SA Report: Resolute

Trip Date: 9/6/2014

Location: Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, Inyo National Forest

Permit/Pass: Park entry is free. Donations are requested.

Trails: NA

Directions: From Highway 395 on the northern end of Big Pine turn right onto CA 168 East. Follow this road as it twists and turns and ascends into the White Mountains. At about 13.5 miles you leave CA 168 (just before it turns east) and turn left onto White Mountain Rd. White Mountain Rd. continues north and resumes climbing. After another 10.3 miles you reach the end of the paved road and a right turn into the Schulman Grove Visitor Center. Turn here and park. The trailhead is at the northeastern end of the lot.

Synopsis: This hike extends the reverent pleasure of the Discovery Trail by adding even more ancient, gnarled trees and some terrific views to the east and south. The trip is not long, but there is still the altitude to make things more labored on your ascents. If you plan only one hike in this park, the Methuselah Walk is a must-not-miss.

Trail sequence: Methuselah Walk trail 

Type: Loop

Distance: 4 miles

Elevation: Min. - 9530', Max. - 10,196'

Profile:

Rating: Moderate (factors: altitude)

Trail Notes: Try to take this hike early or late when the light plays on these ancient trees and makes for great photography.

Methuselah Walk - Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Turn by Turn:

  -- The trailhead is at the northeastern end of the lot (shared with the Discovery Trail). Remember to leave a donation if you take a trail brochure.

  -- A few hundred yards down the trail there is a split where the loop begins. A sign encourages the hiker to take the right turn, presumably so there is less climbing on the return. Unless you're feeling contrary, go ahead and take the right turn.

  -- As you climb, the trail turns to the east. After about a half-mile you circle to the south at an outcrop with some excellent views and a bench next to the trail.

  -- The path heads south for nearly another half-mile before encountering a split. The right fork heads up the hill on the Bristlecone Miner's Cabin trail. The left continues on the Methuselah Walk trail. Take the left fork.

  -- Soon you circle back to the east and eventually into a more chaparral-type of environment. After a mile or so it doubles back to the west as it drops into a canyon and zig-zags its way back toward the trailhead through more old pines.

  -- At around three and a half miles you turn toward the west and climb gently to the visitor center and the trailhead.

Photo Gallery: Ancient Bristlecone Methuselah Trail