Inyo National Forest

Recreational Activities - Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

Great Basin Bristlecone Pine

Funds allocated to rebuild Schulman Grove Visitor Center

On September 4th, 2008 the Schulman Grove Visitor Center was completely destroyed by fire.  Visitors, managers, scientists, artists, professors and the surrounding community were deeply saddened by this tremendous loss.  As a result of the intense public interest and the significance this facility played in support of management, education and interpretation to this incredible resource, the Inyo National Forest has decided to rebuild this facility. Funds have been allocated toward this project through a Forest Service Facility Capital Improvement national competition; Schulman Grove Visitor Center became one of only five projects funded through this national effort.  Jim Upchurch stated that the tremendous public support and donations played a critical role in the evaluation and selection of the proposal.    In an effort to capitalize on the success of the previous facility and reduce the potential for additional ecological disturbance, it is anticipated that the facility will be of similar size and in the same location as the facility that was destroyed by fire last September.  In addition, the visitor center is being designed to be a model of energy efficiency, utilizing the latest in “green” building practices.   According to Bristlecone Pine Forest Manager John Louth, some of the improvements that visitors will see will be a state-of-the art solar power system, updated exhibits addressing the impacts of global warming on the ancient trees, a small research library, a slightly larger theatre room and a fire/intrusion detection & suppression system.

While details still remain to be worked out, Forest Service staff is already at work on the initial design and engineering of the new visitor center.  In addition, plans have been completed and work has begun on the replacement of the destroyed exterior features at the visitor center including the boardwalk, the outside exhibits, and the patio, all of which are expected to be completed by late June.  A portable temporary visitor center building will be moved into place for this summer season and will include an exhibit area, bookstore, and a small theatre room.

For additional information on this project, please contact John Louth at 760-873-2514.

Getting to the Bristlecone Pine Forest

The road into the bristlecone pine forest is now open as far as Schulman Grove - it is closed beyond that due to snow and saturated roadbed condition beyond that. . The temporary visitor center will be staffed 7 days a week from mid-June through the end of September with reduced staffing in May and October. During the summer months there are many activities to choose from while visiting the bristlecone forest. The Schulman Grove site offers ranger-led programs, exhibits, picnic areas, a natural history film, interpretive talks, a bookstore and three interpretive trails.

To get to the Bristlecone Pine Forest turn east on State Highway 168, one half mile north of the town of Big Pine, CA, which is 15 miles south of Bishop, CA. Travel east on 168 about 12 miles until you reach the top of Westgard Pass, which is a long flat plateau rather than steep mountain pass. Turn left on the White Mountain Road, which is the only paved road turn off in this area; it is clearly signed to the Bristlecone Pine Forest. Follow this paved road 10 miles until you find the turn off and parking lot to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center, trails and the magnificent bristlecone pine trees. The road is paved the entire way, and is a bit steep and windy in parts. Smaller motor homes/campers can make the trip without trouble; large motor homes might find the road a bit challenging. There is the Pinyon Picnic Area and interpretive trail about half way along the road should you want to stop, restrooms are available at that site.

During the summer months' bottled water and very limited snacks are available at the visitor center so it is best to bring your own food, drinks, a hat, sunscreen, and warm clothes - anytime of the year it can turn chilly at 10,000 feet. Keep in mind that dehydration can be a problem in this high dry environment so your choice of drinks would be best if it included more water and sports type of drinks rather than sodas. Dogs are welcome in the bristlecone pine forest and on the trails, they need to be on leash and please clean up after them. Naturalist programs and documentary film showings are presented daily at Schulman Grove during the summer months.

Camping is not allowed in the bristlecone forest but there is a campground only 5 miles south of the forest along the White Mountain Road. The Grandview Campground is situated among Pinyon and Juniper trees and is a favorite dark sky campground of local astronomers. Water and trash service is not available at Grandview, there is a voluntary maintenance "fee" of $3.00 per day/site and reservations are not available. Collection of firewood is allowed in the pinyon pine forest adjacent to the Grandview Campground but any collection of wood in the bristlecone forest is strictly prohibited.