Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine Grove - Baker, Nevada

Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine Grove

Located in the heart of the Great Basin National Park, the Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine Grove is a stunning and ancient forest of the world's oldest trees. These hardy trees can live for thousands of years, and the grove is home to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. The grove is easily accessible via a moderate hiking trail, offering visitors a chance to walk among these living legends.

The Bristlecone Pines are a unique and fascinating species, known for their gnarled, twisted forms and their ability to withstand the harsh conditions of the high desert. The grove covers a portion of the mountain's flanks, providing a serene and picturesque setting for visitors. The trees are generally smaller than most other pine species, but their longevity and resilience are unparalleled.

The grove is located along Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a 12-mile road that winds through the park, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape. The drive itself is a scenic tour, providing opportunities to spot wildlife and take in the beauty of the Great Basin.

Visiting Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine Grove is an experience like no other. The grove is open year-round, offering different perspectives and experiences with the changing seasons. Winter months can bring a blanket of snow, transforming the landscape into a winter wonderland. Spring and fall provide a colorful display as wildflowers and fall foliage paint the surrounding landscape. Summer can be warm during the day, but evenings can be cool, making it an ideal time to explore the grove.

The grove is accessible via a short, 0.7-mile hiking trail, which is moderate in difficulty. The trail is well-maintained and marked, making it suitable for a wide range of hikers. The trail winds through the grove, offering close-up views of the ancient trees and the unique landscape.

For those interested in learning more about these remarkable trees, there is an interpretive trail within the grove. This trail is marked with informative signs that provide insights into the biology, ecology, and history of the bristlecone pines. It's a great way to deepen your appreciation for these living time capsules.

Great Basin National Park offers a variety of other attractions and activities, including caverns, rock formations, and stargazing opportunities. The park is home to the Lehman Caves, a series of underground limestone caverns that offer guided tours. The park is also designated as an International Dark Sky Park, making it a fantastic spot for stargazing and astronomy-related activities.

Address: Wheeler Peak Scenic Dr, Baker, NV 89311.

Phone: 752347331.

Website: nps.gov.

Specialties: Scenic spot, Park.

Opinions: This company has 81 reviews on Google My Business. The average opinion is 4.9/5.

👍 Reviews of Wheeler Peak Bristlecone Pine Grove

Wyatt W. P.

5/5

Really an amazing hike to this bristlecone grove. It is majestic and spiritual experience how these trees can be. Crazy to think that these trees could have been alive during Moses in the Old Testamant. Definitely moving to say the least especially if you are a tree lover. The hike is moderate from the trailhead but very scenic and worth it.

Cheryl W.

5/5

Great hike with spectacular views, but with the elevation change and high altitude, it was tough going. I strongly recommend hiking poles. It was very icy in spots from snow pack. Even with hiking poles, our lives flashed in front of our eyes when we started sliding!!!

Steve

5/5

Wonderful and amazing place to see. The trees are incredible and the views spectacular. Hike is moderate, rocky trail in some areas, ~10,00 foot elevation, 600 feet of elevation change, about 2.9 miles. We are slower hikers and spent about three hours on the trail, some of it admiring the scenery. Take some water and a snack. Walking sticks are recommended for less sure footed hikers.

Mike E.

5/5

Super cool trail that is guides with information slates explaining about the ages of the bristlecone and such. If you keep working your way towards the peak the trail becomes a bit nasty to ankles. Rocks are very uneven. No lakes or rivers but there were a few glacier ponds and very ICY cold.

travis H.

5/5

This was a very nice hike, and the Bristlecone pines are amazing! On the way to the grove you will pass several other types of pine trees, as well as some of the most gorgeous views you will ever see. Then the Pine trees themselves, each tree has a plaque and talks a bit about them, such as age and a brief history of the trees. I highly recommend this trail.

Marcel G.

5/5

We hiked up to the glacier. The way is very beautiful. We saw the bristlecoin trees and the two lakes on our way. You can do this hike up to the glacier in 5-6 hours (roundtrip) with making pictures and enjoying the views. We did the long hike. The last mile or two to the glacier have been very strengous. But it was worth it. You should not expect to much of the glacier. In summer it is almost gone. You will also see lots of deers and wild Turkeys. There are less people compared to other nationalparks which makes the hike more special.

Brett R.

5/5

Great hike up to the ancient trees thousands of years old. Nice fall yellow colors too on the drive up. Bring a jacket and water even if the parking lot is warm.

Dallin S.

5/5

Beautiful hike, but not for everyone. Bristlecones are incredible for their gnarled and weathered look. Wheeler peak, the cirque and rock glacier are beautiful for what they are. If you are expecting views or formations similar to Zion, Bryce, or Arches, you will be disappointed. It is a steep trail, and the bristlecone pine grove is "just a bunch of trees" as one disappointed visitor remarked while I was here.