Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest

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Bristlecone Pines grow in several locations, but the oldest trees (and oldest living things on the planet) are found in the White Mountains which are just to the east of Bishop and Big Pine.  The oldest tree is 4,900 years old.  These trees are in a protected area.  The first grove is at about 10,500 feet altitude and they extend up to nearly 12,000 feet.

Click on images for enlarged view.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L @34mm, ISO 100

Grasping Fingers

This tree is located at the Schulman Grove.  It looks like it's reaching for the sky.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 24-70mm f/2.8 L @24mm, ISO 00

Bristlecone Pair

These two trees are off by themselves which make for good photographic opportunities.  Many of the other trees in this location are quite close together.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS @ 120mm, ISO 100

Bristlecone Sunset

The last few rays of light give this bristlecone a nice glow.  This is at about 11,500 feet.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS @ 130mm, ISO 100

Bristlecone Afterglow

The magenta and blue layers in the sky after sunset are set off by this hardy tree.

Canon EOS 1Ds, Canon 100-400mm f/4.5-5.6L IS @ 105mm, ISO 100

Last Light

The last fading rays from the after sunset glow in the west light up this tree.  Be sure to look at the enlarged image to see the tremendous detail and character of this tree.

Content and Images Copyright 1998-2008 Jeffrey W. Johnson.  No use without permission.