| Area: 28,887 Acres | ||
| Lat: 37.3856° N | ||
| Lon: 118.1789° W | ||
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Linda Pittman
Parham Pourahmad
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| Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest - Site # 17 | |||
| Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living things on earth. The bristlecone pines are a small group of pine trees (Family Pinaceae, genus Pinus, subsection Balfourianae) that are thought to reach an age far greater than that of any other single living organism known, up to nearly 5,000 years. | |||
 | Seasonal - these sites have high wildlife values during certain seasons, though they may have recreational value year-round. | ||
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| Background: | The steep, wind-ravaged White Mountains sustain many wildlife species amid a forest of gnarled bristlecone pines, among the oldest living things on earth. Tree ring patterns indicate the oldest pine is more than 4,700 years old. The twisted branches of these dramatic, wind-polished trees become temporary perches for songbirds such as mountain chickadees, hermit thrushes, mountain bluebirds, and violet-green swallows. Clark's nutcrackers, pinyon jays, and common ravens are abundant. Watch for golden eagles and American ketrels scanning the slopes for white-tail jackrabiits, chipmunks, golden-mantled ground squirrels, western fence lizards, and grasshoppers. | ||
| The Habitat: | Pine Forest, Great Basin Habitat | ||
| The Experience: | A new visitor center opened in the summer of 2012 replacing the structure that burned in 2008. Restrooms, picnic facilities, interpretive trails, and guided summer-time walks and talks are available from mid-June through Labor Day. The area also has restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails and a nearby campground. The Bristlecone Pine Forest is located at 10,000 feet, so visitors are urged to come prepared for just about any weather conditions. Sunscreen, water and a hat are also a must. Parents, please be sure to sunscreen and hat-up your kids!! | ||
| Viewing Tips: | Excellent songbird viewing. Birds of prey and small mammals are also common. Schulman Grove has a visitor center. Spectacular views. Summer best for viewing. INACCESSIBLE NOVEMBER THROUGH APRIL. CARRY WATER FOR CAR AND FOR DRINKING. | ||
| Nearby Viewing Sites: | Beyond Schulman Grove lies the Patriarch Grove. This second grove is a 12-mile drive north of Schulman Grove on a good quality dirt road. Near tree line, the grove is the home of the world's largest Bristlecone Pine, the Patriarch Tree. Its splendid remoteness and moonscape appearance gives the Patriarch Grove a surreal atmosphere. Bristlecone pines and limber pines dot the landscape with a background view of the Great Basin in Nevada. Patriarch Grove is a favorite location for filming and photography in the early morning light. Picnic tables, restrooms (pit toilet) and a self-guided nature trail are available. A visit to Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is possible in the same day if you can get an early start. | ||
| Festivals & Events: | Owens Lake Bird Festival | ||
| Visitor Information: | Bishop Area Chamber of Commerce & Visitor Center - (760) 873-8405 - http://www.bishopvisitor.com | ||
| Road Information: |  Paved.  Gravel.  Dirt. | ||
| Road Hazards: Please check recorded information line at (760) 873-2500 for current road closures, conditions and opening/closing dates for the visitor center. | |||
| Number of Parking Spaces: 10 | |||
| Parking Fee: No | |||
| Proximity to viewing area: | |||
 Pull-Through Parking: No | |||
| Parking Notes: Plenty of parking at both Schulman and Patriarch Groves | |||
| Special Tips: | Schulman Grove is where the Visitor Center is located. 20-minute introductory video on the forest and trails; gift shop. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway closes at the Sierra View Gates with winter snowfall. While closed to vehicles, this is a popular route for cross country skiers and snow shoers. | ||
| How to Get There: | The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is an hour drive from Bishop on paved roads (to Schulman Grove). Take US Hwy 395 south to Big Pine and turn east onto State Hwy 168 just north of Big Pine. Follow Hwy 168 east 13 miles to White Mountain Road. Turn left (north) and drive 10 miles to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center. The Bristlecone pines can be viewed from the parking area of the visitor center and along three nature trails. Schulman Grove is a Recreation Fee Demonstration Project site. The fees collected are used to open the visitor center earlier in the spring and later in the fall, provide seven-day-per-week staffing and extended hours of operation. The cost is $3.00 per adult to a maximum of $5.00 per vehicle; children under 18 are free. Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are accepted. Fees are collected at the Visitor Center during operating hours or at a self-service fee tube near the Visitor Center. | ||
| Contact Information | |||
| Managing Agency: | USDA Forest Service - Inyo National Forest | ||
| Agency Site URL: | https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/specialplaces/?cid=stelprdb5129900 | ||
| Physical Address: | 311 Pacu Lane, Suite 200 Bishop, CA 93514 |
Agency 2: | 798 North Main Street Bishop, CA 93514 |
| Manager Phone: | |||
| Site Phone: | (760) 873-2500 Ranger Office | ||
| County: | Inyo | ||
| Addition Website: | https://www.fs.usda.gov/detail/inyo/about-forest/offices | ||