The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest is one of California’s many gems. Here in the xeric alpine environment, some of the oldest non-clonal living organisms thrive. The Visitor Center is located next to Schulman Grove, home to the Methuselah tree, the oldest tree alive until the discovery of one slightly older in the area.
After exploring and getting stuck in the Volcanic Tablelands north of Bishop, the boyfriend and I still had some time to kill. We drove south to Big Pine and out to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Ty at Wilson’s Eastside Sports told us of great views here, so we drove up to see where the road would take us. Fortunately for us, White Mountain Road was open to the Visitor Center and Schulman Grove.
For my 25th birthday, I took a road trip through the Eastern Sierra. Renown for its mountain views, Convict Lake ranked high on my to-visit list. Located just south of Mammoth, this was the perfect stop on my way down to Bishop.
Fresh from sea level and running on about 6.5 hours of sleep, the beastly David Wherry and I set off with a friend on a Friday morning to acclimatize for our Whitney hike back in September. Our destination was Meysan Lake at approximately 11,500′. The trail begins at the Whitney Portal Family Campground by the summer homes, a short walk across Lone Pine Creek from our campsite. Starting elevation is 8360′, so if you’re not used to the altitude, expect to be huffing and puffing.
At some point last year, I decided that I wanted to tackle Mt. Whitney as a day hike. Applied for permits in February, got one, and assembled a crew of crazy folks, David Wherry of Hiker Adventures & Christopher Sunnen the Last Adventurer.