Sierra Nevada
How to Visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Plan a trip to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest: the drive from Big Pine, Schulman and Patriarch groves, the best trails, fees and when the road opens.
By Alex Khachigian · Updated September 2026 · 3 min read
The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is in the White Mountains above Big Pine, an hour off Highway 395. The road is seasonal, trails start near 10,000 feet, and there are no services.
This guide covers the drive, both groves, trails and altitude. It’s Day 2 of my 7-day Highway 395 itinerary.
In This Guide
How to Get to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
From Big Pine, take Highway 168 east about 13 miles, then White Mountain Road 10 paved miles to Schulman Grove.
Allow 45 minutes to an hour from Big Pine, plus about 30 minutes from Bishop. The forest is in Inyo National Forest.
What the Road Is Like
The road is paved to Schulman Grove and fine for any car, with a narrow single-lane stretch on Highway 168. Get gas in Big Pine or Bishop.
Schulman Grove and the Visitor Center
Schulman Grove, at about 10,000 feet, is the main stop. The visitor center usually opens late spring to fall.
There are restrooms but no water. A day-use fee applies; the America the Beautiful pass is generally accepted.
The grove is named for Edmund Schulman, who dated the trees in the 1950s. The Methuselah tree grows here in an unmarked location.
Best Bristlecone Hiking Trails
Three trails start at the Schulman Grove visitor center. The elevation makes all of them harder than the numbers suggest.
Discovery Trail
A 1-mile interpretive loop near the visitor center. Best if you’re short on time or feeling the altitude.
Methuselah Trail
A loop of about 4.5 miles through Methuselah’s grove, with views east into Nevada. Allow 2 to 3 hours and bring extra water.
Bristlecone Cabin Trail
A short out-and-back to old mining cabins below the grove.
Patriarch Grove
Patriarch Grove is 12 miles past Schulman Grove on a graded dirt road, at about 11,000 feet. Passenger cars can usually make it when dry; allow 45 minutes each way.
The Patriarch Tree is the largest known bristlecone pine. There’s a short loop, pit toilets and picnic tables.
Best Time to Visit the Bristlecone Forest
White Mountain Road beyond the lower gate usually opens from late May to November, depending on snow. Summer highs up top are in the 60s and 70s.
Early fall has thinner crowds and aspen color in Bishop Creek Canyon. See my Eastern Sierra fall foliage guide.
Stargazing and Camping Near the Bristlecones
Grandview Campground, at about 8,600 feet on White Mountain Road, has first-come sites with vault toilets and no water.
Otherwise, stay in Bishop or Big Pine. My California stargazing guide covers other dark sky spots along 395.
Altitude Safety and Protecting the Trees
Altitude sickness is common at 10,000 to 11,000 feet. Drink water, go slowly, and descend if you get a headache, nausea or dizziness.
Stay on the trail, don’t touch or climb the trees, and leave all wood and cones in place.
- At least 2 liters of water per person
- Layers and a windbreaker, even in July
- Sunscreen, sunglasses and a hat
- Offline maps; no cell service on most of the drive
Frequently Asked Questions
How old is the oldest tree in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest?
The Methuselah tree is more than 4,800 years old. Its location is kept secret to protect it.
Can you drive to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in a regular car?
Yes, the road is paved to Schulman Grove. The 12-mile dirt road to Patriarch Grove is usually passable in a careful passenger car when dry.
Is the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest open in winter?
Generally no. White Mountain Road is usually gated from late November to late May. Check Inyo National Forest for current status.
How much time do you need at the bristlecone forest?
A half day from Big Pine covers Schulman Grove and one trail. Add 2 to 3 hours for Patriarch Grove.
Is there a fee to visit the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest?
Yes, a day-use fee is collected at Schulman Grove, and the America the Beautiful pass is generally accepted. Check the Inyo National Forest website for current fees.
