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 Reporter |
Summary: This is an alternate route to the signed & maintained Bristlecone loop if you want relief from the often crowded bicycles on the Bristlecone trail. Since horses are not allowed on the upper Bristlecone trail, this is THE trail for horses; and for hikers who prefer more isolation along the trail. I've put star symbols on the route map to show you where to find this non-maintained route, from either upper Bristlecone or Bonanza trails. Please be warned that this is NOT a maintained USFS trail; therefore, please keep it "hidden" and do not tag, cairn, or mark it in any way. The foot path can be rough, steep, and easy to lose; but the views of Clark canyon and Wheeler Pass are worth it. I'm not going to give bearings for this trail because the USFS prefers it remain unknown so let's just say if you know where it is, keep it primitive, pick up any trash and enjoy the solitude! Trailhead: I-15 N from Las Vegas to 95 N towards Reno, W on SR 156 (Lee Canyon) 17 1/4 miles into Lee Canyon until road dead ends in upper pkg. lot for Lee Canyon Ski Area. Do NOT park on helipad for flight for life (signed) ! Trailhead for upper Bristlecone is located at upper end of parking lot. Note that horses cannot access trail from this point. Park horse trailers in large gravel parking area (signed) BEFORE McWilliams campground. You can ride horses up the lower Bristlecone Trail and meet this loop at the Bonanza trail turn (signed, 3 mi.up lower trail- will add 1 mile overall to hike) -- take the turn onto Bonanza trail and follow switchbacks to top (signed); look for turn BEFORE the wooden steps up the hill. When you exit the hike at the ski area pkg, you'll need to ride alongside the paved road back down to main horse trailer parking (gravel lot). If hiking instead of riding, begin & end at upper trailhead and follow loop as shown for this route. (Lat:36.30655 Lon:-115.67792) Trail Guides for Hidden Bonanza-Bristlecone Loop: Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Summer, User Groups: Hikers, Dogs, Horses, Ranger Contact: USFS - Humboldt-Toiyabe NF, Spring Mtns NRA (702) 515-5400 emerg (702) 872-5306 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Kat Green, who has posted 86 other hikes on this site Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Bill W on 9/5/2007 The old loop is the only way to go if you want to see some great Bristlecones. The views are great and the peace and quite is a nice break from the main trail. 
Reviewed by Janeway7 on 8/20/2007 This hike is certainly worth the effort. I began the 'hidden' trail from the lower (east) section, the trail is not maintained and has some very steep scree sections. There is definite solitude on this trail, grazing deer, great bristlecone trees and spectacular views. I looped onto the Bonanza Trail, down the switchbacks, met the Bristlecone Loop and hiked back down to the ski area.
Reviewed by Kat on 4/1/2006 Please note that the review dtd Aug 05 is not for this hidden trail, but is for the Bristlecone Loop trail which is well signed, easy to find and open to bicycles, hikes, dogs, but not for horses on the West or Upper side. Horses can take this hidden trail to reach Bonanza or the lower (east) part of main Bristlecone trail to reach Bonanza trail (and on towards Cold Creek). 
Reviewed by Viewer on 8/27/2005 The upper loop is a very nice hike with the trees and the views. The lower loop is terrible. It is a rock path, little shade and little beauty. The best bet is doing the upper loop and retracing your steps. That is a 4 mile round trip as opposed to 6.2 if one does the upper and lower loop+ returning to the starting point. Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: Nevada Hiking, Nevada Trails, Nevada Hikes, Clark County Hiking, Clark County Trails, Clark County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||