9 things to do in Baker, including hike Great Basin National Park

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

1. Stargazer Inn

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.

2. Hidden Canyon Retreat

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.

3. Wheeler Peak Campground

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.

3. Sandra's Mexican Food

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.