Methuselah Grove Road
Visit Earth's oldest living trees
Methuselah Grove Road climbs to 10,000 feet in California’s White Mountains, accessing a forest that was ancient when Christ walked the earth. This 10-mile dirt route takes you through the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, where trees over 4,000 years old cling to windswept slopes. The road itself is straightforward—well-maintained gravel that any high-clearance vehicle can handle—but the thin air and moonscape environment make it memorable.
This is easy driving on good gravel, suitable for stock SUVs with decent ground clearance. The challenge isn’t technical—it’s the altitude and exposure. Open late May through October depending on snow, with no permits required but fees for entry to the forest. Bring warm clothes even in summer, as temperatures can drop 40 degrees from the valley floor. What you get is a chance to stand among the planet’s oldest living things in one of California’s most alien landscapes.
Trail Specs
| Difficulty | Easy |
|---|---|
| Trail Type | Scenic Drive |
| Surface | Gravel |
| Features | High Altitude, Historic, Scenic |
| Length (miles) | 10 mi / 16.1 km |
| Duration | Half day |
| Max elevation (ft) | 10100 ft |
| Best season | May-October |
| Minimum vehicle | High clearance recommended |
| Nearest town | Big Pine, CA |
| Land manager | Inyo National Forest |
| Permit required | No |
| Cell service | None |
| Water crossings | No |
| Dispersed camping | No |
| Start coordinates | |
| End coordinates | |
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| Find on Google | Search on Google → |
Location
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