The Hike -- Segment 7 -- Bonanza Trail to Bristlecone Trailhead (2.37 or 2.93 miles)

At the trail junction (Table 1, Wpt. 02) with the Bristlecone Trail, the Bonanza Trail ends and hikers must choose whether to go left or right on the Bristlecone Trail.

The Bristlecone Trail to the right leads to the Upper Bristlecone Trailhead, which is about 2.37 miles out. The Bristlecone Trail to the left leads to the Lower Bristlecone Trailhead, which is about 2.93 miles out. The hiking probably is easier to the Lower trailhead because it follows gentle grades of an old road, but hiking to the Upper trailhead follows a trail in the woods and might be more interesting.

Hiking towards either trailhead, the Bristlecone Trail runs through a mixed Quaking Aspen and conifer forest with plenty of shade and grand views to the east, although the trail from the lower trailhead has much more open sun and more expansive (tree free) views.

Either way, the Bristlecone Trail is horseshoe shaped and both directions eventually lead to a trailhead. For details of this part of the trail, see Bristlecone Trail.

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