Baker
October is one of the most beautiful months to visit Great Basin National Park. The cool, crisp air and changing colors makes it a great time to explore. One of my favorite places to visit in October is Strawberry Creek, where trails lead through meadows and riparian zones and connect with the historic Osceola Trail. The recently opened Snake Creek road is another great option, and the newly-constructed Serviceberry Trail is a rolling 3.6-mile scenic jaunt.
One special event coming to Baker in October is the Scales and Tails program at noon on October 6 on the Baker Hall lawn. The local Parent and Teacher Association is sponsoring the event and it’s open to the public. Here’s a great chance to get close to snakes and lizards and learn more about them.
If traveling on a Saturday fits your plan, the Farmer’s Market by the community church will continue Saturday mornings through October. The market often offers local produce, fresh farm eggs, pinenuts, herbs, baked goods, and more. Afterwards, go for a hike and then stick around for the Astronomy Program at Great Basin National Park at 6:30 pm (6:00 pm the last two Saturdays). Learn more about the dark night skies and then peer through telescopes into the vastness that surrounds our planet. Bring a lawn chair and a warm coat.
We can expect some snow on the mountaintops this month, so if you’re feeling chilled, head underground to the constant 52 degrees of Lehman Cave. Cave tours continue daily through the month and aren’t so crowded, so you can ask your guide more questions.
With the slowdown in seasons is also a slowdown in visitation. The Lehman Caves Gifts and Cafe closes October 11. However, the Border Inn, Hidden Canyon Ranch Bed and Breakfast, Silver Jack & Electrolux Cafe, Whispering Elms Motel & RV Park, T&D’s convenience store and restaurant, Magic Bean Coffee Cart (a new addition to town!), End of the Trail-er, Hidden Cabin, Gateway Accommodations (also newly opened), Rock Sage Room, and Baker Gas and RV will continue to be open. For more information on all these businesses click here.
One last thing: Happy Birthday to Great Basin National Park on the Full Hunter’s Moon, October 27! The park was created in 1986, which means it will be 29 years old.
— Gretchen Baker
(Check out Gretchen’s wonderful blog, Desert Survivor)
