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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is home to the oldest trees in the world, bristlecone pines. Some of these living trees exceed 4000 years of age and exhibit spectacular growth forms of twisted and beautifully colored wood.
The visitor center at Schulman Grove is open in summer, with interpretive programs, gifts, and information about the trees. Several self guided trails allow you to explore the forest.
Beyond Schulman Grove lies the Patriarch Grove, 12-miles north on a good quality dirt road. Advise a speed limit of 15 mph is suggested to avoid flat tires punctured by the sharp rocks on this road.
Patriarch Grove is home to the world's largest bristlecone pine, the Patriarch Tree. Its splendid remoteness and moonscape appearance gives the Patriarch Grove a surreal atmosphere. Bristlecone pines and limber pines dot the landscape with a background view of the Great Basin in Nevada.
A visit to both Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is possible in the same day if you can get an early start. Patriarch and Schulman Grove are popular for photography in the early morning light. Both sites have picnic tables and restrooms (vault toilet) but no water.
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway closes at the Sierra View Gates with winter snowfall. While closed to vehicles, this is a popular route for cross country skiers and snowshoes.
Link to recreation information and current conditions for Ancient Bristlecones.
