Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center — Attraction in Bishop

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest protects the oldest recorded living thing on Earth, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus Longaeva). Growing only within an elevation range from 9,000 to over 11,000 ft in the White Mountains of the Inyo National Forest, the Bristlecone Pine can exceed 5,000 years old. They thrive in the area's high alkaline dolomite soils with little competition.

A trip begins on a 24 mile steep, narrow, winding National Scenic Byway. CA Hwy 165 is a fantastic drive (turn off of CA Hwy 395, 14 miles south of Bishop at Big Pine). Dramatic vistas look across the Owens Valley towards the eastern slope of the southern Sierra Nevada Mountain Range.

After leaving Big Pine, the turnoff to the Bristlecone Pine Forest is 13 miles later, just before the Westgard Pass summit. The White Mountain paved road ends at the Schulman Grove Visitor Center (9,846 ft in elevation). Due to snow, the road and visitor center are only open (varies) from May through mid-November.

Nearby, the Schulman Grove contains two trails. The Discovery Trail is a relatively easy one mile loop (300 ft elevation gain) through an area containing 3,000-4,000 year old trees. The Methuselah Grove Trail (4.5 mile loop, 800 ft elevation gain) brings hikers through an area containing one of the oldest trees known, the 4,800+ year old Methuselah Tree. Its exact location is guarded to protect it from vandal damage.

The Patriarch Grove is located beyond the visitor center along a dirt road. The area also contains the Cottonwood Basin Overlook trail.

Walking through the Bristlecone Pine Forest is a awesome experience. Beautifully twisted, weather-worn and gnarled, they do look their ancient age. All around you are living things that have been on Earth for centuries, some since 3,050 BC. And that's truly mind blowing.

Warning: The scenic road to the Schulman Visitor Center (24 miles from CA Hwy 395) is a narrow, twisty road for the majority of its 6,000 ft climb. It has little to no shoulders, endless 20-25 mph curves, dips, and at one point, goes into a single, blind lane. When exiting the Visitor Center on your downhill trip, the road has extreme exposure, no shoulder or railing for the...

Walking into the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center felt like stepping back in time. Seriously, it's like a portal to a world where "ancient" takes on a whole new meaning. This unassuming little building is your gateway to some of the oldest living things on Earth – the majestic bristlecone pines. Inside, the exhibits and displays practically pull you into the story of these incredible trees. Did you know some of these guys have been around for over 5,000 years? Like, they were seedlings when the pyramids were being built! It's humbling, to say the least.

What I Loved: The Staff: The rangers and volunteers are super passionate about this place. They're bursting with cool facts and stories about the forest and its inhabitants. Interactive Stuff: The hands-on exhibits aren't just for kids. I got totally sucked into learning about tree rings, climate change, and how these trees survive in such a harsh environment. Gift Shop: Don't skip it! They've got a great selection of books, maps, and locally-made crafts – perfect for taking home a piece of this amazing place.

Fun Facts to Blow Your Mind: Methuselah: The forest is home to one of the oldest known trees in the world, nicknamed Methuselah. It's over 4,850 years old! They keep its exact location a secret to protect it. Tough Cookies: These trees live in some of the harshest conditions imaginable – high altitude, crazy temperatures, and barely any soil. Their twisted shapes show just how tough they are. Science Rocks: Scientists study these trees to learn about climate change. Their rings are like a history book of past environmental conditions.

Final Thoughts: If you're heading to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, the Visitor Center is a must-visit. It gives you the context and understanding to truly appreciate these remarkable trees. Whether you're a nature lover, a history buff, or just looking for a peaceful escape, this place will leave a...

These gnarly ancients are uniquely gorgeous! Oldest trees in the world!

The drive up to the visitor center is very winding with big dips; beautiful and fun to drive. The visitor center is all the way at the top. Great place with friendly and knowledgeable staff.

We drove to the Patriarch Grove to see THE 'Patriarch' tree. The road is unpaved. But not like nice unpaved gravel road. It's unpaved with rocks the size of your fists that will not hesitate to tear your tires and the underside of your car up! If you have a truck or a high clearance vehicle, it shouldn't be an issue. We have a slightly lower car so it took almost two hours round trip. It was absolutely worth it! The tree was magnificent against the sunset in the background. You can get a really good view of the mountain range. I would recommend coming up here while the sun is setting and hang around for a bit. It gets windy so bring a jacket. There's a bathroom up there.

Definitely hike the short trails around the visitor center. Although you will be passing the oldest known tree in the world on the Methuselah trail, the tree is NOT marked so you will not know which one it is exactly. It doesn't matter though because all the trees on the trails are amazing. There are benches along the trails for you to enjoy spectacular views. Bring plenty of water and snacks. Load up on the sunscreen, too.

Great place. Can't wait to come back to...