Join Nevada Northern Railway for a commemoration of the famous Pony Express route that traversed Nevada, linking the country together in 1860. At 4:30 sharp, a train pulled by a steam locomotives pulls out of Ely, and heads up the hill toward the old Ruth Mining District. Once arriving at the Keystone area, the train stops so passengeres can witness a Pony Express hand-off staged by Ely's own Ghost Riders. This local volunteer group is responsible for the Pony Express reenactment as it crosses White Pine County each year. Back in Ely, you will be able to spend some time with the Ghost Riders and talk to them about the historic Pony Express and their participation in the nationwide Pony Express re-enactment.

Before the trains leaves, each passenger will receive a commemorative envelope and stamp. If you arrive early, U.S. postal clerks will be in our original turn-of-the century Railway Post Office car (RPO) car to hand-cancel your stamp. The national network of RPO cars was the next epoch in linking the nation together. The RPO era lasted from just after the Pony Express days until the mid 1950's. Once your envelope is canceled you can leave it to be placed in the Pony Express rider's mochila (pouch).

As of spring 2016, Great Basin has been designated an International Dark Sky Park! The International Dark Sky Association has recognized that Great Basin provides distinguished and significant opportunities to experience dark nights. We protect our pristine nighttime environment for scientific, recreational, and cultural values.

On a clear, moonless night in Great Basin National Park, thousands of stars, five of our solar system's eight planets, star clusters, meteors, man-made satellites, the Andromeda Galaxy, and the Milky Way can be seen with the naked eye. The area boasts some of the darkest night skies left in the United States. Low humidity and minimal light pollution, combined with high elevation, create a unique window to the universe. Can you make a difference with light pollution? Yes, look at the International Dark Sky Association website.