How I sincerely hope to add to this article one day! Inyo National Forest is home to such a wealth of fun. There’s a scenic soda lake! The tallest mountain in the lower 48 states! And, the longest-living beings on planet Earth.
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in Inyo National Forest was one of the major highlights of our second Great American Roadtrip in 2015. After meeting giant sequoias in their namesake park and spending time in tree-filled Yosemite, this was the perfect next destination!
Our curiousity was piqued when we encountered bristlecones among the redwoods in Sequoia National Park! After meeting the biggest trees on Earth, we decided to make our next mission to meet the oldest.
Trees of this species are the oldest living things on the planet! The very oldest have lived more than 4000 years! The location of the most ancient of these elders is a secret.
To meet them in person, we drove into Inyo National Forest, up into the White Mountains. We set out on the Methuselah Walk in the Schulman Grove on a beautifully warm and sunny fall day.
Of course, it was spectacular right from the start. I was so stoked to be in a new forest – and a new mountain range! And the star attractions, the ancient bristlecone pines, were everywhere!
We were hardly a few meters down the trail before we were stopping to delight over sweeping views above the forest, and to get up close and personal with the gnarled, resin-hardened trees.
The hike is a short one, at just 7 kilometers. But plan on it taking you at least half a day. You’re going to want to sit on one of the benches and take it all in. And you might find yourself – as I did – drawn to meet every tree alongside the trail.
As we wandered, Kent and I wondered which individuals were the most ancient. We marveled at trees that seemed half-dead and half-alive, following a lightning strike or a fire. I touched their needles and cones, full of curiosity. Mostly we just ambled along in awe.
Our Inyo National Forest experience was over far too quickly. I loved the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest – I’d go back in a heartbeat! And there’s still so much more that we want to explore there. There’s even another grove of ancient trees! Maybe one day, we’ll have a chance to return.
Ready to explore Inyo National Forest? You’re gonna love it! Check the official site for help planning your adventure!
Specifically into the Ancient Bristlecone Pines? The best part, in my opinion! Just be aware that this part of Inyo National Forest is quite remote – but that’s part of the appeal! Take water and snacks. Driving, leave the 365 behind at Big Pine, and take highway 168 towards the Nevada border. Stay alert for a turnoff onto the winding White Mountain Road, which continues north of Schulman Grove (to further adventures!).