Bristlecone Trails
Bristlecone Trails
4.5
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Scenic, 2.8-mile hiking trail at Nevada's Great Basin National Park.
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4.5
69 reviews
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Davis K
Phoenix, AZ2,028 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
This 4.6 mile round trip hike is in two parts and combines two very different trail experiences. The oldest trees on the planet and a glacier in a “great basin” in Nevada. Who knew?
The first part is through pine forest and includes the bristlecone interpretive trail loop. This part of the hike is wooded and while the path is well maintained it is still fairly rocky and tree roots crisscross the trail continuously. This portion of the hike is said to be 2.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 600'. While not a long distance, the hike starts at an elevation of 9,800' so for a low-lander I would classify this hike as moderate.
If you continue past the bristlecone grove you will come an overlook where you can see the rock glacier in the distance and a sign that gives you some information about the glacier. The trail past the sign becomes a mass of rocks that range from fist sized specimens to boulders as big as a small child. At this point hiking really becomes more of a slow exercise of carefully picking ones way through the rock maze. There really isn't a trail, but what I would consider more of a suggested route through the scree. Hiking poles and boots were a must for us. There is a small sign at the end of the route that tells you that you are at an elevation of 10,800'. At this point you are still at some distance from the glacier. The rock glacier has visible ice but the bulk of it is covered by rocks.
But wait......there's more! As an added bonus you will have fantastic views of Wheeler Peak. If you have the time and energy we can recommend doing the entire hike.
The first part is through pine forest and includes the bristlecone interpretive trail loop. This part of the hike is wooded and while the path is well maintained it is still fairly rocky and tree roots crisscross the trail continuously. This portion of the hike is said to be 2.8 miles round trip with an elevation gain of 600'. While not a long distance, the hike starts at an elevation of 9,800' so for a low-lander I would classify this hike as moderate.
If you continue past the bristlecone grove you will come an overlook where you can see the rock glacier in the distance and a sign that gives you some information about the glacier. The trail past the sign becomes a mass of rocks that range from fist sized specimens to boulders as big as a small child. At this point hiking really becomes more of a slow exercise of carefully picking ones way through the rock maze. There really isn't a trail, but what I would consider more of a suggested route through the scree. Hiking poles and boots were a must for us. There is a small sign at the end of the route that tells you that you are at an elevation of 10,800'. At this point you are still at some distance from the glacier. The rock glacier has visible ice but the bulk of it is covered by rocks.
But wait......there's more! As an added bonus you will have fantastic views of Wheeler Peak. If you have the time and energy we can recommend doing the entire hike.
Written October 18, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BamaLassie
Dupont, WA52 contributions
Aug 2015
This is a great and pretty easy hike. Leave from the Bristlecone Parking lot. The first part of the trail is wide, and through the juniper forest. As you gain elevation (gradual) the trail become narrow and very rocky. I was happy that I had my hiking boots (over the ankle) as they probaly saved me from twisted ankles several times. After you start to see a few Bristlecones in the trees, and come to a sharp turn, look up the bank and see if you can find the whimsical gleeful old man in the tree trunk. Continue to the Bristlecone Interpetive area. I suggest you follow the trail to the right to make your circle. That way you won't miss the sign to the Galcier. On the way down we took the trail to the left to Teresa Lake. Only another .1 miles one way and worth the short hike. This was a great hike. We took about 3 hours, but a lot of that time was spent taking pictures,reading the signs about the trees, and just looking at the vista of Wheeler Peak.
Written August 16, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CindyandJohn90503
Torrance, CA207 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
We thought the 10,000+ elevation in altitude would knock me out (we are from Los Angeles), but sheer stubbornness got us to the grove!
What I like most about this particular national park is the dedication of the travelers who patronize it. I understand from the park rangers at the visitor center that Great Basin gets only about 100,000 visitors per year, versus say Yosemite which gets 3.9M annually. Therefore, for a visitor to make all the effort to get to the remote center of eastern Nevada to find this place, that's some dedication, and you see it on the trails. Friendly people, helpful advice, lots of encouragement to ‘keep going a few more yards'. If you are tempted to give up on this trail before reaching the grove - don't. The grove of Bristlecone pines is nicely attended to by the NPS Rangers, has interesting placards imparting information, and provides for some exceptional photography opportunities. You also earn the privilege of seeing some of the oldest living organisms on earth dating back several thousand years. You made it all the way to Great Basin after all, hit up this trail!
What I like most about this particular national park is the dedication of the travelers who patronize it. I understand from the park rangers at the visitor center that Great Basin gets only about 100,000 visitors per year, versus say Yosemite which gets 3.9M annually. Therefore, for a visitor to make all the effort to get to the remote center of eastern Nevada to find this place, that's some dedication, and you see it on the trails. Friendly people, helpful advice, lots of encouragement to ‘keep going a few more yards'. If you are tempted to give up on this trail before reaching the grove - don't. The grove of Bristlecone pines is nicely attended to by the NPS Rangers, has interesting placards imparting information, and provides for some exceptional photography opportunities. You also earn the privilege of seeing some of the oldest living organisms on earth dating back several thousand years. You made it all the way to Great Basin after all, hit up this trail!
Written August 7, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BobT360
Atlanta, GA113 contributions
Sep 2013 • Friends
The Bristlecone Pine forest that clings to life along the rocky talus next to Wheeler Peak is old. Very old in fact. At one time, this grove of gnarled ancient trees contained the oldest living thing in the world! A grad student discovered the 5,000 year old Prometheus tree in the 60's and tried to take a core sample to help determine climate change during the last ice age. He broke two core samplers and asked permission to cut the tree down to continue his research. At the time, the national park was still just part of the forest service, and the warden complied with the request to saw down the unlucky tree. Unbelievable. Oldest living thing! Grad students... Anyway, the stump and remains of the old tree can still be discovered today. Comb the internet and you may stumble upon it's exact location, although it's up for debate. I looked for about an hour but the rocky moraine was covered in snow and I couldn't locate it. While the trees are majestic and fascinating, the highlight for me was the glacier. We chose to combine the Bristlecone and Glacier trails together for a 5 mile round trip hike. The cirque at the base of Wheeler Peak casts a shadow onto the rock-covered ice mound and you can climb right up onto it. The snow storm was receding, the air was still, and the shadows darkened an already ominous setting. It was really something you have to experience in person. We used headlamps to hike back to the parking lot which heightened the effect. Take your time on this one and do it in early summer. Good luck finding Prometheus.
Written November 12, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
CKT808
Honolulu, HI2,656 contributions
Sep 2019
Before you start this trek, be sure to stop at the visitors center and get information about the trail. The 10-mile drive up Wheeler Peak to the Bristlecone trailhead is steep and curvy. But it is very scenic since the trees and vegetation change at different altitudes. There are a few viewpoints along the way. When you arrive at the campgound at the end of the drive, there are several trails to follow. They have a place to sign in for the trails. There is parking, a picnic area and pit toilets at the campground. We were looking for the Bristlecone pines. It is supposed to be a 3-mile round trip. It seemed much longer. The trail is well marked, and the area with the pines has information about the trees. It took us 1 hour and 40 minutes to reach the loop through the pines. We took it slow since the footing is uneven on much of the trail. Near the top, there are lots of rocks to walk through. You have to watch your footing on most of the trail. We also stopped often to admire the scenery. We had hiking boots and poles, but we saw other folks with every kind of footwear and dress. We were there in September, and it was quite cool. Be sure to take plenty of water. We saw others without anything to drink. Our descent took almost as long-1 hour and 30 minutes. We thought it was a fairly strenuous hike. Be sure to allow yourself plenty of time to take this hike and be prepared. It is worth the effort because the trees are beautiful.
Written October 21, 2019
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Peter K
Hurricane, UT862 contributions
Aug 2018 • Couples
We did this hike on 8/12/18. It was a little over 3 mi. and took us about 2.5 hours. The Bristlecones are amazing. Overall a moderate hike, primarily because of the elevation.
It took us about an hour to drive up to it, including stopping at several overlooks.
A fun hike.
It took us about an hour to drive up to it, including stopping at several overlooks.
A fun hike.
Written September 13, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kathy T
Larkspur, CO151 contributions
Jul 2016 • Couples
Recently visited the park and did the Bristle Trail Hike. It may be considered moderate or strenuous, depending on your level of fitness. According to the app on my phone, the altitude on the hike goes up to around 10,400.
You've got to hike over 1.5 miles to get to the Bristlecone area, and then there is a short loop trail with interpretive signs around the trees. Some of the trees are estimated to be over 4000 years old. Hard to grasp, but Bristlecone trees are said to the oldest living thing on the planet.
We hiked it on a hot summer day, and even though in was 90 degrees in the valley, there was a cool breeze. Come prepared for the weather changes that can occur at altitude.
You park at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. There are restrooms and picnic tables in the parking area. The trailhead starts at one end of the parking lot, closer to the road.
You've got to hike over 1.5 miles to get to the Bristlecone area, and then there is a short loop trail with interpretive signs around the trees. Some of the trees are estimated to be over 4000 years old. Hard to grasp, but Bristlecone trees are said to the oldest living thing on the planet.
We hiked it on a hot summer day, and even though in was 90 degrees in the valley, there was a cool breeze. Come prepared for the weather changes that can occur at altitude.
You park at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. There are restrooms and picnic tables in the parking area. The trailhead starts at one end of the parking lot, closer to the road.
Written July 13, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
BackroadsExp
San Diego, CA100 contributions
Sep 2015 • Couples
Amazing! We had just one day, but were able to take in a grand selection of the Park’s wonders via the twelve-mile Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, enjoying magnificent views of the mountains and surrounding valleys. We also spent a long afternoon hiking the Alpine Lakes Loop Trail, which quietly passes Stella and Teresa Lakes, and the Bristlecone Trail, which took us to the Wheeler Peak bristlecone pine grove. We especially enjoyed the self-guided nature trail that passes through a portion of the grove and marveled over trees that are three to four thousands years old. Trails are well maintained and easily navigable. Photo opportunities abound. And the quiet is deeply comforting.
Written October 4, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Kitty L
Beaulieu-sur-Dordogne, France416 contributions
Jun 2015 • Couples
This 2.8 mile (roundtrip) hike seems longer at almost 10,000 feet elevation. There was still a fair amount of snow we had to trudge through, along with mud, running water, steep slopes, and unstable stone paths to get to the pines. Although we were properly outfitted, we managed and glad we persevered. The air is clear and we were fortunate to have about the only sunshine we saw all day. It's cold up toward the top, but climbing warms you up. Wear good shoes (rugged athletic, or better yet hiking boots), layers so you can adjust, and a hiking stick would be helpful. Definitely bring a camera because you will want to capture the majesty of these ancient wonders, and also the landscape upon which they reside. We were in a hurry so we wouldn't miss our tour of Lehman Caves, but if you can, leave more time to enjoy this place. The scenic drive to get there isn't very long and provides beautiful views as well.
Written June 24, 2015
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
PSKZ
Phoenix, AZ99 contributions
Jul 2012 • Solo
This is my first time to see a Bristlecone in person but it's something I've been wanting to do since seeing photos of them in National Geographic. hence I can't compare against the other groves. The Bristlecone loop itself is very small so, as others have noted, tag on the Alpine Lakes and The Glacier Trail and you've got a pleasant and easy hike with which to while away a few hours.
If you can, tag along with one of the rangers or buttonhole one and get the low-down on these amazing trees. I mean, if you could live to be 3200 years old as one of these trees was (RIP Prometheus), then people would want to know about you too!
As "ugly" as some of these trees are, they possess a certain beauty. Take time to look how time and conditions have weathered these trees. They are amazing creatures and they speak volumes for how evolution has allowed these unique trees to exploit a niche in an otherwise inhospitable environment.
If you can, tag along with one of the rangers or buttonhole one and get the low-down on these amazing trees. I mean, if you could live to be 3200 years old as one of these trees was (RIP Prometheus), then people would want to know about you too!
As "ugly" as some of these trees are, they possess a certain beauty. Take time to look how time and conditions have weathered these trees. They are amazing creatures and they speak volumes for how evolution has allowed these unique trees to exploit a niche in an otherwise inhospitable environment.
Written July 27, 2012
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
I will be visiting Great Basin in a couple of weeks. I was planning on hiking the Bristlecone Pine Grove trail at the foot of Wheeler Peak. From my understanding, there is a fairly easy Bristlecone trail. I do have a fear of heights, so I wanted to double check the type of hike this is. I am fine with being up high. I just do not like the sharp drop offs or cliffs. Are the trails fairly okay with this? What about the rest of that hike toward the glacier? Is this still fairly moderate and cliff free? I am going with a friend, who is a pretty skilled hiker, so I would not be alone. Still, I want to make sure this is something I can do. Any tips on this hike? How cold does this area get in the summer? I know there is some snow toward the top during July sill.
Also, I am supposed to meet him at the visitor center as he will be camping and I will be at a hotel (Stargazer inn). I will have the car that night, but as noted, I have the fear of heights. I know I am literally less than a mile away from the visitor center, but I wanted to make sure there is no real issue with heights in the drive in. Once I am to the visitor center and we explore the national park, he will be driving and I am fine in the passenger seat.
Written July 15, 2018
I can only respond to the portion of the hike that leads to the grove itself. There are no steep drop offs and nothing that should be unnerving regarding heights. The trail at times is covered in large slatey rocks which can be hard on the feet. Wear good boots. Also, you are at altitude, so be prepared for more fatigue. The hike takes more time than is described, so take water and don't rush. You will not like the drive up to the visitor center. Very winding and no shoulders.
Written September 6, 2018
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