See how to get free admission to national parks on Saturday, Sept. 27

Reporting by Carly Sauvageau, Reno Gazette Journal 

National Public Lands Day is Saturday, Sept. 27. To celebrate the country’s public lands, national parks across the U.S. are offering free admission.

Here’s a look at national parks near Reno, Las Vegas and other areas near the Silver State.

Does Nevada have any national parks?

Yes. Great Basin National Park, located in eastern Nevada near Ely and Baker, is the only national park entirely within the state. However, part of Death Valley National Park also extends into Nevada, including areas like the Grapevine Mountains.

What’s unique about the Great Basin National Park?

Great Basin National Park is home to several natural wonders, including the Lehman Caves, ancient bristlecone pines and Nevada’s tallest peak.

Why is Lake Tahoe not a national park?

Lake Tahoe is less than an hour from Reno, but it’s not a national park. There have been attempts in the past to make Tahoe a national park — such as in the 1880s to the 1930s, but both efforts were unsuccessful.

According to Visit Lake Tahoe, the area’s “history of logging, combined with the development of tourism and private property ownership, left Tahoe lacking the ‘pristine’ natural characteristics required to become a national park.”

What national parks are near Reno?

Though national parks and monuments dot the Nevada-California border, there is only one park that is less than four hours from Reno. Lassen Volcanic National Park in California is about a two and a half hour drive from Reno. However, according to the park’s website, there may be some road and trail closures due to snow (Lassen is one of the snowiest areas in California because of its 8,300-foot elevation).

If you’re willing to drive a bit farther, there are several national parks less than or equal to a day’s travel from Reno. Here are the closest national parks to the Biggest Little City, along with the distance and estimated drive time:

• Lassen Volcanic National Park, California / 149 miles / 2 hours, 31 minutes
• Yosemite National Park, California / 227 miles / 4 hours, 33 minutes
• Crater Lake National Park, Oregon / 293 miles / 5 hours
• Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada / 300 miles / 5 hours, 5 minutes
• Pinnacles National Park, California / 319 miles / 5 hours, 21 minutes
• Great Basin National Park, Nevada / 377 miles / 6 hours, 2 minutes
• Kings Canyon National Park, California / 362 miles / 6 hours, 11 minutes
• Sequoia National Park, California / 385 miles / 6 hours, 27 minutes
• Redwood National Park, California / 363 miles / 6 hours, 35 minutes
• Zion National Park, Utah / 530 miles / 8 hours, 11 minutes

What national parks are near Las Vegas?

Southern Nevada residents are also within driving distance of several national parks, including:

• Lake Mead National Recreation Area, Nevada and Arizona / Approximately 25-45 miles / 30-45 minutes​
• Death Valley National Park, California and Nevada / Approximately 150 miles / 2 hours, 20 minutes
• Zion National Park, Utah / Approximately 150 miles / 2 hours, 30 minutes
• Grand Canyon National Park, Arizona (South Rim) / 275–280 miles / 4.5 to 5 hours​
• Joshua Tree National Park, California / 220 miles / 3 hours, 30 minute
• Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah / 253–268 miles / 4 to 4.5 hours​

This article originally appeared on Reno Gazette Journal: See how to get free admission to national parks on Saturday, Sept. 27

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