Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
About an hour's drive from Independence or Bishop you can view some of the oldest living trees on Earth, a few of which date back more than 40 centuries. The world's largest bristlecone pine can be found in Patriarch Grove, while the world's oldest known living tree—over 4,800 years old—is along Methusula Trail in Schulman Grove. Getting to Patriarch Grove is slow going along the narrow dirt road, especially for vehicles with low clearance, but once there you'll find picnic tables, restrooms, and interpretive trails.
