9 things to do in Baker, including hike Great Basin National Park
Add Axios as your preferred source to
see more of our stories on Google.
Great Basin National Park Photo by Education Images/Universal Images Group via Getty Images
For your next road trip, consider a trip to Baker, a funky little Nevada town 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City.
- Here's where to stay, eat and drink, and what to do there.
Where to stay
The 10-room roadside motel welcomes travelers from all walks with its general store and cozy coffee shop, all steps from Great Basin National Park.
- Rate: $92+
- Location: 115 South Baker Ave.
If you want a break from hiking the national park, you can explore the historical sites Hidden Canyon offers, go trout fishing, take a dip in the pool or go stargazing at night.
- Rate: $75+ (camping cabins), $169+ (standard suites)
- Location: 500 Hidden Canyon Rd.
- Of note: They’re closed early November to late March.
For those who love adventure, totally immerse yourself in nature by camping. You can reserve a site at Wheeler Peak late June through Labor Day weekend.
- Call 775.234.7331 for reservations.
Places to eat
1. 487 Grill
After a full day of activity, nothing hits the spot like a good burger. This local pickup spot also has hot dogs, turkey burgers, Philly cheesesteaks, and other handhelds, casual fare. Most items are around $10.
- Hours: Open for Thursday-Sunday for lunch and dinner.
- Location: 120 Baker Ave.
2. Sugar, Salt, & Malt Restaurant
Pop in for pastries and coffee in the morning, and head back for a sit-down dinner. The dinner menu has a little something for everyone, from pizza to fish to brisket.
- Hours: Breakfast/lunch is served 7:30am-3pm Friday-Tuesday and dinner is 4:30-8:30pm Friday-Tuesday.
- Location: 70 S. Baker Ave.
This food truck serves street tacos, tostadas, gorditas, tortas and tamales, all priced $2.50-$7.
- Hours: 10am-8pm Thursday-Sunday
- Location: 45 Pioche St.
Things to do
1. Explore Great Basin National Park
Go off grid for a day and hike the Alpine Lakes Loop (2.7 miles and visit Lehman Cave. End the day with some truly stellar star gazing. The middle-of-nowhere town has dark and reliably clear skies.
2. Book a tour at Crystal Ball Cave
Aptly named, Crystal Ball Cave is covered in crystal. There’s no cost to tour, but donations are accepted. Reservations are required and are available Monday-Saturday (no tours Sunday).
- To book: Call 801.787.6675 or email [email protected]
3. Stop by the Delta Topaz Museum on your way in
The WWII internment camp memorial is worth a stop. The art collection is especially fantastic because there was a famous art school inside the camp, run by and for the people imprisoned there.