Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Bristlecone pines are some of the oldest living organisms on earth. Trees have been found whose rings indicate they have been around 3,000-5,000 years.

Today's adventure began with the drive up the mountain where you climb from 4,000 feet to 11,000 feet via a narrow, twisting road; the temperature dropped 30 degrees in about 25 miles. If you visit the park, be sure to bring plenty of water and be prepared for significant changes in weather.

I hiked the Bristlecone Cabin Trail loop from the new Schulman Grove Visitor Center. It takes you by some old mining cabins that date back to the 1860's and continues on to the Methuselah Trail. I did not venture up to the Patriarch Grove as the dirt, washboard road looked like it would loosen the fillings in my teeth.

Trees almost as old as my cousin Chris

The resin on the pine cones looks like icicles

Old mining cabin