Schulman Grove Visitor Center, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Schulman Grove Visitor Center, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Highlight • Rest Area
Schulman Grove Visitor Center, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Hiking
5.0
(9)
Running
5.0
(1)
This Highlight is in a protected area
Please check local regulations for:
Tips
April 2, 2022
Hiking
fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=70821&actid=50
December 21, 2023
Running
fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recreation/hiking/recarea/?recid=70821&actid=50
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Nearby routes
Best routes near Schulman Grove Visitor Center, Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
5.0
(4)
58
hikers
2.05km
00:38
80m
80m
The Schulman Grove Discovery Trail offers a truly unique hiking experience, immersing you in the ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. This easy 1.3-mile (2.1 km) loop takes you through a landscape sculpted by millennia, where gnarled, twisted trees stand as silent witnesses to history. You'll encounter both standing and fallen bristlecone pines, some over 3,200 years old, with tightly packed growth rings telling tales of past climates. The path winds along a ridge, offering panoramic views that stretch across the Owens Valley to the majestic Sierra Nevada.
Planning your visit means preparing for high altitude; the entire route is above 10,000 feet, so even the modest 254 feet (77 metres) of elevation gain can feel more strenuous. The trail is well-maintained and starts from the Schulman Grove Visitor Center, where parking is available. Allow about 38 minutes for this hike, and consider an early morning start to enjoy cooler temperatures and clearer views.
What makes this trail truly special is its access to some of the oldest living organisms on Earth. It was here that Dr. Edmund Schulman discovered Pine Alpha, a bristlecone pine over 4,000 years old, though the very oldest trees are not specifically identified for their protection. You'll see numerous bristlecones dating back over four millennia, including the remarkably twisted "Dead Sentry Tree," a favorite for photographers. Interpretive signs along the way provide fascinating insights into these resilient trees and their environment.
5.0
(1)
6
hikers
4.56km
01:24
160m
160m
Easy hike. Great for any fitness level. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels.
Details
Informations
Elevation 3,080 m
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Saturday 27 June
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6°C
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