Boy, the heat is here in Phoenix. It isn’t fit for man or beast out there! Stay hydrated and cool my friends. I’m wishing we were at high elevation again like we were in Nevada. I shared about the Great Basin National Park, but I wanted to tell you about a little secret: a back way to the park.
Instead of taking highway 98 and 50, you turn right onto #6 or the Sacramento Pass Road. You will see a sign for the ghost town of Osceola, and he climb up to the remains of what used to be a booming mining town.
The road is dirt but is easy for any vehicle. Some spots have washboards, but it isn’t crazy bumpy. We recommend going up this way and coming back the highway for a nice scenic loop.
We knew nothing about this road but were game to find out. As we continued to climb up the 19-mile road, 
we had incredible views of the mountains all around us. We stopped at the cemetery, and you can go in. Please just be respectful and close the gate when you are done. The old mine isn’t too far away from there, and you’ll see all the equipment that was once used.
It’s an authentic ghost town, but I am pleased to report we saw no ghosts. I was good with that! At the top of the Sacramento Pass was a surprise: a lake! Here in the middle of nowhere, people were picnicking and fishing. One kid caught so many he lost track. Dang.
Parking is free, and they have human restrooms. That’s always a plus for mom and dad. Mom took me around the lake for a walk. It’s isn’t very big, but wow…the views. This is a must stop that we would have missed if we hadn’t taken the road less traveled. If you are interested in camping, check out the Sacramento Pass BLM campground, located right by the lake. How cool is that!
Back in the car, we finished up the dirt road and connected back to the Great Basin Highway and headed to the park. I wrote about that last week but forgot to mention the nature walk at the end of the road/parking lot for Mt. Wheeler hike. It’s only ¼ of a mile long, but it takes you into the forest and by the creek. It has lots of shade and is peaceful.
I haven’t even gotten to the Valley of Fire yet but will next week. That 
required us to drive back toward Las Vegas and stay in Mesquite. I’ll tell you all about that next time. Until then, lay low and don’t overdo it in the heat. Woof!
My mom, Lorraine Bossé-Smith, is kind enough to help me share my Great Adventures, big and small. My mom is a motivational speaker, corporate trainer, executive recruiter, business consultant, coach, fitness expert, and author of nine published books. More importantly, she’s the best doggy mom ever!
Enjoy my blog at https://www.lorrainebosse-smith.com/category/kuma/kumas-great-adventures/
and be sure to follow me on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Kumathedog/ and Instagram: kumaitothedog
Get outside! You never know what you’ll discover, and our paths just might cross. Happy tails!
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