Last updated: November 22, 2023
Thing to Do
Hike to the Wheeler Bristlecone Grove
S. Stewart
Trail Overview
Total Distance: 2.8 miles / 4.5 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 600 feet / 183 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 1.5 hours - 3 hours
Begin at: Bristlecone Trailhead/End of the Scenic Drive
Perhaps the most popular trail in Great Basin National Park, the Bristlecone Trail steers visitors up to the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine grove, the most easily accessible in the park. An interpretive loop with signs talking about these bristlecones and their impressively long lives sits at the end of the trail, with the Glacier Trail beckoning beyond. The grove extends well beyond the loop, and was home to the Prometheus Tree, the oldest non-clonal organism on earth when it was cut down in 1964, prior to the creation of the national park in 1986. These ancient trees have been seen to grow as old at 5200 years in the case of Prometheus, and have lived in what is now the park for untold millenia.
The Alpine Lakes Loop overlaps the early sections of this trail and can be linked together for a total combined distance of 4.1 miles / 6.6 kilometers. See the trail map below (unavailable on NPS app) for clarification on the overlapping sections.
Beginning at an elevation of just under 10,000 feet, these trails provide both a respite from the summer heat of the Snake Valley, but also added dangers in the form of altitude sickness and afternoon thunderstorms. Be prepared with plenty of water and salty snacks, or to return to your vehicle if you become symptomatic of altitude sickness or see thunderclouds rolling in.
This hike starts at the Bristlecone Trailhead at the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited.
No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link.
Water
Potable water is not available along the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day. Water is available year-round at the nearby Lehman Caves Visitor Center or seasonally at the dump station.
Restrooms
The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Bristlecone Trailhead.
Details
Duration
1-3 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.
Location
Bristlecone Hike Trailhead
Reservations
No
Season
Spring, Summer, Fall
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
This trail is rocky and not accessible to wheel chairs.
NPS
Trail Map
Find the Bristlecone Trail on the trail map emerging from the end of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive's entrance is located off Highway 488 leading to the Lehman Caves Visitor Center. The road is paved with an 8% grade. Vehicles longer than 24 feet are not permitted past the Upper Lehman Creek Campground.
Ranger Tip: Rangers often rove the area in summertime, providing information and answering questions about the ancient trees. Ask a ranger at either visitor center if you might be able to hear a brief ranger program up at the grove during your visit.