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Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Bishop, CA

Photo: Oke ( talk · contribs ), CC BY-SA 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons. Cropped and resized.

Sport & OutdoorOutdoor AdventureLocal Gem

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Schulman Grove, White Mountain Road off Highway 168 · Bishop, CA

Why you should go…

High in the White Mountains of Inyo National Forest, this forest protects bristlecone pines, some of them living trees more than 4,000 years old. At Schulman Grove you find the visitor center, with exhibits and a film about the oldest trees on Earth, plus several self-guided trails. Patriarch Grove, 13 miles north on a dirt road, holds the largest bristlecone pine. There is no piped water and only limited cell coverage, so bring all the water you will use.

  • #ancient trees
  • #hiking trails
  • #national forest
  • #white mountains

Good to know

General sport & outdoor guidance

Habits that pay off across this whole category, not rules for this one venue. Always check the official site for the specifics.

  • Weather calls the shots

    Check the forecast the morning of and keep an indoor backup in your pocket for the day it turns.

  • Shoes, water, sun cover

    The three things that decide whether you last the whole outing or cut it short after an hour.

  • Parking and launches fill early

    On a nice weekend, lots and trailheads are often full by mid-morning.

  • Daylight shrinks in shoulder season

    Spring and fall visits need an earlier start than the same trip in July.

What's around here?

The closest stops to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, ordered by straight-line distance. A few more like it, plus some different kinds of fun so you can build a full day.

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    Bishop

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    Rainbow Pack Outfitters

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    Manzanar National Historic Site

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    Tour the site of a World War II camp where more than 11,000 Japanese Americans were incarcerated.

    45 mi awaySwitch it up: Sightseeing

  • Sport & Outdoor
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    Mammoth Lakes

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    Official guide to summer recreation in Mammoth Lakes, California, a High Sierra mountain town known for hiking and fishing.

    47 mi awayMore like this

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    Adventure in Camping

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    Eastern Sierra outfitter that delivers and sets up fully equipped travel trailers at the campsite of your choice near Mammoth Lakes.

    47 mi awayMore like this

  • Shopping
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    Footloose Sports

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    Mammoth Lakes ski, snowboard and bike shop known for custom boot fitting and seasonal rentals.

    47 mi awaySwitch it up: Shopping