For a magical hiking journey through lush Nevada forests, ancient trees, and the region’s only glacier, explore the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail. This is an absolutely awe-inspiring outdoor adventure in the Great Basin, one of America’s most beautiful national parks!
First of all, Nevada’s Great Basin National Park is massive! Covering more than 77,000 acres, the protected area contains gorgeous mountains, caves, bighorn sheep, lakes, and some of the oldest living trees in the United States!
Please note that a small entrance fee to the park may be required.
Initially, to reach the trailhead for Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail, simply head for the designated Bristlecone Parking lot at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.
However, look for Wheeler Peak Campground. The parking lot is not far from the campground location.
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Many take the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail to see the Bristlecone Trees. These magnificent trees are unique because they can survive just about anything from droughts to ice ages and even volcanic eruptions!
Follow nearly five miles through ancient Bristlecone forests to see these magical trees.
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Continue on to see these incredible trees for yourself! Traverse the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail into a forest where you can spot the Bristlecone Pine Trees. Keep in mind, many of these beautiful ancient trees are thousands of years old!
Expect some elevation change along your hike through the Bristlecone Pine Trees.
Additionally, the trail is great for those with curious minds! Find educational markers with information all about the Great Basin National Park and the ancient trees that miraculously survive within its borders.
The trees themselves are quite stunning. You'll be able to see the exposed lines in the twisting trunks of the Bristlecone Trees, a true marvel of nature.
Look for the bristlecone needles – about one inch long and grow in packets of five.
While there are many groves within the national park, the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail will take visitors to the Wheeler Peak Grove. See these unique towering ancients, many as old as 3,000 years!
There is a separate trail from the Wheeler Peak Campground that is about 1.5 miles to the Wheeler Peak Grove as well.
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At the end of Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail, hikers will come face to face with the only glacier in Nevada! In fact, it's one of the southernmost glaciers in the States.
If you choose to continue from Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail to the glacier, continue onto Glacial Trail for stunning views!
The Great Basin National Park is a true gem in Nevada! A trip to the national park brings hikers up close to amazing wonders they won’t find anywhere else, and nowhere is this truer than along the Bristlecone Pine Glacier Trail. Waiting for you at the end are towering glacier walls, too!
If you’ve got hiking on your mind, then Nevada is the best place to be! With so many wonderful trails, explore more of the state today!
