Great Basin Backcountry
Great Basin Backcountry is a moderate 100+ miles off-road trail near Ely, NV, best run May - October. The gear list marks All-terrain tires, 4WD with low range, Tow strap and Extra fuel as required, and 2"+ lift kit as recommended. A stock high-clearance 4x4 can run it; check the gear list before you go.
Trail Conditions
No reports yet
Great Basin Backcountry explores the remote mountain ranges and high desert valleys surrounding Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada. Wheeler Peak rises to over 13,000 feet, supporting ancient bristlecone pines, alpine lakes, and one of the lowest population densities in the Lower 48. The roads traverse classic basin-and-range terrain with mountain pass crossings and endless views.
Fun Facts
Great Basin National Park contains bristlecone pines over 5,000 years old, the oldest living organisms on Earth.
Lehman Caves contain rare cave formations called shields found in few caves worldwide.
Wheeler Peak at 13,063 feet has Nevada's only glacier (though it's rapidly receding).
Great Basin has some of the darkest skies in the US, earning an International Dark Sky Park designation.
🛞 Tires
🔧 Suspension
⚙️ Drivetrain
🪢 Recovery
📦 Other
Closest campgrounds to Great Basin Backcountry:
- Upper Lehman Creek Campground (Great Basin National Park) · 1 mi (straight-line)
- Lower Lehman Creek Campground (Great Basin National Park) · 2 mi (straight-line)
- Wheeler Peak Campground (Great Basin National Park) · 2 mi (straight-line)
Straight-line distance. Check the map for drive time.
GPS Coordinates
Import into Gaia GPS, OnX Offroad, or Garmin
Map of Ely, NV
5-Day Forecast
Nearby Trails
WHAT YOU'LL NEED
A mild lift, all-terrain tires, and correct gear ratio will get you through this trail confidently.
Tire Size Calculator
Convert tire sizes and compare diameter differences before you swap.
Size up correctly, 33s vs 35s matters on moderate terrain.
Gear Ratio Calculator
Find the right gear ratio after lifting or upsizing tires.
Re-gear after a tire upgrade to restore trail torque and MPG.
Wheel Fitment Calculator
Calculate backspacing and offset so wider wheels clear your suspension.
Extra wheel width = extra clearance on tight lines. Check offset before buying.
MPG Calculator
Estimate fuel economy after a tire upgrade, important for remote runs.
Bigger tires cut MPG. Plan your fuel stops for this trail.