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Bristlecone pines are among the oldest living trees on our planet, with some specimens over 4,000 and 5,000 years old. They grow at high elevations between 5,600 ft and 11,200 ft, in conditions where other plants cannot survive.

Today I drove a very tortuous and steep road to reach Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest in the White Mountains near Bishop, CA. It took an hour, uphill all the way with a total climb of 6,000 ft (1,828 m), not a particularly enjoyable ride, but the views and the Bristlecone pines were definitely worth it. The sky was blue, and the clouds were spectacular, a photographer’s dream.

My car at road side half way to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

My car at road side half way to Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.

Bristlecone pines. Size does not matter. Sometimes the smaller trees are older and able to survive better than the bigger trees.

Bristlecone pines. Size does matter, only in reverse. Sometimes the smaller trees are older and able to survive better than the bigger trees.

Bristlecone pine.

Bristlecone pine.

Dead Bristlecone pine. The wood does not rot. Only erosion affect it, like with rocks.

Dead Bristlecone pine. The wood does not rot. Only erosion affects it, like with rocks.

This tree could be over 4,000 years old. The location of the oldest trees are kept secret.

This tree could be over 4,000 years old. The location of the oldest trees are kept secret.

View of Ancient Bristlecoorest Near Bishop,CA.

View of Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Near Bishop,CA.