A Journey Through Time; Hiking Raintree Trail

There’s nothing I enjoy more than a new adventure to a place that can put the world in perspective. Since 2025 set me out on the mission to explore more and find new trails, it was only a matter of time before we pulled into a trailhead we’ve passed by for years for the chance to explore what surprises await at the top. 

The 5+ mile hike to Raintree climbs through scenic forests and incredible views on a well maintained trail that ascends 2,054 feet of elevation, and eventually peaks at an altitude of over 10,000 feet.

The entirety of the hike provided incredible sweeping views of the valley below amongst a natural landscape that was beautiful at every turn. Combined with the challenging, yet attainable climb, this hike instantly became a new addition to my list of favorite trails as an uphill trek that left my lungs working and my soul happy.

While the views are breathtaking and the silence of being alone in the mountains is always a priceless treasure, the true magic of this hike set in once we reached the grove of twisted bristlecone pines that eventually lead us to the ultimate prize: Raintree. Bristlecone pines are beautiful in such a unique way, their twisted bark and swirl of coloring; but Raintree is the epitome of local bristlecone beauty. 

At an estimated 3,000 years old, to stand at the base of this tree it’s amazing to try and grasp the profound expanse of time that has taken place in the world while it goes on living. When gladiators were taking center ring during the Roman Empire or the pyramids of Egypt were being constructed, this very tree was still here, growing on this mountain undisturbed. It is a perspective that is incredible to wrap your head around and truly remarkable to think about.

When it comes to bristlecone pines, these twisted trees are among the oldest living trees on Earth. These ancient trees are native to the western United States and thrive in isolated groves in higher altitudes across California, Nevada, and Utah. Their ability to adapt to their extreme environments gives them the chance to grow very slowly, producing incredibly dense, resinous wood that is resistant to insects, fungi, and rot, and their needles can remain in place on the branches for up to 40 years, allowing them to photosynthesize in even the most challenging conditions of each season. Their ability to survive in harsh, high-altitude environments for thousands of years is a testament to their resilience and what makes them so beautiful to see in person. 

In addition to the age of Raintree, this massive bristlecone is a bit of an optical illusion you don’t realize until you see it in person. Looking at it from the trail, there’s no doubt the tree is massive in size. It’s not until you see someone stand next to it that you see the full perspective of its enormity as it towers over anyone gathered at its base. 

While resting at the base of the giant tree, soaking in the sweeping views around us, we had a brief but genuine moment with a fellow hiker. He was a man from California, absolutely determined to briefly ditch his "guys trip" just to put in the miles and see this very destination. We chatted about hiking, and he was thrilled to share some beef jerky he had purchased on his road trip to Vegas.

After he went on his way, I couldn't help but laugh. "Never take food from strangers," the old saying popped into my head. And yet, out here in this desolate location, surrounded by such immense beauty, the people we meet on mountaintops truly feel like "our people." Even amongst strangers, there's an instant connection and a willingness to trust and share in a moment. It's a rarity to feel this way in the city, but at the top of a remote hike, even amongst strangers there's a sense of familiarity and friendship.

After our brief stop and momentary visit, we added to the excitement of this hike by continuing on another trail and adding a small loop that brought us to an ice and snow covered path. Strategically maneuvering around snow clusters and along the cliffside of the trail, we came around a corner and were greeted by the frozen-over waterfall, Mummy Springs. With the addition of the Mummy Spring loop, this hike come in at a total of 6.10-miles over the course of four and a half hours (with plenty of brief stops for photos).

Hiking to Raintree was more than just a trek; it was a journey through time and a powerful reminder of the enduring beauty that continues on at altitudes above the chaos of human existence and a rewarding hike that left me with a fresh perspective.