Anyone Tried This Park For Observing?

Touted by the park service for very dark skies and park supplied scopes:
http://www.nps.gov/grba/index.htm

No, but it looks like a great spot. Our club has a weekend every summer at Glacier Point in Yosemite NP (7200') and I have observed several times at a spot adjacent to Sequoia NP (7600'). In addition, I have brought binoculars to Lassen, Death Valley, and Joshua Tree NPs. However, I think Great Basin NP should have darker skies than all the places I have been to.

Rod,

I have visited GB NP and Lehman Caves several times, the last time 4-5 years ago. I have not camped or observed there nor participated in their astronomy program.

The park is a couple of miles south of Rt 6/50 on the west side of a broad desert valley. The entry road climbs steadily from the small town of Baker across desert to enter trees at Lehman Caves and camping areas. Then the road climbs very steeply to the Wheeler Peak area. Views of the sky to the west become increasingly limited as you climb; the Wheeler Peak parking area is in a circque with only easterly views (as I remember).

Camping facilities at the Lehman area appeared good. The cave tour was interesting. The entry road had funky statues on fence posts - worthy of pictures. Baker had a couple of stores, food, etc. Nearest town with major facilities is Ely.

There was an exhibit shelter in the road triangle between 6/50 and Baker that would provide better views to the west, but more light from the highway. A dirt road from 6/50 enters the park from the north and climbs to a mining area; southern views blocked and limited westerly. No facilities when I visited. Southeast of Baker toward Black Rock is very desolet, gravel road, better horizons, no lights or facilities. (Black Rock had oasis pond with lots of birds, mostly various ducks - if they interest you).

Hope this helps a little.

John Anderson

I haven't been there yet Rod, but the LP map on the Clear Sky Clock page bodes well.
http://cleardarksky.com/lp/GrtBsnNPkNVlp.html?Mn=apochromatic
I'm sure the transparency would be very good, but the average seeing conditions are anyone's guess.
I know that the Salt Lake club (SLAS) comes down to Capitol Reef a lot.
I'll have to ask them about Great Basin.
My new CSC zone is neighboring that one, on the east side of the I-15 corridor.
http://cleardarksky.com/lp/AqrRngUTlp.html?Mn=astronomical
Come on up sometime.
Linton