Here is how to spend 4 days on an RV road trip exploring the Great Basin Highway visiting one national park and three state parks along the way. If you love discovering hidden gems, roadtrips, and adventures then this is for you!
We recently explored the Great Basin Highway for the first time and not only did we end up extending our trip (twice!) but already have plans to return. This area of Nevada completely blew our expectations away, not only is it absolutely gorgeous but there are so many cool and off-the-beaten-path things to do you will want to do them all. Ready to discover your new favorite road trip? Let’s get you on the road!
Day 1 on the Great Basin Highway: Highlights
Las Vegas to Caliente
Start in Las Vegas, NV where you can find a wide variety of RV rentals for your trip and a convenient international airport. Alternatively, you could also use this itinerary from Salt Lake City, Utah. Once you are settled in your rental, it’s time to hit the road! Before heading out of Vegas, we recommend you stock up on groceries and other supplies you might need for your trip. The Great Basin area is remote and surrounded only by very small towns so plan accordingly. Hungry before groceries? Check out Eggscellent for breakfast, which was voted the #1 breakfast place in Vegas by TripAdvisor.
Start your drive north headed towards Caliente, Nevada approximately 2.5 hours away. Take I-15 N to US-93 N to reach Caliente and get your camera ready for some stunning desert views. Along the way, you will pass Pahranagat National Wildlife Refuge, which makes for a great stop for snacks, stretches, and wildlife viewing!
Caliente, Nevada
You’ll make it to Caliente late morning, or early afternoon, where you can explore local history or walk around the charming small town. You can grab lunch at Side Tracks and get a pick-me-up coffee at an adorable converted trailer called Barrow Brew. Depending on the season you visit, consider checking out the local hot springs right outside of town for a relaxing soak. Once you are ready, continue your drive towards Cathedral Gorge State Park approximately twenty minutes away.
Cathedral Gorge State Park
You’ll want to spend the rest of the day exploring this otherworldly state park and you can camp in the campground for only $10 a night! There is so much to do in this little family-friendly park that you won’t know where to start. After setting up your camp, I recommend spending some time in the Moon Slot Canyon area and Cathedral Slots (my personal favorite) – it was our favorite to explore with thousands of trails tucked between rock formations. This area is best explored during the day since the trails are narrow and in the shade, they stay nice and cool which makes for a nice break from the Nevada sun. For sunset or sunrise check out the Miller Point Trail area, this part of the park is situated above a hill making it a perfect location.
Hiking Trail Suggestions: Bullionville Cemetery Trail, Miller Point Trail, Juniper Draw Loop, Eagle Point Trail, and Nature Loop.
Photography Tip: Check the Slot canyons during mid-sun (noon) for some cool lighting effects in pictures.
Learn more about Cathedral Gorge State Park events, news, and more from the parks’ official website.
Day 2 on the Great Basin Highway: Highlights
Pack up the RV, say goodbye to Cathedral Gorge State Park, and get on the road – time to see a national park!
Great Basin National Park
This national park is truly underrated! Great Basin National Park has something to offer everyone, from alpine lakes to cave tours. There are five different campgrounds inside the park and some free boondocking options available right outside the main entrance. This park is also a dark sky park which makes it perfect for stargazing, in fact, the national park offers different night sky viewing activities for visitors.
Highlights in Great Basin National Park:
- Lehman Cave tours are the most popular activity in the park. The tour requires tickets you will have to secure ahead of time. Learn about ticket reservations and other Lehman Cave information on the official website.
- Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is a beautiful drive you have to take while visiting the park
- Hiking: there are all sorts of hiking trails in the park ranging from easy-to-experience multi-day backpacking trails. The Glacier Trail is the most recommended hike, as it offers views of the last glacier in Nevada and alpine lakes.
Day 3 on the Great Basin Highway: Highlights
Echo Canyon State Park
This small state park is a true hidden gem. Echo Canyon State Park has a lake for activities like fishing and boating and facilities for picnicking and barbecuing. It also has a variety of hiking trails to check out, we recommend the Ash Canyon Trail a 2.5-mile loop with beautiful views. The park offers an RV friendly campground too. A recreational day pass costs $10 for out-of-state visitors and campsites are an additional $10.
Spring Valley State Park
Just 30 minutes of a beautiful drive past Echo Canyon State Park you will find Spring Valley State Park. This state park is bigger offering a reservoir for swimming, fishing, and boating. But the best part of the park is the cool rock formations behind the historic cabins. Multiple easy trails take you up close to these rock formations where you can spend time just frolicking around exploring. Spring Valley State Park also has an on-site RV-friendly campground or you can find free boondocking sites just outside of the north entrance of the park. Remember to leave no trace if choosing to boondock in public lands.
Day 4 on the Great Basin Highway: Highlights
The end of the trip has come and you’ll make your way back to Vegas but not without one last stop!
Valley of Fire State Park
This state park is worth the detour. With red landscapes as far as the eye can see, stunning roads, and captivating vistas Valley of Fire State Park is a must-visit. Just driving through the park is enough to fall in love with this hidden gem near Vegas but there are many other activities beyond that. My favorite hike is the Fire Wave trail, you won’t belive your eyes. Start as early as possible to avoid Nevada heat especially in the summer.
Hiking: Some of the best trails in the park include the Petroglyph Canyon Trail to Mouse’s Tank, Pastel Canyon, and White Domes Trail.
The Great Basin Highway is the RV road trip you didn’t know needed to be on your bucket list. After exploring this area personally I can assure you, it has more for you than you could ever expect!
