Baker is on the eastern border of Nevada and is the gateway to Great Basin National Park, the only national park entirely within the state of Nevada. Great Basin boasts one of highest points in Nevada, Wheeler Peak, and a deep cave system, Lehman Caves, which features some of the most stunning examples of stalagmites, stalactites and rare shield formations in the West. It is also home to the bristlecone pine tree, the oldest living thing on Earth. Recreation abounds with hiking and biking trails for all skill levels in the summer and snowshoeing and cross-country skiing in the winter.

The Great Basin also offers plenty of wildlife viewing, including birding, and other outdoor activities including rockhounding, hunting, fishing and camping. Be sure to visit the awesome arch at Lexington Canyon and the Baker-Fremont Archaeological Site where one can see remains of pit houses built by the Fremont Indians more than 900 years ago.

The park’s visitors center is in Baker and is the perfect place to start your tour through this vast, awe-inspiring land. As you drive out to the park, check out the fence-post sculptures and exhibits that line the highway. They were started by “Doc” Sherman of Baker in 1997 and have continued as locals and visitors have added their own whimsical contributions to the fence posts.

Baker also holds the distinction of being part of the Great Basin National Heritage Area which is one of only 37 areas in the country dedicated to conservation and interpretation. The heritage area follows the stories of the people and events that shaped the West. Baker’s history starts in 1875 when the Lehman family started a ranch there. As more ranchers and miners moved into the area during the 1890s, the settlement grew into a bonafide town, named after George W. Baker, one of the early settlers.

In this rustic, wild land, you won’t find lavish resorts, but you will find hometown hospitality found behind every open door. Check out the Border Inn, right on the Nevada-Utah border, or Hidden Canyon Ranch, one of Nevada’s truly authentic guest ranches. If you’ve forgotten any necessities for your trip, or just need that perfect souvenir, stop in at the Happy Burro Trad’n Post, open seasonally.