Patriarch Grove Trailhead

This beautiful and quiet grove in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest includes the world's largest bristlecone pine, the Patriarch Tree. At Patriarch Grove you'll find picnic tables, restrooms, and self-guided interpretive trails. Parking for the grove is at the end of the Bristlecone Pine Forest Scenic Byway at 11,000 ft. elevation. The final 13 miles of this road are unpaved.A speed limit of 15 mph is suggested to avoid flat tires punctured by the sharp rocks on this road.

Camping is not allowed in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Nearest campground is Grandview Campground.

At a Glance

Usage:	Light
Restrictions:	Bristlecone and Limber Pine are protected, no collecting. No camping or campfires in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Hikers must stay on trails. No bicycles on trails. Dogs are allowed on leash. Closed 10:00pm to 6:00am. No overnight parking.
Closest Towns:	Big Pine - 35 miles (water, gas, food, lodging) Bishop (full service, hospital)
Water:	No piped water. No natural water sources in this area. Bring all the water you will use.
Restroom:	Vault Toilet (1)
Operated By:	Forest Service
Information Center:	White Mountain Ranger Station (760) 873-2500

General Information

General Notes:

This is a remote area with limited cell phone coverage. If you are going to visit the Bristlecones or camp at Grandview Campground, you need to be prepared to be self-sufficient. The nearest source for food, water, or fuel is Big Pine, CA.

Highway 168 is narrow and steep. RV’s and large vehicles should note a section of the road is a single lane with very limited visibility. Technically uphill traffic has the right of way, but everyone should be prepared to stop and back up to the last wide spot if necessary.

Directions:

Patriarch Grove is 35 miles from Big Pine, CA. Highway 168 is a narrow and steep mountain road.

From Highway395, go east on Highway 168 approximately 12 miles. Turn left on White Mountain Road and drive 10 miles to Schulman Grove, where the pavement ends. Continue another 12 miles on graded dirt road, then turn right at the signed junction for Patriarch Grove and go one more mile to the parking lot. This dirt road is not recommended for light passenger cars.