Schulman Grove (Ancient Bristlecone Forest National Preserve) - 8/6/16

Artistic Ancient Bristlecone Snag

Methuselah Loop

Starting Out

 Dendrochronology - the scientific method of dating based on the analysis of patterns of tree rings, also known as growth rings.

Dendrochronology can date the time at which tree rings were formed, in many types of wood, to the exact calendar year. This has three main areas of application: paleoecology, where it is used to determine certain aspects of past ecologies (most prominently climate); archaeology and the history of art and architecture, where it is used to calibrate radiocarbon ages. In some areas of the world, it is possible to date wood back a few thousand ears, or even many thousands. As of 2013, fully anchored chronologies in the northern chronologies in the northern hemisphere extend back 13,900 years. ~ Wikipedia

The Guys Behind

This is what seven club members began learning after a long drive to Inyo National Forest, California. We drove up a long winding road called White Mountain Road and arrived at the Schulman Grove, Ancient Bristlecone Forest Visitor Center at the end of the paved portion of the road.

The Girls in Front

White Mountain Road is not for the faint of heart. It is narrow and there are many precipitous cliffs on the sides. If you are ready for this kind of adventure, the views are outstanding.

A Favorite Snag

View with Methuselah Trail shown Below

The Schulman Grove contains what was once thought to be the oldest living organism, the bristlecone Methuselah Tree, at 4,848 years old. In 2012, however, it was de-throned by another bristlecone found in the same area with the age of 5,065 years. Yet another bristlecone was dated at 4,844 years and was cut down in 1964. The forest's "dead wood" shows that it dates back to 11,500 years ago. The trees have adapted to the tough dolomite soil conditions and, therefore, have little competition for growing there. "The key to the bristlecones' longevity, as they say, is location, location, location!"

Reading the Interpretive Brochure

"The harshest growing conditions produce trees that live the longest - they put on tiny amounts of resinous, hard wood and are tough enough to survive the drought conditions that would fatally weaken most other trees."

White Ridge above Methuselah Grove

"The 'best' growing conditions - good soil and adequate water - may produce tall, large bristlecone pines but they will not live long enough to become one of the ancients." ~ US Forest Service, Inyo National Forest, Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association

Bristlecone Forest and View

Danuta rests on a Bench

After buying a few trinkets at the Visitor Center to help support the Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association, we headed out for the 4.5 mile Methuselah Loop trail. We started at around 10,000 feet in elevation so the little hill we hit right away was a little breathy! Rita had picked up the interpretive brochure and we began finding the numbered posts. Each time we found a post, Rita would read the information associated with that number. We all listened and learned quite a bit.

Various Interesting Snags

A few of the informational tidbits included: 1) The reason that we should not sit on the roots of Raintree is not because of the root, itself, but because of the loss of dirt around the roots. With every inch of soil lost, there are hundreds of years lost on the tree due to lack of moisture that it can reach.

Viewing Trees up the Hillside

2) The bristlecones have a few ways of continuing their survival. New sprouts will grow from old snags using the remaining nutrients. Bark will wrap itself around old wood. Roots spread near or on the surface of the ground to obtain moisture.

Old Mountain Mahogany Grove

Trail through Mahoganys

3) The various shades of color seen on bristlecones depends on the presence of fungus, the amount of dryness due to age, and whether or not it is rotting.

4) If the tree has bark, it is alive. Otherwise, it is not alive until a sapling has attached itself to the old growth.

 Everywhere we looked, we saw ancient bristlecones living, thriving and giving life to new bristlecones on the hill.

Bristlecone Colors & Textures

There were nice views from the trail since it seems that the old trees dig living on steep hillsides. At one point, the trail traveled through a very old mountain mahogany grove.

Trail Teaches various Tree-Growing Scenarios

After the mahogany grove, we came upon an especially interesting snag, or non-growing bristlecone that is still upright. It is shown in the first photo.

Listening to Rita

Sculpture after Sculpture

Traversing the hillside, we next came to what is apparently Methuselah's home grove. We scanned the hillside looking for a tree that looked particularly old. Well, they all looked old! The Methuselah Grove is situated around the end of a very rocky dolomite ridge. There are no other kinds of growth in the soil here. The ancient trees have won the survival contest in this area. There was one tree that caught our discerning eye. We named it Medusa! It appeared like that goddess that has snakes coming out of her head! (Find it in a photo down below.) It took a few minutes to walk through this short section. And, no, nobody will tell you which one is Methuselah!

Another Nice Snag

After passing around the ridge containing the Methuselah Tree, we crossed through two large washes with dead wood lying in the ravine. Bristlecone wood decays at an extremely slow rate.

Viewing Art from All Angles

Also on the trail is a cross cut of an old bristlecone tree. Apparently, an inch of the cross cut equals around 300 rings (years).

Searching for Methuselah in Grove

Determined to Live

The entire trail was like meandering through an art museum with sculptures that grabbed your attention at every turn. We made sure to view the "sculptures" from all available angles. We passed around the corner then began the climb back out. This is where most of the 800 feet of elevation gain is located. Taking our time, we stopped at a few more numbered posts. We were having tons of fun on our moderately strenuous leisurely hike!

Medusa - (Our Name)

There were around ten other hikers that we passed during our loop. Most of the tourists probably don't want to undertake the distance of this loop.

A One Hundred Year Old Sapling

Slowly, we climbed up the hill. We had acclimated to the 10,000 foot altitude easily.

Yet Another looking back toward the Methuselah Grove

Magical Hike

Rita continued the informational soliloquy until number 22 was complete. We returned to the Visitor Center for a last quick buy then piled back into our two cars. We escaped falling over any cliffs on the way back down White Mountain Road then drove to Big Pine for dinner and a night's sleep. We stayed at the Big Pine Motel which was very clean and hospitable. And, don't forget to go outside and look at the stars after dark! A fantastic outing!

5 miles; 800 feet elevation gain; 2.5 hours

Still Living Strong

Starting the Climb Out

One more Informational Sign

Deer Creek / Raintree / North Loop - 8/5/16

Cairn & Roots on the Deer Creek Ridge

View Out from Mummy Springs

North Loop Meadow Arrival

Rainstorm Damage at Deer Creek Picnic Area

 After a hectic week of monsoon weather in the Spring Mountains NRA, eleven hikers basked in the cool temperatures and clear skies for a hike up the Deer Creek Trail and down the North Loop. Today's route would be a new one that began at the parking lot for the Deer Creek Picnic Area. We crossed the road and started down (then up) the paved path that was covered in dirt and debris. A recent strong monsoon, (perhaps even last night), had washed away the hillsides in the picnic area and on the Cougar Ridge Trail dirt road. Deer Creek was filled with mud and logs down by the road.

Rainstorm Damage on Cougar Ridge Trail

 We hiked up the paved path next to the picnic tables then crossed over to the dirt road. There was already a dirt mover working on the road. Things were a mess! Hiking through it all was probably easier than driving through it at this point.

Deer Creek Trail Shelter

 We gathered at the road / trail junction where the road turns to the right and signs prohibit trespassers. Then we started up the trail lying straight ahead.

Climbing Up to the Ridge Trail

Regathering on Ridge

 The trail was in good shape even though it was obvious that the rain water had used the path to run down the mountain. We followed it past the large shelter, past the old sawmill, and past many small cairns until we reached the path up to the right which would take us onto the ridge. We regathered one more time at the top of the hill then took the climb up the ridge separately. It is a steep ridge for an excellent workout.

Finishing Climb up Ridge Trail

 Everyone reached the top of the ridge trail and turned left onto the trail that crossed our path. This is the Mummy's Toe Trail which is a continuation of the Mummy Springs Trail.

Mummy Springs

 Mummy Springs was soon up on our right side while a wide view of the foothills laid out on our left. By now, the ugly cloud that was over this area when we arrived at the trailhead was now gone with the wind. (... get it?)

Raintree Break

Arriving at High Point Corner

 Next, we hiked over to Raintree and took our snack break. The breeze was downright cold! Finally, a break from the rain and hot weather! We had Raintree to ourselves but, after the break, on our way down North Loop, we began seeing a handful of other hikers. We passed around the High Point Corner and dove down the switchbacks. The next gathering spot would be the North Loop Meadow. The character of today's hike was very relaxed and everyone stayed within eyesight of each other as we hiked at a moderate to moderately strenuous pace.

Descending the North Loop Switchbacks

 It was an absolutely beautiful morning. No reason to rush!

Mummy's Nose from Meadow

 When we reached the meadow, we took a small water break. By now, the conversations were flowing fast. As we began our descent down the lower portion of the North Loop, everyone stayed behind the leader lest we miss the shortcut trail near the bottom.

Regathering at the North Loop Meadow

Descending the Lower Portion of the North Loop Trail

 The shortcut trail turns off the main trail at the Wilderness sign switchback. Although it appears to be a clear trail, there are several fallen trees blocking the path. Nevertheless, we found the short way down to an old spur road and followed it out to the paved Deer Creek Road. Next, the group crossed the paved road and followed the spur road on down the hill where we eventually turned left onto the Old Deer Creek Road trail. This circled us around the hill to our left and sent us climbing up a wash.

Trying Out the Shortcut Trail

 At the top of the wash, the trail continued up the hill to the right where we passed above the Cougar Ridge Trail parking turnout.

Crossing Deer Creek Road

 This last part of the hike beats just walking down the road to get back to the cars. So, why not?

Following the Old Deer Creek Road

Passing through the Interpretive Trail Signs

 After passing the turnout, we dropped down the other side to the Interpretive Trail with informational signs about the CCC. Connecting, again, with the Old Deer Creek Road trail, we circled around the hill to the left below the Mahogany Grove Group Picnic Area. Finally, the road led us down to the Deer Creek Canyon. There is an overgrown trail that took us around the end of the gully then, after a fun group photo, we climbed the hill back to the cars above. A very fun morning that all thought must of been 7 miles. Sorry, only 6!

6 miles; 1900 feet elevation gain; 3.5 hours

Circling around the Mahogany Grove Group Picnic Area

Old Deer Creek Road next to the Deer Creek Canyon

Right Leg Up!