Visiting the Beautiful Bristlecone Pines
When Nate and I drive up to Mammoth, we always try to make time to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest. The winding drive is breathtaking, and it’s easy to feel as though you’re standing at the edge of the world here.
Ancient Trees
It’s amazing to visit some of the oldest living trees in the entire world. In fact, you’ll find the oldest living non-clonal organisms on earth thriving here (the Methuselah Tree & Patriarch Tree) in the Schulman and Patriarch Groves. Many of the trees you see living here are thousands of years old, the oldest being approximately 5,000 years young.
Schulman Grove
My favorite hike here is the 4.5 mile Methuselah Trail Loop, where you can look for the world’s oldest living trees, as well as some that are no longer living, but have been here for nearly 10,000 years. Schulman Grove is also home to the 3.5 mile Bristlecone Cabin Trail that passes old abandoned mine buildings made from the Bristlecone Pine wood. For a quick and easy hike, the one mile Discovery Trail will take you on an easy walk around a few of these ancient bristlecone giants.
Patriarch Grove
If you’re game for a bit of a bumpy ride, then drive (in a solid 4-wheel drive vehicle) up 13 miles past the visitor center to Patriarch Grove for two short scenic trails (each under one mile). Here you’ll find the world’s largest bristlecone pine tree. While these hikes are easy, it’s important to remember you’ll be hiking at well over 11,000 feet, so stay hydrated and bring plenty of water.
Cycling Up
While bikes aren’t allowed on the grove trails, the main road up to the visitor center is a popular ride for experienced cyclists. It is known as one of the most beautiful, quiet and safe rides, but it’s also ranked as one of the top 5 most difficult climbs in California. I personally prefer to take my time strolling beside these giants.
Visitor Center
Make time to stop by the beautiful Visitor Center at Schulman Grove. Opening at 10am daily during the Summer, you’ll find helpful information about the trees and grove hikes here. They offer interpretive programs, a gift shop, and restrooms as well. This is also the only place you can find water in the park (in the form of water bottles for purchase).
Know Before You Go
• Please be considerate of the Leave no Trace Principles to help keep this place wild and beautiful.
• You’ll be exploring at over 11,000 feet so it’s important to be aware of the possibility of altitude sickness.
• The nearest source of food, water and fuel is Big Pine, nearly one hour away…so come prepared to be self sufficient.
• Bikes are not allowed on the grove trail paths.
• The closest camping is Grandview Campground.
• There is no cell service here, so don’t rely on your phone for navigation or communication.
• During Winter months, it may not be possible to visit due to snow and road closures. Click here to check current conditions.
• The bristlecone trees are beautiful, but they don’t offer much shade along the trails…so bring appropriate sun protection.
• Depending on time of day and season, temperatures can fluctuate…so layer accordingly.
• Plan for 45+ minutes to drive up the winding White Mountain road to Schulman Grove from Big Pine.
• Parking is $3 per person ($6 max per car), or free with your America the Beautiful pass.
Other local Points of Interest
In Summary
It really is incredible to walk among these twisted trees that had been standing proud 2000 years before the pyramids were built. I’m honored to see such beauties in person. For a virtual visit, make sure to check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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Read this Flying Dawn Marie travel blog about driving the June Lake Loop north of Mammoth Lakes in the California Eastern Sierras. If you're looking for places to see Fall colors, the Autumn foliage along this drive pop every October. Along this scenic road trip you'll discover 4 lakes (June Lake, Silver Lake, Gull Lake and Grant Lake) surrounded granite peaks and groves of quaking aspen trees.