Notes: Dead Sentry, a tree depicted on many souvenirs sold at Schulman Grove Visitor Center, often found in internet image searches for Methuselah or world's oldest tree, and displayed on the cover of Inyo National Forest Atlas, is NOT the world's oldest tree. It is a long-dead bristlecone pine snag without bark, cambium, or foliage.

Dead Sentry is directly in the path of the May 3, 2106 total solar eclipse.

Drive: Dead Sentry is 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, Schulman Grove is day-use (open from 6 AM to 10 PM) only. Visit fs.usds.gov for more information.

Hike: From the trailhead at the northern edge of the parking lot, hike north 0.3 mi (0.5 km) on the western half of Discovery Trail loop to Dead Sentry which stands beside the trail on your right. After visiting Dead Sentry, hike south 0.3 mi (0.5 km) on the eastern half of Discovery Trail loop to Pine Alpha.

View Dead Sentry Tree location in Google Maps

Panorama: Click panorama to take a virtual tour of Dead Sentry Tree

Photos: Pictures of Dead Sentry Tree taken from different sides