Perhaps one of nature's grandest sights for the ATV enthusiast is the Bristlecone Pine Forest. East of the Sierra Nevada, in the White Mountains at an elevation of between 10,000 and 11,000 feet in the Inyo National Forest are some of the oldest trees on the planet. The 4,000-year-old trees in this area are even older then the better known and much revered Sequoias.
There are two self-guided trails at Schulman Grove, named for Dr. Schulman who has spent many years in extensive study of the trees. This first is a walking trail. Here you can see the first dated tree, and the Methuselah tree, 4,723 years old. You will also find a visitor center, picnic area and toilets; there are designated camping areas, BUT no water. Make sure to bring enough to keep you going on ATV jaunts. There is a 13-mile trip up a dirt road to the next site, Patriarch Grove. An unqualified must see for photographers in the group. This area has a self-guided trail to the Patriarch Tree, the oldest Bristlecone in the world.
Because the area is unique and classified as a Botanical Area, it is set aside for both research and the public's enjoyment of the natural beauty of the trees. There are very strict, but fair rules for the use of the area. Hikers and ATV drivers alike must stay on designated trails; the trees have shallow, fragile roots. Camping regulations are strictly enforced. Even so, this is still one of the greatest sights an ATV driver can find in nature.
