Baker

Overview

Baker is the gateway to Great Basin National Park, situated just 5mi/8km east of the park entrance (south of US 6 via NV 487) in far east-central Nevada, less than 10mi/16km from the Utah border.  At 5310′/1618m, the backdrop for Baker is of national park quality – awesome, spectacular – all the words humans use to describe things which are indescribably beautiful.

Baker, with a service area population of about 400 people, has visitor support services sufficient to serve as the hub for radiating out to several area birding/wildlife viewing areas.  These services include ATMs, bakeries, campgrounds, gas stations, gift shops, a grocery store, a guest ranch, motels, restaurants, and RV parks.  Some of the specialty shops and some of the accommodations close for late fall, winter, and early spring.  But, there are always enough visitor support services open all year to support one- to multi-day stays.

Baker 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 bona fide town, named after George W. Baker, one of the early settlers.

A ranching exhibit on the south side of NV 488, 2.8mi/4.5km above Baker and 2mi/3.2km below the entrance to Great Basin National Park, is well worth a visit not only for the outstanding views in all directions, but for the artwork depicting ranching life which runs along the tops of the beams.  Watch carefully for roadside art along both sides of NV SR 488 between the ranching exhibit and the national park entrance.

The Baker Archaeological Viewing Site is an additional Baker area attraction.  Take NV 487 north 1.6mi/2.6km from NV 488 in Baker to the signed turn-off right (east) 1mi/1.6km to the archaeological site.

Two Important Bird Areas – for the 77,028ac/31,173ha Great Basin National Park and nearby 400ac/162ha David E. Moore Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary - may both be accessed west of Baker via NV 488 and are discussed in the detailed site profiles following.

Great Basin National Park is clearly the wildlife viewing Flagship Site of the region, offering outstanding birding and other wildlife viewing opportunities.  Although the park’s Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive traverses five life zones, the addition of birding opportunities at David E. Moore Bird and Wildlife Sanctuary, the trees and open lands in and around Baker, and the Pruess Lake area’s open water, wetlands and oasis south of nearby Garrison, Utah, elevate the value of visiting and birding using the Baker Hub as headquarters.  Cleve Creek is an excellent destination to visit on the way to/from the Caliente/Panaca/Pioche Regional Hub or Ely Regional Hub.

The seasonality of birding in the Baker Satellite Hub region is a bit complex due to the significant elevation range and distinct seasons present.  The entirety of Great Basin National Park is most accessible and “bird-rich” during late spring and summer nesting season.

Lowland sites, including those in Great Basin National Park, host accessible year-round resident species and migrants during spring and fall.  The best time for experiencing western spring songbird migration is May into early June.  Fall songbird migration is best mid-August into September.  Earlier in spring (March/April) and later in fall (October) are particularly attractive periods for waterfowl.

Directions

Unless otherwise noted, directions are given from the NV 487 and NV 488 junction in Baker.