08/03/09 – There are only a few places where on can vie the ancient bristlecone pines, the oldest rees on earth and lucky one of the best is in California’s Inyo National Forest. So John and his friend Dave, along with Dennis and his wife Ruby took off to the high places to see these trees and everything else they could find to do!

Pinus longaeva, or the Great Basin Bristlecone live in a number of places in the west including the White Mountains. These are just north east of Big Pine, California in the Ancient Bristlecone Forest, inside Inyo National Forest. The trees live thousands of years, with the oldest in the Ancient Bristlecone Forest being nearly 5000 years old.

We camped at Grandview, a campground south of the trees and near the old Grandview mine with we also explored a bit but our main goal was the trees and we explored both the Shulman and Patriarch Groves, enjoying some of the hiking tails through the trees.  We went into Bishop for Pizza one night and came back up Silver Canyon in which we were treated to a wonderful sunset.

We also headed up high, to test our hiking legs at 12,000 feet, taking the four mile round trip up towards White Mountain (but not to the top) from 11.000 feet to 12,000 feet.  John also enjoyed a rigorous bike ride!

After enjoying the Ancient Bristlecone Forest we headed down Cottonwood Creek. There we found greenery and old ranching cabins along the flowing creek where several members of a family camping there were enjoying some time fishing.  This area has been threatened with closure as part of the numerous ‘wilderness bills’ so it was wonderful to see this great area, something that the politicians who propose this nonsense never seem to do!

Another great trip capped off by a stop at Gus’ Really Good Fresh Jerky in Olancha for pistachios and dried cantaloupe!

Pictres can be found by clicking here!