November is a rather quiet month for the Baker area. Many of the local businesses close or reduce hours, but the Border Inn on Highway 6 & 50 at the state line remains open 24 hours a day. The Whispering Elms RV Park, Motel and Bar is also staying open through November. Just because it’s darker earlier and colder doesn’t mean you should stay home. The Harvest Festival at Baker Hall on Friday, November 18 consists of a potluck dinner and an auction to raise money for the local schools. Spirited bidding and unusual items make this a fun event.
The annual Turkey Shoot has been resurrected and will be held Saturday, November 19, with signups starting at 8:30 am. A variety of events are held, including pistol, rifle and archery at different distances. Categories for men, women and children are held. Each event costs $5 to enter, with a minimum of five people for an event to be run. The proceeds benefit the local Snake Valley Volunteer Fire Department. The winner of each event takes home a turkey! And bragging rights.
Lehman Caves tours at Great Basin National Park are reduced to just one tour a day during weekdays, at 11 am. On weekends, additional tours may be added. The cave is closed on Thanksgiving Day, but open the rest of the weekend and is usually a busier period. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is usually open just to Upper Lehman Creek Campground. Hikes are still available up the Upper Lehman Creek trail, a variety of Baker Creek trails and Snake Creek trails. The lower Great Basin Visitor Center is closed for the winter, but the Lehman Caves Visitor Center remains open all winter long. The Lower Lehman Creek Campground is open year-round, but in the winter you might be camping on snow!
Check out the local artists on Saturday, November 26 at the Border Inn from 1-5 p.m. Vendors typically include carved wooden objects, baked goods, decorated signs, crocheted items, photography, and a variety of crafts. It’s also a great social activity, as people are glad to get out of the house and visit!
November is a quieter time to visit the Baker area, but it’s still beautiful and even more uncrowded than usual. The dark night skies are a little longer, allowing for great astronomy viewing early in the evening, with time still to get a good night’s sleep!
— Gretchen Baker
