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Live · updated todayTypical peak look

Great Basinfall foliage

Out of season: the next fall foliage season is in 2027.

Right now in Great Basin · September

  • Ranger astronomy programs · May–Sep
  • Evening ranger programs · May–Sep
  • Astronomy Festival · Sep

345days to the next fall foliage seasonSep 8–21, The National Park Service says fall colors typically start developing around the second or third week of September

Local timing
Sep 8–21
The National Park Service says fall colors typically start developing around the second or third week of September. General timing for this place: not a peak date, and not a forecast.

Next 7 days

  • Rain likely · up to 77% chanceToday, Tonight

National Weather Service forecast, issued Mon 7:06 AM (Eastern). Frost: a low of 36°F or less; wind: 20 mph or more; rain: 60% chance or more.

Frost near Great Basin National Park

First frost usually in ~2 weeks

Oct 14Average first fall frost

May 12Average last spring frost

The day a 32°F night is as likely as not, 1991–2020, at NOAA's Baker 5 W station (5.4 mi away, 6,617 ft). Source ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Great Basin National Park through the year

  • Ranger astronomy programsNowMay–Sep
  • Evening ranger programsNowMay–Sep
  • Astronomy FestivalNowSep

Best spots around Great Basin National Park

  • Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive12 miles; the easiest way to see golden aspens
  • Baker Creek Loop3.4 miles round trip past a grove of unusually tall aspens
  • Snake CreekRoad lined with golden cottonwoods; aspens on the Shoshone Trail
  • Strawberry CreekEasy Sage Steppe Loop and Upper Strawberry Trail aspens

How we know

National Weather Service forecast and alerts (opens in a new tab) (Sep 28) · National Park Service, Great Basin operating hours and seasons (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · National Park Service, Visiting Great Basin in fall (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27) · NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (annual/seasonal) (opens in a new tab) (Sep 27)

All our sources and how we use them →

Questions people ask

When is peak fall foliage in Great Basin National Park in 2027?

The National Park Service says fall colors typically start developing around the second or third week of September: Sep 8–21. That's general timing for this place, not a peak date or a forecast.

How is the fall color in Great Basin National Park right now?

Not now: the fall foliage season is over for this year. The next one starts in about 345 days (Sep 8–21, The National Park Service says fall colors typically start developing around the second or third week of September).

When does the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive close?

Generally by November 1, after the season's first heavy snowfall. Snake Creek, Strawberry Creek and Baker Creek roads also close with snow; the Lehman Caves Visitor Center stays open all year.Source: National Park Service, Visiting Great Basin in fall ↗ (opens in a new tab)

Where are the best spots in Great Basin National Park?

Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive: 12 miles; the easiest way to see golden aspens; Baker Creek Loop: 3.4 miles round trip past a grove of unusually tall aspens; Snake Creek: road lined with golden cottonwoods; aspens on the Shoshone Trail; Strawberry Creek: easy Sage Steppe Loop and Upper Strawberry Trail aspens.

When is the festival in Great Basin National Park?

Astronomy Festival, usually in Sep.

What is Great Basin National Park like through the year?

Ranger astronomy programs (May–Sep), Evening ranger programs (May–Sep) and Astronomy Festival (Sep).