Bristlecone Pines and Rock Glacier Trail Great Basin National Park August 17, 2013

                                 Bristlecone pine tree

On my way south from West Wendover, Nevada, I stopped at Great Basin National Park to spend the night and go on a hike. I drove into the park at 1 pm so it became obvious I would have to pick a hike that wasn't too many miles. I chose to hike the Bristlecone Pine Trail and Glacier Trail. From my campsite at the Wheeler Peak Campground the hike would be about 5.3 miles. Elevation gain was low at approximately 1100 feet. This is a special short hike because it takes the hiker by Bristlecone pine trees which are some of the oldest trees in the world. The second part of the trail takes visitors to the only glacier in Nevada. Along the way views include 13000 foot Mount Wheeler, the desert in the valley and Mount Moriah to the north.

If you are planning on spending more than one day I would consult the National park website. Great Basin has many hiking and backpacking opportunities. Lehman Caves at the Visitor's Center is also beautiful and visitors should take the tour.

                      What magnificent trees; not to be confused with Limber pines

                                                     Bristlecone pine

                  The extent of the glacier at the base of Wheeler Peak. The glacier is much smaller today.

                      High desert scenery in the Snake Mountains looking north.

                      Storm clouds forming over Mount Wheeler's ride.

University of Arizona Art Museum

                         Interesting modern painting of a Circle K Gas Station

    On the University of Arizona campus is a small art museum which shows a wide range of art from modern to classical European. Among its permanent collections consists of European paintings and sculpture from the 14th century through the 19th century given by Samuel Kress. The museum also has paintings from American artists including Edward Hopper, Georgia )'Keefe, and Jackson Polluck. The museum also has rotating exhibits. One exhibit shows the Alterpiece from Ciudad Rodrigo in Spain. This is considered one of the most important works from 15th century Spain. Another exhibit features Patricia Carr Morgan and her perception of reality and myth. (Information from www.artmuseum.arizona.edu)

Hours and Price:  The museum is open Tuesday through Friday from 9-5. On Saturday and Sunday museum hours are 12-4. Admission is $4 for adults with discounts given for UA students.

                                         Simple plant painting

                            Painting from Patricia Morgan with her combination of reality and myth
    

                          Patricia Carr Morgan painting; one of my favorites

                           Paintings from Ciudad Rodrigo, Spain

                                                   Alterpiece from Ciudad Rodrigo