Where is the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop located?

The Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop is located within Great Basin National Park, Nevada. The hike starts at the Bristlecone Trailhead, located at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, near Wheeler Peak Campground.

What is the difficulty level of the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike?

The hike is moderate in difficulty. It involves some uphill hiking but is manageable for those prepared and familiar with backcountry hiking.

What gear do I need for the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike?

Essential gear includes proper footwear, 1L of water, snacks, extra layers for changing weather, and possibly microspikes if you're hiking early in the season. A satellite communicator or cell phone with SOS capabilities is recommended, as there is no cellular service in most areas of the hike.

Are there any water sources along the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop?

There are lakes along the trail (Stella and Teresa Lakes), but it is advised to treat the water with a filter before drinking.

How long is the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike?

The full loop hike is about 3 miles, but you can extend the hike by visiting the bristlecone grove and the glacier area, which adds extra distance and difficulty.

Can I camp at Great Basin National Park during the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike?

Great Basin National Park has camping facilities, but there are no hotels or lodges within the park. Campgrounds are available, and you should check the park website for more information.

Is there a fee to enter Great Basin National Park?

There is no entry fee for Great Basin National Park, but camping fees may apply if you plan to camp within the park.

What is the best time of year to hike the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop?

The best time to hike this trail is during the summer or early fall. The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed in winter, and there may be snow early in the season, so check the park's website for road closures before planning your visit.

Can I visit the glacier on the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop?

Yes, you can visit Nevada's only glacier along the hike. However, the trail eventually fizzles out, and you may encounter snow and loose rock, so be careful when crossing these sections.

What wildlife can I expect to see on the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike?

The area is home to diverse wildlife, including bighorn sheep, mule deer, and numerous bird species. The alpine lakes provide an excellent spot for wildlife sightings.

PLAY VIDEO

Bristlecone and Alpine Loop (Great Basin NP)

By Cris Hazzard, Professional Hiking Guide
Updated May 5, 2025

Hike Stats

Total Distance: 6.2 miles
Time: 2-4 hours
Total Climbing: 1320 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
Crowds: Moderate
Dogs: No Dogs
Gear: What I Use
Weather: Latest Report
Park: Great Basin National Park

According to the rangers at Great Basin National Park, the Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes Loop hike is the one hike you should do. It features incredible alpine lakes beneath Wheeler Peak, a bristlecone grove with trees over 3,000 years old, and Nevada's only glacier. It's not too hard if you know what you're doing (keep reading!).

Where is the Bristlecone and Alpine Loop?

Great Basin National Park Location — The Bristlecone and Alpine Loop is located within Great Basin National Park, about 3.5 hours from Salt Lake City and 5 hours from Las Vegas.

Bristlecone And Alpine Loop Great Basin Location — The hike starts by the Wheeler Peak Campground, at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive.

Use this trailhead address:
Bristlecone Trailhead, Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, Baker, NV 89311

Some notes if you're visiting:

There is no entry fee for Great Basin National Park.
Get water at the visitor center. The trailhead has no water.
The Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive is closed in the winter up to this destination. Check the park website to see if it's open when you visit.
The park has no hotels or lodges, it's camping only. Check the park website for more information.

Bristlecone And Alpine Loop Great Basin Parking — There's a medium-sized parking area with primitive toilets. The trail parking is just before you enter the campground.

Gear Recommendations

Hiking Shoes In Great Basin — Having some basic hiking gear like the proper footwear will make this hike more enjoyable.

Plenty of people do this hike in street clothes, especially the first portion to Stella Lake. But this is a backcountry hike and you should be prepared.

Bring 1 L of water with you. There is lake water but you'll want to treat it with a filter before drinking it.
If you're not used to hiking this far, bring a snack or two.
Ideally, you're bringing the backcountry hiking essentials. There is no cellular service for most of this hike, so if you get in trouble, you need to be prepared to handle it.
A satellite communicator of cell phone satellite SOS are helpful in case of trouble.
The weather can change quickly in the mountains, so bring extra layers.
I hike in trail runners, and they work fine here. Early in the season there can be a snow, so if you have microspikes, bring them.

Essentials I’m Using Now

Garmin inReach Mini 2: Reliable SOS Everywhere on Earth
Sawyer + CNOC Water Filter: Easy & Reliable Safe Water
Nitecore NU25 Headlamp: Running late? Get home safe
AllTrails Plus (30% off): Good All-Around Hiking App
Full November 2025 Gear List →

Bristlecone and Alpine Loop Trail Maps

Bristlecone And Alpine Loop Great Basin Signs — Most of the trail, including many of the important junction, are marked with signs. I'd recommend picking up a map at the visitor center too.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 19 — Much of the trail has these red markers.

Click to activate map

Print Map, Work With It Yourself

View Hike on CalTopo

Bring the Guide to Any GPS

Download the GPX File

Hike Directions

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 2 — The hike starts across the street from the parking area by the trailhead sign.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 3 — After a minute make the right toward Stella Lake.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 4 — And shortly after that, at the big signs, make the right.

When you come back, you'll pass by these signs from the left.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 5 — You have a gentle uphill hike.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 6 — At around 0.9 miles the Summit Trail comes in from the right. Stay straight.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 1 — And right after that the Summit Trail leaves to the right. Stay straight toward Stella Lake.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 7 — At about 1.1 you reach Stella Lake. The trail continues to the left of the lake.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 8 — Enjoy the downhill toward Teresa Lake.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 9 — At about 1.9 miles you'll reach Teresa Lake. The trail continues to the left of the lake.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 10 — After the lake, make the right on the Bristlecone Trail.

If you want to end the hike, make the left, which takes you back to the start. This loop is about 3 miles.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 11 — Hike uphill toward the bristlecone grove.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 12 — At about 2.8 miles you reach the Bristlecone Grove. You can bypass it on the right, but I recommend taking the short loop to the left.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 13 — The loop to the left has interpretive displays.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 14 — Continue uphill past the grove toward the glacier.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 15 — At about 3.1 you reach the interpretive display for the glacier.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 16 — The trail continues past the sign into the glacier. Eventually the trail fizzles out. You might have to cross some areas of snow and loose rock in this section, be careful.

From here turn around and head back the way you came.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 17 — On your way back you'll pass the intersection where we came down from Teresa Lake. Stay straight to return to the start.

Great Basin Alpine Bristlecone Hike 18 — And after that, you'll pass the large signs we saw at the beginning. A few minutes after that, you're done!

Originally published July 31, 2024