Mid-2013, the United States Mint will unveil a new quarter design based on Great Basin National Park.

GREAT BASIN NATIONAL PARK OVERVIEW

The America the Beautiful Quarters Program is thrilled to be able to commemorate Great Basin National Park. Located in east Nevada near the Utah border, the nearly 77,000 acres of park see up to 90,000 visitors yearly, many attracted by the gorgeous hiking trails and the Lexington Arch, one of the largest limestone arches in the west.

From the top of 13,063-foot Wheeler Peak to the underground wonders of Lehman Caves, this unique landscape is filled with wonders, including the Great Basin bristlecone pine, the world’s oldest tree. It is also home to over 800 other species of plants, including 11 species of conifer trees alone. As far as wildlife goes, the park features 73 species of mammals, 18 species of reptiles, over 200 species of birds and 8 species of fish. Boasting some of the darkest night skies in the country, stargazing campers are afforded a natural light show they will probably never forget.