Ancient Bristlecone Forest (Schulman Grove / Methuselah Loop) - 9/10/17

Old Bristlecone Tree

Surviving Tree

Overlook of the Palisade Crest

Roots

 Ancient Bristlecone Forests are located in the White Mountains Wilderness of Inyo County in California. The small winding road that travels up to the groves turns north off of Highway 168. Go slow on this paved road as it passes cliffs without curbs. At the end of the paved road, the Schulman Grove Visitor Center is on the right. Show your National Parks Pass here then start out the trail beyond. Don't forget to pick up a brochure that helps you along the interpretive path. The tidbits of information that it offers are very interesting.

Trail through Dolomite

 Four club members took this side trip in two different groups. After a week in Bishop, this was a small dessert!

Methuselah Trail

 The weather was beautiful with clouds slowly building in the White Mountains' high elevations.

Reading the Interpretation

Mountain Mohagany

 The trail winds around the ridges and steep terrain among young and old bristlecone trees alike. The older trees are found on the steeper dolomite filled slopes that are exposed to the elements. The trail passes through the Methuselah Grove which is where the oldest living tree resides. Of course, no one will tell you which tree that is! After a walk through these old trees, a hiker feels like he/she has taken a walk through an art museum of sculptures. Worth the drive up that curvy narrow road!

4 miles; 800 feet elevation gain; 2.5 hours

Snag

Trail through Methuselah Grove

White Mountains Wilderness