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The Bristlecone Cabin trail is a relatively easy trail that visits historic mining cabins built from bristlecone and pine logs. Signs provide information about early mining attempts in the area. The mostly flat route can be done as an out-and-back route from the visitor center, or you can make a 1.5 mi loop by traveling up and over a ridge and following the Methuselah Walk trail back.
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4.5 mi loop
The Methuselah Walk trail is an extremely scenic route that passes through dense portions of the grove. Methuselah, the world's oldest known tree at more than 4800 years of age, is located along this trail but its location is kept secret by the Forest Service to protect it. Portions of the trail provide a view into Northern Death Valley. The trail loses and then re-gains 900 ft of elevation, which can be a strain given the thin air at the 10,000 ft elevation; bring extra water and sunscreen and plan for 2-4 hours of hiking time. Mile markers are located every half mile to help hikers track their progress.
The Schulman Grove is the most accessible of the park's bristlecone groves, featuring a visitor center, trails, and bathrooms. It is home to Methuselah, the world's oldest known tree at more than 4800 years of age, and offers views of the Sierra Nevada mountains and Northern Death Valley from its 10,000 ft elevation.
1 mi loop
This short loop trail visits the portion of the grove where Dr. Edmund Schulman discovered the world's first known 4000 year old tree. The interpretive trail offers exhibits and benches, as well as views of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Allow about an hour to hike the short trail due to hills; you will gain and then lose 300 ft of elevation during the loop, which can be more strenuous than expected due to the altitude.
Located 12 mi beyond Schulman Grove on a graded dirt road and just below the timber line at 11,200 ft elevation, Patriarch Grove is home to the Patriarch Tree, the world's largest bristlecone pine, and is a favorite with photographers (light is best in the morning). While increased precipitation allows the trees to grow larger, they are not as old as those found in Schulman Grove. You will pass several other groves of bristlecones on the road from Schulman to Patriarch, some highly photogenic. This grove has restrooms, picnic tables, and two short trails.