Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
DON'T MISS
ANCIENT BRISTLECONE PINE FOREST
For encounters with some of the earth's oldest living things, plan at least a half-day trip to
the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. These gnarled, otherworldly looking trees thrive
above 10,000ft on the slopes of the seemingly inhospitable White Mountains, a parched
and stark range that once stood even higher than the Sierra. The oldest tree - called
Methuselah - is estimated to be over 4700 years old, beating even the Great Sphinx of
Giza by about two centuries.
To reach the groves, take Hwy 168 east 12 miles from Big Pine to White Mountain Rd,
then turn left (north) and climb the curvy road 10 miles to
Schulman Grove
, named for
the scientist who first discovered the trees' biblical age in the 1950s. The entire trip takes
about one hour. There's access to self-guided trails, and a new solar-powered
visitors
center
( 760-873-2500;
www.fs.usda.gov/inyo
;
per car $6 or per person $3; 10am-4pm late-
May-Oct). White Mountain Rd is usually closed from November to April. It's nicest in
August when wildflowers sneak out through the rough soil.
A second grove, the
Patriarch Grove
, is dramatically set within an open bowl and
reached via a 12-mile graded dirt road. Four miles further on you'll find a locked gate,
which is the departure point for day hikes to the
White Mountain Peak
- at 14,246ft it's
the third-highest mountain in California. The round-trip is about 14 miles via an aban-
doned road, soon passing through the
Barcroft High Altitude Research Station
. Some
ride the route on mountain bikes: the nontechnical and marmot-laden road winds above
the tree line, though naturally, high elevation makes the going tough. Allow plenty of time,
bring at least two quarts of water per person. For maps and details, stop at the
White
Mountain Ranger Station
in Bishop.
For altitude adjustment or some good star gazing, spend a night at the
Grandview
Campground
(donation $5) at 8600ft. It has awesome views, tables and vault toilets, but
no water.
Independence
This sleepy highway town has been a county seat since 1866 and is home to the
Eastern
California Museum
(
www.inyocounty.us/ecmuseum
;
155 N Grant St; donation requested;
10am-5pm)
. It contains one of the most complete collections of Paiute and Shoshone bas-
kets in the country, as well as artifacts from the Manzanar relocation camp and historic
