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Hike the Bristlecone and Glacier Trail in Great Basin NP

Baker, Nevada

5.0/5
based on 1 reviews

Details

Distance

4.6 miles

Elevation Gain

1100 ft

Route Type

Out-and-Back

Description

Added by Sarah Levant

Hike through ancient Bristlecone Pine groves to Nevada's only glacier.

Great Basin National Park is known for its unparalleled dark skies and stunning display of ancient Bristlecone Pines. This hike starts at 9,800 feet elevation and will ascend about 1,000 feet in elevation upon reaching the only glacier in Nevada! Great Basin is a desert, receiving less than 10 inches of rain per year so witnessing a view of this glacier is pretty spectacular. Not to mention the trek will meander through groves of magnificent Bristlecone Pines which are some of the longest lived life forms on the planet. We loved this hike as an alternative to the Wheeler Peak summit which is an 8+mile trek with 3k elevation gain.   

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Features

Fitness
Photography
Hiking
Bathrooms
Easy Parking
Family Friendly
Forest
Scenic

Reviews

Two major rewards on this relatively short hike make it a must-do for anyone visiting Great Basin NP. The bristlecone pines are really cool to see and learn about up close - some of these trees are 4000 years old! The views of the glacial valley are incredible as well, rivaling anything in Glacier National Park (though there's just one glacier here...). The hike starts out pretty easy, though the last section is over quite rocky terrain so wear sturdy footwear.

Leave No Trace

Always practice Leave No Trace ethics on your adventures and follow local regulations. Please explore responsibly!

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