SCHULMAN GROVE VISITOR CENTER

Description
The Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center is usually open from late May through the end of October. The center is the interpretive focal point for the oldest living trees in the world, the Bristlecone Pines. The interpretive center has exhibits, a natural history sales area, self-guided interpretive trails and rangers on duty. From mid-June through Labor Day, daily interpretive talks and natural history lectures are presented at the Visitor Center. The area also has restrooms, picnic tables, hiking trails and a nearby campground. The Bristlecone Pine Forest is located at 10,000 feet, so visitors are urged to come prepared for just about any weather conditions and to bring your own water. Sunscreen and a hat are also recommended. Beyond Schulman Grove lies the PATRIARCH GROVE. This second grove is a 12-mile drive north of Schulman Grove on a good quality dirt road. Near tree line, the grove is the home of the world's largest Bristlecone Pine, the Patriarch Tree. Its splendid remoteness and moonscape appearance gives the Patriarch Grove a surreal atmosphere. Bristlecone pines and limber pines dot the landscape with a background view of the Great Basin in Nevada. Patriarch Grove is a favorite location for filming and photography in the early morning light. Picnic tables, restrooms (pit toilet) and a self-guided nature trail are available. A visit to Schulman Grove and Patriarch Grove is possible in the same day if you can get an early start. Schulman Grove is a Recreation Fee Demonstration Project site. The fees collected are used to open the visitor center earlier in the spring and later in the fall, provide seven-day-per-week staffing and extended hours of operation. The cost is $3.00 per adult to a maximum of $5.00 per vehicle; children under 18 are free. Golden Eagle, Golden Age and Golden Access Passes are accepted. Fees are collected at the Visitor Center during operating hours or at a self-service fee tube near the Visitor Center. For up-to-date information on the visitor center, road conditions and the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, visitors can call a recorded information line at 760-873-2500.