Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center image

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center

Tourist attraction Hiking area Tourist information center Visitor center

One of the Best Places To Visits in Inyo County


Address

White Mountain Rd, Bishop, CA 93514, United States

Website

www.fs.usda.gov

Contact

+1 760-873-2400

Rating on Google Maps

4.90 (733 reviews)

Open on Google Maps

Working Hours

  • Thursday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Friday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Saturday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Sunday: 10 am to 4 pm
  • Monday: Closed
  • Tuesday: Closed
  • Wednesday: 10 am to 4 pm

Featured Reviews


Frequently mentioned in reviews: trees (12) center (10) trail (8) hike (8) road (7) worth (7) visitor (7) hiking (7) amazing (6)
Reviews are sorted by relevance, prioritizing the most helpful and insightful feedback at the top for easier reference.
  • 5/5 Michael A. 2 years ago on Google
    Fast climbing windy road, starts at about 4000ft. up to 10050ft. at the Shulman Grove and Visitors Center. The trees are awesome. They are definitely unique and striking in appearance. There are a few different hikes depending on ability and time. We took the Discovery Loop, it is right about 1 mile and took about an hour with stopping for photos and to read the many plaques along the trail. It is dog friendly so we were able to bring out little guy, he enjoyed the trail and found plenty of new smells. The Visitors Center has a lot of information about the trees, geology of the region, and Edward Shulman who discovered the ages of the oldest trees. There is a nice little gift store with some cool unique souvenirs. A little off the beaten path but well worth the effort.
    8 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Ashleigh O. 1 year ago on Google
    Those big beautiful old trees are spectacular! Take the hike! Also, huge shout out to the incredible ladies in the visitor center who made me feel so welcome, and who were obviously passionate about what they do. It was just the cherry on top of an amazing visit.
    4 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 4/5 Curtis A. 9 months ago on Google
    .If you drive about 30 minutes off the freeway on a curvy road, you will be able to get to this destination.This was a one mile hike, or there are several longer hiking trals. I did not want to wear myself out. Because we were planning to go to death Valley for some cool Enjoyment. .Ha..... ....
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Lisa C. 2 years ago on Google
    This hiking and visitor center is about an hour off of 395 but well worth the drive. What a beautiful place to relax, eat something and take one of the many hiking trails.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Gustav E. 1 year ago on Google
    Our favorite park on the 395 South. The stars are bright, the air is clear and fresh, the ancients are enthralling. Be sure to camp, spend at least three nights and wander the trails. On foot is the best, but also a cycling paradise. Nearby is Lonepine, Independence and Bishop. Good for resupply and each with its own charm. But up in the mountains, is where you'll find real sustenance for body and soul!
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Christopher C. 9 months ago on Google
    It was amazing to see such ancient trees, some of which have been around for more than 4000 years. The trail is quite short, about 1.5 miles but the views are spectacular. Be careful if you visit during the winter since the road to the site is not properly maintained.
    3 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 rich x. 1 year ago on Google
    Definitely worth the drive, 30 minutes from big pine, 4.5 mile hike if you do the loop at the visitor center, the ancient Grove is amazing. Beyond is a dirt road that leads to some fantastic camping, and trails.
    2 people found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Eric C. 5 months ago on Google
    Great family adventure! The Methuselah trail is a great 4 mi hike through the 5,000 year old trees. Great views of the eastern Sierras on the way up and a great view toward Death Valley while on the trail. It’s at 10,000 feet, so take your time. They have toilets open year around. Bring food/snacks with you. Enjoy Bishop and other fun hikes while you’re in the area.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 Sharon K. 8 months ago on Google
    Beautiful Ancient Pine Forest. Visitor center was cool for a hot day out and Rangers friendly. The hiking trails are well marked. Need good hiking shoes can be steep uphill. Can be hot so bring water. Visitor center does have bottled water and restrooms. Entry fee per car or use America the Beautiful pass for seniors.
    1 person found this review helpful 👍

  • 5/5 John S. 1 year ago on Google
    Great hikes for varying skill levels. Sadly, the large Roosevelt Sequoia is gone at the base if the hill, but up in the park there are some stunning old growth Bristlecone Pines. This area is home to the world's oldest tree, Methuselah.

  • 5/5 Delasa A. 5 months ago on Google
    Beautiful place, we loved hiking 🥾 there. It took us 2 hours almost to hike 4.2 miles. You don’t know which trees are oldest though

  • 5/5 Scott H. 8 months ago on Google
    Access to this park is a long, gravel road but worth the drive. The ancient trees are amazing to see for yourself. The Visitor's center was closed when we went but there is plenty of information around it and along the trails.

  • 5/5 Neena T. 7 months ago on Google
    Lovely visitor center with lots of information. The Methuselah trail has beautiful examples of art in nature, with the twisted trunks of the ancient trees. Groves of flowering mountain mahogany and other high altitude flowers even in September. Astounding views of the Eastern Sierras and the Death Valley. You also get to see many geological variations from dolomite to limestone.

  • 5/5 Yu-Tang H. 4 months ago on Google
    It is in the remote area in California. We visited here when we drove along HWY-395. It is paved road from Big Pine to the visitor center. The discovery loop is next to the visitor center and it is modest trail. You can see the oldest trees in the world here. It is really amazing.

  • 5/5 Kelsey C. 1 year ago on Google
    100% worth the time it takes to complete the 4 mile hike. I would highly recommend taking the time as the interactive walking guide on the trail is very thorough and informative. 10/10 would recommend. If you are not use to hiking long distances take water and a snack.

  • 5/5 Matt O. 1 year ago on Google
    A great 4.5 mile loop from the visitor center gives you amazing views of the Inyo and Last Chance ranges. There are also some old pine trees 😋 - 10,000 ft made this hike longer than us sea levelers are used to, but well worth it! Not bad for kids who are hikers.

  • 5/5 Kevin Techmeier (Mein S. 1 year ago on Google
    Beautiful ancient forest of these twisted and gnarly wonders of the world. Have a good strong vehicle as the road to get there is steep, winding, and sharp turns. It's hard going up, and hard coming down on your vehicle, but worth the trip! These trees are thousands of years old! It will blow your mind the way these grow! If you love nature, and a good hike this is the spot!


Call +1 760-873-2400 Open on Google Maps

Amenities


  • Accessibility
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible car park
    • ✓️ Wheelchair-accessible entrance
  • Service options
    • ✓️ On-site services

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