Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail in Great Basin National Park

Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail

This moderate 3.9-mile trail leads you through an ancient forest of trees, but can also be extended into a 4.6-mile trail that leads to the only glacier in Nevada.

Plan Around Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail

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Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail Details

This trail offers something for everyone. The Bristlecone Pine Trail wanders through an ancient forest of bristlecone pines and is a splendid out-and-back hike. Some of the more famous trees are labeled - you may be blown away by how old they are! If you are looking to extend your hike a bit, the trail can turn into a 4.6-mile hike that follows the Bristlecone Pine Trail through the forest and then continues on to a glacier-hollowed valley with sheer cliffs and unbeatable views of the park. Both sections of this hike are highly recommended, but be aware that the altitude may affect you more than you think, especially if you haven't hiked recently. To access these trails, park in the Bristlecone Parking area at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

Difficulty

Moderate

Distance

4.6 miles

Estimated time

3 hours

Region

N/A

Nearby Parks Around Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail

Compare nearby parks around Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.

9.7 mi away

Great Basin

National Park · NV

144.2 mi away

Zion

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149.6 mi away

Bryce Canyon

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171.6 mi away

Capitol Reef

National Park · UT

224.8 mi away

Death Valley

National Park · CA

236.8 mi away

Grand Canyon

National Park · AZ

Nearby Points of Interest Around Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail

Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail while the map context is still fresh.

0.0 mi away

Sky Islands Forest Trail

Located at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, this trail is short and wheelchair accessible, and offers views of Wheeler Peak and the conifer forest.

0.0 mi away

Alpine Lakes Loop Trail

An easy 4.7-mile loop that leads to two alpine lakes and spectacular views of Wheeler Peak.

0.3 mi away

Wheeler Peak Campground

37-site developed campground located close to a lot of the most popular hiking trails in the park at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

0.5 mi away

Bristlecone Trail Parking Area

Parking, restrooms and a picnic area

0.5 mi away

Wheeler Peak Summit Trail

If you are a serious hiker, this is a can't-miss trail. The most spectacular views in the park are accessible by this difficult 8.5-mile trail.

Bristlecone Pine and Glacier Trail in Great Basin Nati… | Chimani