Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest by Lisa Gonzalez The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is an amazing place in the Inyo National Forest in California.  It is the home of the oldest known living things on this planet.  Some of the trees have been dated at over 4,000 years old and are still growing.  The trees have lived through centuries of wind and snow and they are full of character and very beautiful.  They are perfect for black and white photography.  There are 3 groves you can visit to see the Bristlecones: Schulman, Methuselah, and Patriarch Grove.  Methuselah Grove is the site of the oldest known living trees, 9 of which are over 4,000 years old and one over 4,600 years old!  Patriarch Grove was my favorite.  It is a 12-mile drive from the Visitor’s Center (Schulman Grove) along a dirt road.  Not an easy trip, but definitely worth it.  Because it is so remote, there are fewer visitors and the views in every direction are spectacular.  It’s as if you’re on top of the world.  A word of warning - The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is at an elevation of over 10,000 feet and is only open from late spring through fall.  Make sure you call ahead before you go (760) 873-2500 or you can find more info at the Inyo National Forest web site: http://www.r5.fs.fed.us/inyo/vvc/bcp/index.htm Directions The Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest is in the Inyo National Forest in the White Mountains near Bishop, California.  To get there from Los Angeles, take the I-5 north to the CA-14 north towards Palmdale/Lancaster.  The CA -14 will turn into the US-395 N.  Take the US-395 north until you reach the town of Big Pine.  One half-mile north of town, take the US-168 east.  Drive for about 13 Miles until you reach Cedar Flat.  There will be a sign for the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.  Turn Left onto White Mountain Road.  It’s about 10 miles from there to the Visitor’s Center at Schulman Grove.