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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Notes: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, a protected area within the White Mountain Ranger District of Inyo National Forest, is home to the oldest non-clonal organism on Earth: the Great Basin bristlecone pine (Pinus longeava). The forest encompasses over 43 mi2 (111 km2) of terrain and contains over 10 mi (16 km) of hiking trails.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest includes the world's oldest non-clonal tree (Methuselah), 3 of the world's oldest non-clonal trees (Pine Alpha, Pine Delta, and Methuselah), each over 4,000 years old, and the largest bristlecone pine (Patriarch).

Methuselah is the oldest tree and Patriarch is the largest bristlecone pine in Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest includes 2 bristlecone pine groves:

  • Patriarch Grove
  • Schulman Grove

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest includes the following bristlecone pines:

Visit fs.usds.gov for seasonal hours, current entrance fees, and more information.

Drive: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located 234 mi (377 km) east of San Francisco near the community of Big Pine.

From U.S. Route 395 near Big Pine, transfer to California State Route 168 East. Drive east 13 mi (21 km) on California State Route 168 East and turn left onto White Mountain Road toward Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Drive north 10 mi (16 km) on White Mountain Road and turn right into the Schulman Grove Visitor Center parking lot.

Day-use fee required: Purchase a parking pass at the visitor center or enclose payment in a registration envelope provided and deposit into the collection box. Display the parking pass or registration envelope receipt in your windshield to avoid a fine.

Road Warning: White Mountain Road is unmaintained during winter. Depending on snow levels, White Mountain Road is usually open from May through October. During that time, Patriarch Grove and Schulman Grove are day-use (open from 6 AM to 10 PM) only.

Photos: Pictures of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Patriarch Tree Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Pine Delta Tree Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Dead Sentry Tree Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Pine Alpha Tree Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Methuselah Tree