Big Pine lies along Highway 395 between Bishop and Independence and offers access to alpine lakes and ancient forests. East of Big Pine, in the White Mountains, lies the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. Its bristlecone pines have survived for thousands of years in one of California’s harshest mountain environments. This connects the mountain landscape with a natural history that can be read in the trees’ long lifespans.
Ancient Trees and Sweeping Views
The Methuselah Trail offers the chance to hike among ancient trees while taking in views of the Owens Valley and the Eastern Sierra. This outing combines a trail through the trees with views of the surrounding landscapes. It offers a different focus from a drive through the mountains or a virtual look inside a research facility.
A scenic mountain road leads from the Owens Valley to the Schulman Grove Visitor Center and several hiking trails. This makes the mountain drive to a visitor center and other trails another option, alongside hiking the Methuselah Trail. Seasonal road conditions can vary. Check them before setting out so you can factor the drive into your plans.
Big Pine Canyon and the Access Road
Nearby, Big Pine Creek Campground is located in Big Pine Canyon at an elevation of 7,700 feet. Jeffrey pines, sagebrush, aspens, and cottonwood trees grow there. To reach it from Highway 395, head west on Crocker Street in Big Pine, then drive 10 miles along Big Pine Canyon Road to the end of the road. These directions help distinguish the campground and canyon as a separate outing from the hiking trails and mountain road to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest.
Owens Valley Radio Observatory
The Owens Valley Radio Observatory is 6 miles from Big Pine. It is a private research facility owned and operated by the California Institute of Technology. A narrated video and 360-degree panoramic photographs are available for a virtual visit. The only public access road to the observatory is via Highway 168, which begins at the northern edge of Big Pine. This makes it possible to include the observatory in your travel plans both as a geographic point of reference and through its virtual offerings.
The outing options differ in their subject matter and the kind of experience they offer: the Methuselah Trail combines hiking with scenic views, the mountain road leads to the visitor center and several trails, and the observatory offers virtual visits. This lets you choose what best suits your stay in Big Pine: an outdoor experience on foot, a mountain drive, or a glimpse into research.
Discover more destinations: Lone Pine, Olancha, Kearsarge, Death Valley Junction, Tecopa, Death Valley, Stovepipe Wells, Independence.
For the main travel overview: Inyo.
