Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
The Center - California
Entrance fees and opening hours
- 3$/person maximum 6$/car
- Covered by the Anual Pass*
- Depending on snow conditions, the park is closed from autumn until spring. Otherwise open daily.
*The Anual Pass is so to speak the "flat rate" for all Parks managed by the National Park Service. The pass costs a one-time fee of $80 and can be purchased at the entrance to each National Park, National Monument, etc. The pass is valid for 13 months.
Our visits: So far 1 visit in May 2013
Schulman Grove - Discovery Trail
Description: Bristlecone Pines include three species. All are extremely long-lived and hardy. Some of the trees that grow here are over 4000 years old. The species Pinus longaeva is the longest living creature on earth. The Discovery Trail climbs up a slope and you pass lots of these fascinating trees. You can spot the most bizarre shapes along the way. From the Visitor Center here in Schulman Grove you can also hike a longer trail through the huge grove. (Methuselah Trail). However, we did not hike this trail due to lack of time.
Trail length: 1mi
Altitude difference: 164ft
Time needed: 1-2 hours
Difficulty level: easy - The trail is well developed and in general easy to walk. Because of the altitude and the altitude meters, however, it is already somewhat strenuous.
Our rating: A very fascinating and impressive place, considering how old these trees already are and what they have already experienced. One can hardly imagine it. Since you are here at over 9800ft, you should also not forget the height when hiking. We liked it here very very much.
Patriarch Grove
Description: Patriarch Grove is another few hundred feet higher than Schulman Grove. For this reason, the trees up here are a little smaller, but no less impressive. The road up is unpaved and not always passable. Before driving, you can check the road conditions at the Visitor Center at Schulman Grove.
Our rating: The Bristlecone Pines grow at an altitude between 9840ft and 11500ft. Accordingly, up here you also notice the altitude. Often you are not aware of it in the southwest, but you travel very often at altitudes above 6560ft. Here we are over 9840ft high and accordingly the air becomes thinner . If the drive to Patriarch Grove is possible, we can recommend it. We were very impressed by these ancient trees.
