Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest travel information

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest info

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Bristlecone pines like these are gnarly ghosts on the landscape of Inyo National Forest near Bishop, Calif. The location of the oldest one, the Methuselah Tree, is kept secret for preservation reasons, so you won’t see signs announcing its presence. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

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In Patriarch Grove, about 12 miles away from the world’s oldest tree, is the world’s largest bristlecone pine. It, too, has a name: the Patriarch Tree. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

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The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is located at an elevation of about 10,000 feet. Come prepared for the altitude. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

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A close-up of a bristlecone pine and its greenery. The permanent visitor center for the forest burned down in 2009. Construction on a replacement started June 9, with a goal of opening it next year. In the meantime, a temporary visitor center has been set up. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

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Another close-up of an ancient tree. The forest’s busiest time of the year is July through August. (Gabriel Bouys / AFP / Getty Images)

May 11, 2019 5:47 PM PT

Getting there

From Los Angeles, take Interstate 5 north to California 14 and head northeast to the town of Mojave, where you should fill your gas tank. At the north end of Mojave, Highway 14 makes a sharp turn to the east and crosses the upper end of the Mojave Desert. It ends at the intersection with U.S. 395. Take 395 north to the small community of Big Pine, where a large sign at the northern end of town points you toward the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Follow California 168 just a few miles to the marked turnoff for the bristlecones. You will pass the entrance to Grandview Campground and the Sierra View viewpoint before arriving at Schulman Grove. The drive from Los Angeles takes about five hours.

WHERE TO STAY

Bristlecone Motel, 101 N. Main St., Big Pine, Calif; (760) 938-2067 or (866) 609-3785, https://www.bristleconemotel.com. Doubles from $55.

Big Pine Motel, 370 S. Main St., Big Pine; (760) 938-2282. Doubles $60.

Starlight Motel, (760) 938-2011, 511 S. Main St., Big Pine. Doubles from $65.

TO LEARN MORE

Inyo National Forest White Mountain District, (760) 873-2500, https://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/recreation.

White Mountain Research Information, https://www.wmrs.edu.