Bristlecone Wilderness
Rate this placeNearby: Steptoe Park Ely City Park
Last Updated: December 5, 2025
Bristlecone Wilderness is a stunning natural area located in the state of Nevada, United States.
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Summary
There are several good reasons to visit, including the opportunity to explore one of the oldest living things on earth, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pines. In addition, the area features rugged mountain terrain, pristine wilderness, and breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.
One of the main points of interest in Bristlecone Wilderness is the Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, a 12-mile route that takes visitors through groves of ancient bristlecone pines and high alpine scenery. At the end of the drive, visitors can hike the Wheeler Peak Trail, which leads to the summit of Wheeler Peak, the second tallest peak in Nevada.
Another popular hiking trail in Bristlecone Wilderness is the Bristlecone Trail, a moderate 4.6-mile loop that offers stunning views of the surrounding mountains and valleys. Other notable attractions include the Lehman Caves, a series of limestone caves filled with spectacular formations, and the Stella and Teresa Lakes, two alpine lakes that offer excellent fishing and camping opportunities.
Interesting facts about Bristlecone Wilderness include that the Great Basin Bristlecone Pines are some of the oldest trees in the world, with some individuals believed to be over 5,000 years old. The area is also home to a variety of wildlife, including mountain lions, black bears, and mule deer.
The best time of year to visit Bristlecone Wilderness is during the summer months, when the weather is mild and the hiking trails are open. However, visitors should be prepared for sudden changes in weather, including thunderstorms and snowstorms, which can occur at any time of year.
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Park & Land Designation Reference
Large protected natural areas managed by the federal government to preserve significant landscapes, ecosystems, and cultural resources; recreation is allowed but conservation is the priority.
State Park
Public natural or recreational areas managed by a state government, typically smaller than national parks and focused on regional natural features, recreation, and education.
Local Park
Community-level parks managed by cities or counties, emphasizing recreation, playgrounds, sports, and green space close to populated areas.
Wilderness Area
The highest level of land protection in the U.S.; designated areas where nature is left essentially untouched, with no roads, structures, or motorized access permitted.
National Recreation Area
Areas set aside primarily for outdoor recreation (boating, hiking, fishing), often around reservoirs, rivers, or scenic landscapes; may allow more development.
National Conservation Area (BLM)
BLM-managed areas with special ecological, cultural, or scientific value; more protection than typical BLM land but less strict than Wilderness Areas.
State Forest
State-managed forests focused on habitat, watershed, recreation, and sustainable timber harvest.
National Forest
Federally managed lands focused on multiple use—recreation, wildlife habitat, watershed protection, and resource extraction (like timber)—unlike the stricter protections of national parks.
Wilderness
A protected area set aside to conserve specific resources—such as wildlife, habitats, or scientific features—with regulations varying widely depending on the managing agency and purpose.
Bureau of Land Management (BLM) Land
Vast federal lands managed for mixed use—recreation, grazing, mining, conservation—with fewer restrictions than national parks or forests.
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