Basin and Range National Monument

Basin and Range National Monument is 704,000 acres (2,800 km2) of rugged wilderness in Southern Nevada. According to the Bureau of Land Management, it is so vast and empty that it "redefines our notions of distance and space" and "opportunities for solitude abound."

Understand
There are no facilities or services in the park. The field office, with information and maps, is located in nearby Caliente.



Landscape
Mountains and valleys in a transitional region between the Mojave Desert and the Great Basin.

Climate
Winter temperatures can get below freezing, while summer temperatures can be 80–90 °F (around 30 °C) or higher. In any season, bring plenty of water.

Thunderstorms happen in the summer. To avoid being struck by lightning, avoid high places and stay inside your vehicle if possible. Flash floods are possible during rainstorms.

Check the weather forecast before you set out.

Visitor information

 * Park website

Get in
The closest towns are, , and.

Fees and permits
No fees or permits.

Get around
There are no paved roads in the park, so a four-wheel drive vehicle with high clearance is best. Make sure you have a full tank of gas.

For hiking, you're advised to use a physical map (which you can buy at the field office in Caliente) instead of GPS. There are no designated trails, so pay careful attention to landmarks so you can find the way back to your vehicle.

Drink
Bring plenty of water with you—the weather can be hot and dry. The rule of thumb is one gallon (four liters) per person per day.

Sleep
Camping is allowed for up to 14 days.

Respect
Practice leave no trace principles. Don't touch the rock art.

Stay safe
Rattlesnakes, scorpions, and venomous spiders live out here, so be careful where you stick your hands. If you see them, leave them alone.

If your car breaks down, stay with it. If you abandon it, it's harder for rescuers to find you.