Hike the Snake Divide Route

Hiking along the Snake Divide is a challenging but rewarding hike.

Charlie Reed

Trail Overview

Total Distance: 13.4 miles / 21.6 kilometers
Elevation Gain: 3,418 feet / 1,041 meters
Difficulty: Moderate
Time: 7 hours - 12 hours
Begin at: Snake Creek Trailhead

The out and back hike along the Snake Divide route is 13.4 miles round trip through rough terrain, gaining more than 3,000 feet. Following the well defined Shoshone trail, the Snake Divide trail branches and goes west, following the ridge formed by multiple 10,000+ foot peaks. The trail is often only marked by flagging and the occassional rock cairn, so having a GPS, map & compass, and the skills to use them is paramount if you want to remain on track. Do not remove/knock over rock cairns or create your own - they are vital wayfinding tools in the wilderness.

This route leads to two bristlecone groves located deep in the backcountry of Great Basin National Park. The Magic Grove below the rocky Mt Washington, and then above Mt Washington is the aptly named Mt Washington Grove. In these groves, be prepared to see the isolated bristlecone pines standing apart from each other and other species of tree. Some trees in these groves have stood for thousands of years, so please treat them with the respect and reverence they've earned. Collecting or burning of downed bristlecone wood is strictly prohibited, as even remnants of these trees are useful for scientific study and dendrochronology. Some downed trees and limbs could be thousands of years older than even the oldest living bristlecones, so please exercise caution.

If your only aim is to reach the Magic Grove bristlecones, a round trip distance of 12.0 miles is to be expected. If you want to summit Mt Washington, prepare for the full 13.4 miles.

This hike starts at the Snake Creek Trailhead on Snake Creek Road. Stop to park at the trailhead at the road's end. Parking outside of designated spaces or along the road is prohibited.

No pets permitted on park trails. Trained service animals allowed. Learn more about service animal regulations at this link.

Water

Potable water is not available along Snake Creek Road. Pack sufficient water with you, about one gallon per person per day.

Restrooms

The nearest restrooms are pit toilets with no running water at the Snake Creek Trailhead.

Details

Duration

7-12 Hours

Activity

Backcountry Hiking

This hike takes you deep into the backcountry of Great Basin National Park to two bristlecone groves. This Hike requires route finding skills. Make sure you are prepared with food and water. The use of a map and compass may be required, be sure to have the skills to read and use a map.

Age(s)

This route in not recommended for children.

Pets Allowed

No

Activity Fee

No

Entrance fees may apply, see Fees & Passes information.

Location

Snake Creek Trailhead

Reservations

No

Season

Summer

Time of Day

Day

Accessibility Information

This is not an accessible route as it gains 3,000 feet over six miles on a dirt and rock route. Not recommended for those unsteady on their feet.

The Snake Divide Trail highlighted. The highlighted portion only covers 12.0 miles. The additional 1.4 comes from hiking Mt Washington and returning.

NPS

Trail Map

Find the Snake Divide Trail on the trail map branching off of Snake Creek Road. Snake Creek road's entrance is located east of the park, at about the halfway point of the park's vertical length.

Ranger Tip: Travel with a paper map and compass along with a GPS to have the best results wayfinding. This trail can be tricky at times. Beware the brisk winds that emerge over the ridges of the trail as you get above treeline, they are one of the main forces to have gnarled the bristlecones over thousands of years and can be incredibly cold and draining. A wind layer will help tremendously!