I recently made a day trip down south to see the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the Inyo National Forest.
These trees, the Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva), are some of the oldest organisms on earth. In fact, one of the trees is the oldest documented living thing on earth.
As of this year there was a tree that has been dated at 5063 years old (found last year), and the tree named Methuselah that is 4844 years old. The exact identity of each tree is not disclosed, to prevent vandalism or other damage to the trees. But on the hike you get to go through the grove that has many 4000+ year old trees.
The trip is definitely one to make, however it is not for the faint of heart (literally). I left my home in Grass Valley at 5:45 am and headed towards my destination in Inyo County, a short 6 hours away. For the round trip it is 15 hours and 606 miles. This trip would see me start at 2200 ft and end at 10500 ft. It is a drive worth taking, however I recommend that you make it a weekend trip, not a day trip like I did. Without some time to acclimate to the high elevations where the Bristlecones are found, the hike was moderately difficult for me, and may not be advisable for people with heart or lung conditions. No special equipment is needed, other than a back pack, water and a vehicle to get to the trail head. The road is paved the whole way, and even low clearance cars can make it.
I leave you with a picture of one of the Bristlecones.
Matt Wentz, Winemaker
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