To visit some of the earth's oldest living things, budget a half-day for the thrilling drive up to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. These otherworldly-looking trees are found above 10,000ft on the slopes of the parched White Mountains, where you'd think nothing could grow. The oldest tree Methuselah – is around 4700 years old. The area has picnic tables, trails and vault toilets, but no water. While the trails are open year-round, the roads are weather dependent.
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
Top choice in Eastern Sierra
Lonely Planet's must-see attractions
Laws Railroad Museum & Historic Site
9.07 MILES
This railroad and Old West museum recreates the village of Laws, an important stop on the route of the Slim Princess, a narrow-gauge train that hauled…
24.77 MILES
The far-northwestern reaches of Death Valley cradle these spectacular dunes that, at up to 680ft high, are the tallest in California. It’s a tough slog to…
Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center
12.57 MILES
A mile west of Hwy 395, this underutilized tribal cultural center and museum, run by the local Paiute Shoshone tribe, includes exhibits on local basketry,…
Nearby Eastern Sierra attractions
1. Laws Railroad Museum & Historic Site
9.07 MILES
This railroad and Old West museum recreates the village of Laws, an important stop on the route of the Slim Princess, a narrow-gauge train that hauled…
2. Owens Valley Paiute Shoshone Cultural Center
12.57 MILES
A mile west of Hwy 395, this underutilized tribal cultural center and museum, run by the local Paiute Shoshone tribe, includes exhibits on local basketry,…
24.77 MILES
The far-northwestern reaches of Death Valley cradle these spectacular dunes that, at up to 680ft high, are the tallest in California. It’s a tough slog to…