Teresa Lake

Teresa Lake is a small glacial lake in the high Snake Range, north of Wheeler Peak. It is one of two lakes along the Alpine Lakes Loop. Take the 0.2-mile diversion from Bristlecone Trail for Teresa on its own; continue on the loop if you want to see both lakes.

The lake sits below a rocky ridgeline. From the north side, Wheeler Peak rises behind the water. Walk around to that shore for the clearest lake-and-peak view. Late afternoon, before the sun drops behind the north ridge, gives the strongest light for that view.

Snowmelt feeds this shallow lake. It is fuller and blue-green in late spring or early summer, then can shrink to a muddy shoreline by late summer or early fall. Set your expectations if you arrive after the runoff; low water changes the payoff.

The approaches are rocky and rooted, and most of the Alpine Lakes Loop stays above 10,000 feet. Even the short spur is a high-elevation hike, so allow for more effort than the lake's small size suggests. The road to the high trailheads typically opens from Memorial Day into late October, with weather deciding the dates.