Guide to Hiking Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop in Great Basin National Park

Quick Facts:

Location: Great Basin National Park

Coordinates: 39.01019228864993, -114.30622592325342

Length: 6 Miles

Difficulty: Moderate

Elevation Gain: 1,200 Feet

Dog Friendly: No

Introduction:

The Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop in Great Basin National Park is a hiker’s paradise, offering a unique blend of ancient forests, serene alpine lakes, and breathtaking mountain vistas. Located near Baker, Nevada, this loop trail is one of the park’s most popular hikes, providing an unforgettable experience for nature lovers and outdoor enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking solitude among ancient bristlecone pines or a peaceful walk around pristine alpine lakes, this trail has something for everyone.

How to Get There:

Great Basin National Park is located in eastern Nevada, near the town of Baker. To reach the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop, head to the park’s Visitor Center on NV-487, just five miles from Baker. From the Visitor Center, follow the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive for about 12 miles until you reach the Wheeler Peak Campground and the Summit Trailhead parking area. The scenic drive itself is a journey worth taking, with spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and valleys.

Parking Information:

Parking for the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop is available at the Summit Trailhead near the Wheeler Peak Campground. The parking area is free and well-maintained, but it can fill up quickly during peak season, especially on weekends. Arriving early in the morning not only helps secure a spot but also allows you to start your hike in the cooler part of the day. There are restrooms available at the trailhead, along with informational signs about the trail and the park’s unique ecosystem.

Description of the Landscape:

The Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop offers a diverse and stunning landscape that showcases the best of what Great Basin National Park has to offer. The trail begins with a gradual ascent through a forest of ancient bristlecone pines, some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. These gnarled and twisted trees have stood for thousands of years, weathering the harsh conditions of the high-altitude environment.

As you continue, the trail opens up to reveal two alpine lakes: Stella Lake and Teresa Lake. Nestled in the shadow of Wheeler Peak, these tranquil lakes reflect the surrounding peaks and provide a perfect spot to pause and take in the beauty of the high country. The loop trail then leads you back through more groves of bristlecone pines, offering breathtaking views of the distant valleys and rugged mountain terrain.

Trail Difficulty and Length:

The Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop is a moderately difficult hike, primarily due to the high elevation and some rocky sections of the trail. The loop is approximately 2.7 miles round trip, with an elevation gain of around 600 feet. The trail is well-marked and maintained, making it accessible to most hikers, including families with older children. The combination of scenic beauty and moderate difficulty makes this loop a rewarding experience that can be completed in about 2 to 3 hours, depending on your pace and how long you spend enjoying the views.

Dog-Friendly Information:

While Great Basin National Park welcomes visitors of all kinds, the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop is not dog-friendly. Pets are not allowed on most trails in the park, including this one, to help preserve the delicate alpine environment and protect the local wildlife. If you’re traveling with a dog, consider exploring the nearby areas outside the park where pets are allowed, or check with the Visitor Center for pet-friendly trails and activities.

Local Regulations:

When hiking in Great Basin National Park, it’s important to follow local regulations to help protect the park’s unique and fragile ecosystem. Stay on designated trails to minimize your impact on the environment, especially around the ancient bristlecone pines, which are easily damaged. Carry out all trash, and practice “Leave No Trace” principles to keep the park pristine for future visitors. Additionally, the weather in the high mountains can change rapidly, so be prepared for sudden storms, and bring plenty of water, sun protection, and layers of clothing.

Other Trails Nearby:

If you’re eager to explore more of Great Basin National Park, there are several other trails nearby that offer different experiences. The Wheeler Peak Summit Trail is a challenging hike that takes you to the highest point in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding wilderness. The Lehman Caves Trail offers a completely different adventure, with guided tours taking you through stunning limestone caverns filled with unique formations. The Baker Lake and Johnson Lake Loop is another excellent hike, offering a longer and more strenuous route through the park’s alpine terrain.

Non-Hiking Attractions Nearby:

In addition to hiking, Great Basin National Park is home to a variety of attractions that make it a fantastic destination for all types of visitors. Lehman Caves is one of the park’s most popular attractions, offering guided tours that take you deep into the earth to explore a wonderland of stalactites, stalagmites, and other geological formations. The park is also known for its incredible night skies, with some of the darkest skies in the continental United States, making it a perfect spot for stargazing. The nearby town of Baker offers quaint dining options and local shops where you can learn more about the area’s history and culture.

Best Time to Visit:

The best time to hike the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop is during the summer months, from late June to early September, when the trail is free of snow and the alpine lakes are at their most beautiful. The high elevation means that even in summer, temperatures can be cool, especially in the morning and evening, so it’s important to dress in layers. Fall is another great time to visit, with cooler temperatures and the chance to see the bristlecone pines against a backdrop of autumn colors. Spring and winter hikes are possible, but snow and ice can make the trail more challenging, and some areas may be inaccessible.