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Top 10 Things To See Around Baker, NV  By Gretchen Baker Page 1 ~ ~ Page 2 ~ ~ Page 3 4. Listen For Bugling Elk During the fall rutting season, you may hear the loud bugles of elk in Strawberry, Weaver, or Snake Creeks as they battle for the right to mate. A lot more wildlife abounds, too. The list of charismatic fauna includes: Rocky Mountain bighorn sheep (found usually near Mt. Moriah's Table, Old Man's Canyon, and Mt. Washington), pronghorn antelope (on the benches (area between valley bottom and trees of the mountains)), yellow-bellied marmots (along Baker Creek road), mule deer, mountain lions, bobcats, coyotes, kit fox, red fox, gray fox, rattlesnakes, horned lizards, and Bonneville Cutthroat Trout (in many streams of both the North and South Snake Ranges). Alternatives: The bird watching in and around Baker is better than you might expect for the middle of the desert. Two Important Bird Areas have been designated, Great Basin National Park, and the David E. Moore Wildlife Sanctuary (http://www.nevadaaudubon.org/Iba/Moore%20IBA.htm).  Fish Springs National Wildlife Refuge is a mecca for birders (http://fishsprings.fws.gov/).  Pruess Lake south of Garrison, Utah is also a good spot to see some water birds (http://www.greatbasinheritage.org/garrison.htm). 5. Compete In The Annual Turkey Shoot Experience a bit of local culture by participating in the Turkey Shoot fundraiser for the local ambulance department. Held on a Saturday in November, many categories (short and long distance, different types of fire arms, more) are held. It's a minimum fee to enter, and the winner of each contest wins a turkey. Alternatives: Every Labor Day weekend, the Snake Valley Volunteer Fire Department sponsors a picnic and dance (http://www.greatbasinpark.com/events.htm)  with the help of the Border Inn. Many past residents return for Snake Valley Days. On Fourth of July, the nearby community of Eskdale holds an impressive musical program followed by a fireworks show that equals many of towns that have 50 times the population. Announcements of upcoming events are posted on the bulletin board at the post office. 6. Ride The Train The Northern Nevada Railway (http://www.nevadanorthernrailway.net/)  made mining profitable in and around Ely, Nevada. Lovingly preserved, the railway still operates, with steam and diesel engines providing trips year round. An extensive railroad museum is operated in Ely. Alternative: Cars have replaced railroads in importance, and the long, lonely highways in Nevada provide thrilling opportunities for speed. Two races are held on Highway 318 south of Ely every year, one in May and one in September. Before the race (http://www.silverstateclassic.com/318-hwy-event-description.htm), cars line the park in downtown Ely for everyone to admire. 7. Hike Wheeler Peak The second highest peak in the state, Wheeler Peak, is located just outside of Baker (http://www.summitpost.org/mountain/rock/150191/wheeler-peak.html). Rising to 13,063 feet, the peak is accessible from a fairly good trail that begins near the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The trail gains about 3,000 feet in four miles and takes 3-5 hours to ascend. Alternatives: Mt. Moriah at 12,067 is the highest peak on the north Snake Range. From the east it is a challenging hike accessible from one of the many canyons. From the west you can drive a 4WD road up to about 10,500 feet, making the hike doable in a morning or afternoon. Over seven other named peaks rise more than 11,000 feet in the Snake Range. For those wanting a shorter hike, the alpine lakes loop trail is a pleasant two-hour stroll in Great Basin National Park, or try one of the many other trails (http://www.nps.gov/grba/Plan/hiking.htm).