Deep in the endless dusty highways of Eastern Nevada is one of the gems of the National Park System - Great Basin National Park. Here the flat and barren basins meet the highest point in Nevada (Wheeler Peak).
High up on the heels of Wheeler Peak, near treeline, lies a grove of Bristlecone Pine trees that are some of (if not outright) the older non clonal species on Earth. Non clonal refers to plants that reproduce with new underground shoots (like Aspen). Some of these Bristlecone pine tree are over 2000 and 3000 years old.
The Bristlecones are twisted, warped, worn, and wind swept with uncanny beauty. To lay your eyes upon one of these great trees is to inspire oneself. The trees that live the longest are those trees that live in the most adverse conditions. It brings to truth the saying that "what doesn't kill us makes us stronger"
On the trail up to the Bristlecone Pine stand is Theresa Lake hidden in the lower shadows of Wheeler Peak. The trail up to the treeline where the Bristlecone live is not terribly difficult, and should be able to be manuvered by most in decent shape.
The views from the moutain side were incredible. You could see for what seemed like hundreds of miles.
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