. Do not camp in the alpine tures, leave only foorprints.' follow others' footprints. Second, take Visitor Services

THE BORDER INN Restaurant, bar, slors, gifts, gasoline, diesel, motel, showers. Open 24 hrs. Utah-Nev. stateline on Hwy. 6 & 50 (702) 234-7300.

GREAT BASIN GIFTS A shop full of handmade gifts by local artists. 104 Eureka Street, Baker, NV 89311. (702) 234-PARK "7275."

INDIAN ARTIFACT REPRODUCTIONS Contact Brian at the Round House. 234-7217.

LEHMAN CAVES GIFTS & CAFE Cafe, gifts. Park Headquarters. (702) 234-7221.

METALLIC ARTS Wood carving and metal sculpture. Rick Jordan. Downrown Baker. (702) 234-7240.

THE OUTLAW Restaurant, bar, slots, gifts. Downtown Baker. (702) 234-7302.

SILVER JACK MOTEL AND GIFT SHOP Motel and gift shop. Downtown Baker. (702) 234-7323.

STEADMAN'S BAKER SERVICE Camping, supplies, groceries, gasoline, beer/wine, ice, monor auto repairs, and auto parts. Downtown Baker. (702) 234-7264.

THE WOOD WIZARD Western-style chain saw art and sculpture by Altheus, also known as Patrick Garrett. Located on Cave Road. Come in for demo. 234-7373-

THE "Y" TRUCK STOP Restaurant, bar, slots, gifts, gasoline, diesel, trailer hookups, new laundry facilities. Jnct. U.S. 6 & 50 and Nev. Hwy. 487. (702) 234-7223.

SERVICES IN ELY, NV. Call (702) 289-8877.

This newspaper was produced by the staff of Great Basin National Park, and paid for by the Great Basin Natural History Association.

Great Basin Natural History Association Great Basin Natural History Associa­ conditions of the Park's most popular Park. Members receive a 15% discount national park cooperating association tion is a non-profit organization, work­ trails. You may have already used one of at the bookstore and at many other outlets across the country. ing in conjunction with Great Basin the multi-colored site bulletins printed National Park to help make quality by the Association and available free at interpretation available to all park the information desk in the Visitor Cen­ GREAT BASIN NATURAL HISTORY ASSOCIATION visitors. ter. The newspaper you are currently Membership Application reading is another visitor benefit. Name: The Association offers a variety of ser­ vices. Most important is the operation of This season's receipts from the bookstore Address: an educational bookstore stocking will be used to further scientific and City: State: Zip: books, videos, maps, and other mate­ historic research, publish a children's rials to enhance and enrich the visitor's park book, provide periodicals for the Telephone: experience and to provide "take home" reference library, and sponsor guest Occupation: literature for future reference. Income speakers. generated by the bookstore underwrites Membership Expiration Date: specific interpretive programs not You can help by purchasing materials at (Memberships are annual, expiring on December 31 of the year the membership was obtained.) funded by the U.S. government. the Visitor Center Bookstore and mak­ You may become a member at the Visitor Center Bookstore or ing contributions. Memberships are by sending $5.00 to the following address: In 1989, funds were used to publish a available to those who are supportive of highly illustrated booklet, Trails to Ex­ the goal of the Great Basin Natural Great Basin Natural History Association plore in Great Basin National Park, which History Association to further the edu­ Great Basin National Park describes the flora, fauna, and hiking cational and scientific mission of the Baker, Nevada 89311