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This trip includes information about a one day hike to the summit of Mt. Whitney, the highest mountain in the lower 48 states.
MT. WHITNEY, CA
Dave2004-02-21 15:17:05
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years. These trees are fascinating. From afar they look like they are dead. Then upon closer inspection you will see that there is a thin strip of bark that winds its way up the trunk. It is just this thin strip that keeps some of the trees living. It is amazing to me that these trees are even able to grow here at all. They are approaching tree line, and the wind and elements are fierce. Most of the trees have a wind flagged look. For example one side will be bare of foliage (the side that the wind blows from) and the other side will have several branches.
There are two self guiding trails available. The Methuselah Trail is about 4 miles long and does not involve much climbing. During this walk you will see "Methuselah" what is perhaps the oldest living specie in existence today. It has been dated to be over 4600 years old. If you continued driving up White Mountain Road (dirt) you will come to another grove of Bristlecone Pines. This grove, called the Patriarch Grove contains the largest Bristlecone Pine in existence. It is over 30 feet in circumference. There are no services such as gas, water, or phones in either of the two groves. Come prepared. The forest is open daily from early June through late October. Admission is FREE. For more information call PHONE NUMBER (760) 873-2500.
From the flashing street signal in downtown Big Pine turn west on Crocker Road and drive 12 miles to its end. At the end of this road you will find exceptional day hiking and overnight hikes. As you leave Big Pine you will notice that the road climbs a 20 feet cliff like geological structure called a scarp. This was left by a massive earthquake which ocurred in 1872.
Dayhike parking is available at the end of Crocker Road. You will see summer cabins along Big Pine Creek. Walk past these and follow the signs which lead to some switchbacks along First Falls. If you hike 3 miles from the beginning of the trail you will come to Cienega Mirth. This is a beautiful meadow in the summer. There are many wildflowers and grasses growing here. Relax by a small creek. There is a large stone house here, which was built for the actor Lon Chaney in 1925. It is now used by the Forest Service.
Another two strenuous mile will begin to take you to the high glaciated country. Several lakes up here contain the glacial flour, a silt so fine that it refuses to settle out in the lakes and rivers. This gives the lakes and rivers that beautiful aquamarine color that is so prevalent in the lakes and rivers of northern Montana and the glacier parks in British Columbia, and Alberta in western Canada. The Palisades can be seen as you start to get into the higher country. The Palisades are a serious of jagged peaks that rise dramatically behind the other smaller peaks. Some of the Palisades rise above 14,000 feet.
The Tinemaha Wildlife Viewing area is located 9 miles south of Big Pine on the 395. There will be a dirt road leading east off of the 395. Take this one as it will be marked. This area is a good place to spot huge tule elk, flocks of water birds, or hawks and eagles. For more information call PHONE NUMBER (760) 872-1171.
Klondike Lake is a shallow lake, mostly used for wind sports in the summer time. It is located three miles north of Big Pine. Look for the marked dirt road. For more information call PHONE NUMBER (760) 872-1104.
The Big Pine Gem and Mineral Show is held in mid to late may every year. Rock hounds abound! PHONE NUMBER (760) 938-2114.
See photographs from:
United States Gallery
