Glacier/Alpine Lakes Loop

The Glacier/Alpine Lakes Loop is a day hike located within the Great Basin National Park and combines 3 different trails. These trails include the Bristlecone Pine Trail, Glacier Trail and the Alpine Lakes Trail.

The hike is rated as moderate and is approximately 6 miles in length with an elevation gain of 1059 feet. My route began from the Wheeler Peak Parking area which is located at the terminus of the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive (do not miss this drive). Due to the COVID pandemic all of the campgrounds and Visitor Centers were closed but the roads and trails were accessible. Thank you COVID for providing an empty parking lot and trail.

Bristlecone Pine Trail

Once at the parking area look for the Bristlecone Pine Trailhead to begin your hike. After crossing a small bridge and walking a few hundred feet the Bristlecone Pine Trail connects with the Alpine Lakes Trail. These two trails share the same path for about .6 miles when the Alpine Lakes Trail splits right and the Bristlecone Pine Trail makes a hard left. After the split the trail gradually climbs in elevation through a dense forest of Limber Pine, Ponderosa Pine, Douglas Fir, White Fir and Engelmann Spruce. Just yesterday I had driven 4 and half hours through a mostly treeless desert full of rocks and sage and now I am standing amazed amongst these green giants. As the trail gains more elevation the forest thins out and the trees shorten until reaching the Bristlecone Pine grove.

There are three significant Bristlecone Pine groves in the park (Wheeler Peak grove, Mount Washington grove & Eagle Peak grove). These ancient trees grow in isolation just below tree line. Conditions are harsh, with cold temperatures, a short growing season, and high winds. At this high-elevation and harsh conditions these unique twisted trees grow very slowly and in some years don’t even add a ring of growth. This slow growth makes their wood very dense and resistant to insects, fungi, rot, and erosion. It has been estimated that these trees may be some of the oldest living things on the planet.

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Up to this point I had been hiking with Lucas whom I met in the at the trailhead. Lucas is a young nomad traveling from California to Utah while living in his car. His goal was to see as much of the country along the way before reporting to his next job as a carpenter in Utah. I enjoyed chatting about what he had seen and to hear of his many adventures as we moved up the trail.

Once near the Bristlecone Pine interpretive loop we ran into 2 gals heading back down. They had planned to hike to the glacier but the trail was under deep snow and they were unable to follow it. As a result they altered their original plan and decided to spend their energy hiking around the Alpine Lakes.

Glacier Trail

I decided to push forward, but Lucas opted for the company of the two young ladies and the Alpine Lakes Loop. Surprise Surprise!!!

I will admit the trail was hard to follow and the snow was deep. As a result I ended up bushwhacking most of the way and found myself post-holing hip deep in several spots, but I had the place all to myself and it added to the adventure.

Once getting through the snowfield the goal of todays hike came into plain view. The trail had been exposed to the sun and I was now able to follow it without encountering much snow. It kinda reminded me that there are often great unseen things ahead, but in order to get there we must first push through and the endure the difficult sections. I found a great flat rock, sat down and soaked in all the wonder of this basin.

After about 45 minutes of complete solitude enjoying the view and exploring the glacier basin I headed back down the trail. I was feeling good so I decided that I would add the remainder of the Alpine Lakes Trail to my day. After all this park is a long way from nothing and it may be quite a long time before I had the opportunity to return, if ever.

Alpine Lakes Trail

The Alpine Lakes Loop did not disappoint. It is a moderately undulating trail that providing great views of two different lakes and the surrounding peaks.

In between lake views the trail travels through alpine forests, crosses creeks, mountain meadows and provides additional views of Wheeler and the surrounding peaks. The trail is considered easy and this is where I passed most hikers.

This is a great hike. If ever in the neighborhood or want to go out of your way to see a spectacular site then don’t pass up the Great Basin National Park. I was completely taken back with this place. To be honest with it being located in Nevada and based on what I had seen during the previous days drive I was expecting a big desert (dirt) basin but instead I was pleasantly surprised to find snow capped mountains and a taste of the alpine tundra. I would rank this park in my top 7 national parks and I hope to return and lose track of more time! Oh one more thing …. from what I can tell admission is free! Cha-Ching.

~Slow-LEE hiking