Background

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center: A Journey Through Time

Discover the world's oldest trees at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center, a gateway to a land of ancient wonders and breathtaking scenery.

4.9

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center, located in the Schulman Grove, is your gateway to exploring the world's oldest trees. Open seasonally, the center offers exhibits, programs, and trails that wind through groves of these ancient, gnarled trees, some nearly 5,000 years old.

A brief summary to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

  • Monday 10 am-4 pm
  • Tuesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Wednesday 10 am-4 pm
  • Thursday 10 am-4 pm
  • Friday 10 am-4 pm
  • Saturday 10 am-4 pm
  • Sunday 10 am-4 pm

Local tips

  • The visitor center is open seasonally, typically from mid-May through November, weather permitting. Call ahead to confirm operating hours.
  • There is no water available at the visitor center, so bring your own.
  • Fill up your gas tank and stock up on supplies in Big Pine, as there are no services along White Mountain Road.
  • White Mountain Road is a steep, winding road with a significant elevation gain. Allow ample driving time and be prepared for potential altitude sickness.
  • A fee of $3.00 per person or $6.00 per car is required to enter the forest. Interagency Passes are accepted.
widget icon

Getting There

  • Driving

    The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is located approximately 45 minutes from Big Pine, CA. From Highway 395 just north of Big Pine, head east on CA 168 for 13 miles. Turn left (north) onto White Mountain Road and continue for 10 miles to the Schulman Grove parking lot. The road is paved but steep and winding, with a 6,000-foot elevation gain. There are no services beyond Big Pine, so ensure you have sufficient gas and water. Cell phone service is unreliable in the area. Parking at the visitor center is free. During the summer, a fee of $3 per person or $6 per car is collected.

Unlock the Best of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

Buy tickets

    No tickets available

Book tours with entry

    No tours available

Book tours without entry

    No tours available

Discover more about Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

Nestled high in California's White Mountains, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center serves as the starting point for an unforgettable journey into the realm of the Great Basin bristlecone pines (Pinus longaeva). These remarkable trees, found between 9,000 and 11,000 feet above sea level, are the oldest living non-clonal organisms on Earth, with some individuals approaching 5,000 years in age. The visitor center, located within the Schulman Grove, offers exhibits and interpretive programs that reveal the secrets of these ancient sentinels and the unique environment they inhabit. Learn about Edmund Schulman, the dendrochronologist who uncovered the trees' astonishing ages, and how their study revolutionized radiocarbon dating. From the visitor center, embark on self-guided tours along several trails that wind through the Schulman Grove. The Discovery Trail is an easy, one-mile loop that introduces you to the bristlecone pines and the surrounding landscape. For a longer hike, the 4.5-mile Methuselah Trail leads you through the Methuselah Grove, home to the 4,856-year-old Methuselah tree, though its exact location is kept secret to protect it. A portion of the Bristlecone Cabin Trail is another option, leading to historic cabins and mine entries. Beyond the Schulman Grove, a 12-mile drive on a maintained dirt road takes you to the Patriarch Grove, home to the Patriarch Tree, the largest bristlecone pine. This grove offers a surreal, moonscape-like experience with panoramic views. Whether you're captivated by the trees' incredible longevity, the stunning mountain scenery, or the area's rich history, the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is a destination that will leave you in awe of the natural world.

Popular Experiences near Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

Popular Hotels near Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

Select Currency