Great Basin National Park Elevation + 5 Tips
In Nevada close to the Utah border is the Great Basin National Park, attracting about 140,000 visitors each year. If you’re planning to visit, as a high-elevation company we’ll share with you everything you need to know about the Great Basin National Park elevation, and our best tips to combat altitude issues visitors struggle with.
Great Basin National Park Elevation
The Great Basin National Park elevation can range between 6,825 to 13,065 feet. The highest elevation is at Wheeler Peak reaching 13,065 feet, and the lowest elevation is Mountain View Nature Trail at 6,825 feet.
Great Basin National Park Elevation:
- Great Basin National Park altitude - 6,825 to 13,065 ft (2080 to 3982 m)
From the lowest to highest elevation at Great Basin, it climbs over a mile in difference creating a wide range in altitudes.
Is Great Basin National Park Considered High Altitude?
Yes, Great Basin National Park is considered high altitude, even in its lowest elevations.
Mountain medicine considered high altitude over 4,900 feet, and very high altitude over 11,500 feet.⁴ This puts Great Basin National Park in both categories of both high altitude and very high altitude.
What Is The Highest Peak In The Great Basin National Park?
The highest peak in Great Basin National Park is Wheeler Peak, which reaches 13,065 feet.
Can You Get Altitude Sickness In Great Basin National Park?
Yes, you can get altitude sickness in Great Basin National Park.
At 10,000 feet, it’s estimated that up to 50% of people can experience altitude sickness.⁶ Being the middle altitude of Great Basin, this would put visitors in a high risk of altitude sickness.
Great Basin National Park Altitude Sickness
Altitude sickness at Great Basin National Park is caused by the lower oxygen levels in the high elevations.
Symptoms of Altitude Sickness in Great Basin National Park may include:
- Nausea
- Headache
- Fatigue
- Lightheadedness
- Trouble breathing
- Feeling ill
- Difficulty sleeping
- Loss of appetite
Within 6-24 hours these issues can typically develop. Keep an eye out for these symptoms, and follow our tips below to help combat the elevation.
5 Tips To Combat Great Basin Altitude Sickness
The Great Basin National Park region with its stunning landscapes can bring sudden change in altitude causing major discomfort.
As a company with over 10 years of high elevation experience, we’ll share with you essential tips to combat these conditions and have a better experience visiting the park.
Here’s 5 Tips To Combat Great Basin Altitude Sickness:
1. Ascend Slowly
The body needs time to acclimate to the decreased oxygen levels, rapid ascension can shock your system. Ascend slowly by planning your trip to include gradual increases in altitude.
For example, you can stay in the nearby town of Baker Nevada at 5,315 feet before entering the Great Basin park. Or as they call it “climb high sleep low”, you even stay in Baker nightly to keep your altitude baseline lower when you rest and sleep.
2. Hydrate Sufficiently
The dry, and low oxygen air at higher elevations can lead to rapid dehydration. It’s estimated that fluid loss can increase by twice the rate as sea level in high altitudes.⁸
Drink water regularly, at least 2-4 liters of water per day, or more if needed. Carry a refillable water bottle to ensure you have access to water at all times, most people don’t even realize when they’re dehydrated.
3. Get Plenty Of Sleep
Sleep plays a role in the body’s ability to recover.⁹ It’s also shown to increase blood flow and oxygen.⁹
Have a good sleep routine before and during your Great Basin trip, aim for 7-9 hours a night.
TIP: To help melatonin production and quality of sleep at night, get natural sunlight exposure each day.
4. Descend If Needed
If symptoms from the altitude develop or worsen, getting to lower altitude will help tremendously. This could happen if venturing to the highest parts such as Wheeler Peak at 13,065 feet.
If needed, descend immediately to a lower elevation, even if it means interrupting your plans. Again also making Baker Nevada a good home base to return to each day.
5. Supplement Antioxidants
High altitudes are known to increase oxidative stress on the body.¹⁰ Research has even shown glutathione, the body’s main antioxidant, to decline by 45% in high altitudes.¹¹
TIP: Supplementing antioxidants or adding them to your diet can help fortify your body’s ability to fight oxidative stress.¹²
By following these five tips, you can significantly improve your Great Basin trip!
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SOURCES:
1. Great Basin National Park Nevada
https://www.nps.gov/grba/faqs.htm
2. Great Basin National Park Elevation Range
https://www.nps.gov/grba/learn/nature/great-basin-flora.htm
3. 12 Unbelievable (But True) Facts About Great Basin National Park
https://www.nationalparks.org/connect/blog/12-unbelievable-true-facts-about-great-basin-national-park
4. Effects of high altitude on humans
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Effects_of_high_altitude_on_humans
5. High Altitude Illness
https://www.travelsurenyc.com/high-altitude-illness/
6. Patient education: High-altitude illness (including mountain sickness)
https://www.uptodate.com/contents/high-altitude-illness-including-mountain-sickness-beyond-the-basics/print#
7. Where is the best place to stay close to Great basin
https://www.tripadvisor.com/ShowTopic-g143030-i5931-k1251662-Where_is_the_best_place_to_stay_close_to_Great_basin-Great_Basin_National_Park_Nevada.html
8. The Importance Of Drinking Water At High Altitude
https://summitoxygen.net/drinking-at-high-altitude/
9. Sleep: The Secret Ingredient of Injury Recovery
https://www.orthocarolina.com/media/sleep-the-secret-ingredient-of-injury-recovery
10. High altitude and oxidative stress
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/17482529/
11. Effect of high altitude (7,620 m) exposure on glutathione
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/11320641/
12. Oxidative Stress and Diseases Associated with High-Altitude Exposure
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC8868315/
13. Great Basin Mountain Ranges & Altitudes
https://www.peakbagger.com/range.aspx?rid=133
