Teresa Lake Trail

Teresa Lake Trail is a short out-and-back from the Bristlecone trailhead to a subalpine lake in a glacial cirque beneath Wheeler Peak. Plan on about 1.5 miles round trip and roughly 300 feet of climbing; allow about an hour if you stop at the shore. This is the pick when you want Teresa Lake on its own. Keep going around the full 2.7-mile Alpine Lakes Loop if you also want Stella Lake.

From the shared Bristlecone and Alpine Lakes trailhead, take the direct side of the established path toward Teresa and turn around at the lakeshore. The short approach is a steady climb at nearly 10,000 feet, so the mileage can feel bigger than it looks on paper. The park map marks the Teresa leg at about six-tenths of a mile; different route listings count the trailhead connection and turnaround slightly differently, so use 1.5 miles for the full return.

Teresa sits in a glacial cirque near the highest peaks of the Snake Range. Spring water and snowmelt feed the lake, and summer evaporation lowers it enough to leave rings along the shore. The basin’s trees and open mountain backdrop make the destination feel more remote than the short walk warrants. From the north side of the lake, look back over the water toward Wheeler Peak.

The trail starts at the end of Wheeler Peak Scenic Drive, at just under 10,000 feet. The road is seasonal and can close in winter or after snow. High elevation and afternoon thunderstorms are the main recurring hazards; there is no potable water along the scenic drive. Pit toilets without running water are at the trailhead, and pets are not allowed on park trails.