Ancient Bristlecone Pines & White Mountains

The Ancient Bristlecone Pine groves in the White Mountains are at 9,000 to over 11,000 ft on dolomite soils. Bristlecone Pines are thought to be the oldest living things on Earth, with the oldest known being over 5000 years old. Age is difficult to determine, however, because growth is so slow that in some especially difficult years no growth ring is added. The higher areas of the White Mountains have a barren, moon-scape look where light and shadow of passing clouds produce dramatic vistas.