17 replies to this topic

[Cpt Davenport]

So far every time we have been near the forest off of 395 to the 168 out of Big Pine, the roads have been closed. We have yet to make it to the Bristlecones usually because of snow. We are staying at Benton this Sunday an Monday and would like to give it another shot. Can any of you folks from that zone confirm we can drive up to them on 11/20? 

[ski3pin]

View from Benton this morning. No snow on Montgomery and Boundary but we only see the sunny windward side. Who knows what this incoming storm cycle will do. It would be best to call the White Mountain Ranger District office - Inyo National Forest.

Low here this morning was 21.

[AWG_Pics]

We made it up there on April 3 2022 -- but there were 'proceed at your own risk' signs and patches of older drifts on the road. Still had snow in the parking lot. Good luck -- they are well worth visiting.

[Cpt Davenport]

We made it up there on April 3 2022 -- but there were 'proceed at your own risk' signs and patches of older drifts on the road. Still had snow in the parking lot. Good luck -- they are well worth visiting.

I heard it closes down in September. I will make some calls this week and hopefully get a confirmation. Nice to hear your recommendation that it is well worth visiting!

[ski3pin]

Yes, the Schulman Grove (vistors center) closed the end of September although the trails and parking remain open until Inyo County closes the gate on White Mountain Road -

 

Ancient Bristlecone Pine Visitors Center

 

Schulman Grove Map

 

and.......

 

Inyo County Road Status

 

The bristlecone pines are well worth a trip, as are the views from White Mountain Road. White Mountain Road is paved to the Schulman Grove.

 

The Patriarch Grove is much further out the gravel road at 11,000 feet.

[Cpt Davenport]

Thanks Ski ! SO by the looks of you road status details, the roads to the pines are currently open. I can park at the visitor center and hike out. Is there a loop trail or is it up and back? What is the approximate distance from the parking to the bristlecones?

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Thanks Ski ! SO by the looks of you road status details, the roads to the pines are currently open. I can park at the visitor center and hike out. Is there a loop trail or is it up and back? What is the approximate distance from the parking to the bristlecones?

You’ve got a great chance at good weather.   I just put both sets of chains on Big Red the tractor, fueled and started Mini Red the snow blower, so that means no snow (at least around here) for at least two weeks.

 

[Cpt Davenport]

You’ve got a great chance at good weather.   I just put both sets of chains on Big Red the tractor, fueled and started Mini Red the snow blower, so that means no snow (at least around here) for at least two weeks.

 

Isn't that the way it goes?!!! 

[ski3pin]

Thanks Ski ! SO by the looks of you road status details, the roads to the pines are currently open. I can park at the visitor center and hike out. Is there a loop trail or is it up and back? What is the approximate distance from the parking to the bristlecones?

Cpt, both trails at Schulman Grove are loop trails. There are bristlecone pines at the parking lot. If the rock turns to limestone, there are bristlecones about.

 

more info -

 

The trails at Schulman Grove

[AWG_Pics]

Thanks Ski ! SO by the looks of you road status details, the roads to the pines are currently open. I can park at the visitor center and hike out. Is there a loop trail or is it up and back? What is the approximate distance from the parking to the bristlecones?

 

The discovery trail is right at the parking lot -- a 1 mile hike/walk. The trees begin immediately at the beginning of the walk. You will see about a hundred of them, at least.