The best photo opportunities in the Big Pine area are in the White Mountains that close in Owens Valley from the east side. here in a harsh environment, the ancient bristlecone pines have lives for up to 4,000 years. To survive, part of these trees die, and their twisted, golden wood, often called living driftwood, is ideal for photography. The road to these photogenic trees climbs some 7,000 in 35 miles to an elevation of over 11,000 feet. The oxygen is thin at that altitude and a less than well tuned car may stall in the rare atmosphere. This road is only open during the summer.
   Early or late in the day is the best time to plan this trip. Pan to be at Schulman Grove by 9:00 am and, if possible, stay for sunset. Side-lighting enhances the texture of the bristlecones pines. Ideally, start before sunrise so you can catch the light of the rising sun on the eastern Sierra from Sierra Viewpoint, 19 miles from Big Pine.
   From Big Pine head northeast on Route 168. Just before Westgard Pass, 13 miles, turn north on White Mountain Road. About six miles along this road you'll come to Sierra Viewpoint on your left. From here you can take a short trail to a splendid view of the eastern Sierra range.

   About five miles farther is the end of the paved road, a visitor center, and the Shulman Grove. Here you will find two trails through the bristlecone pines: the one-mile Discover Trail and the 4.5-mile Methuselah Trail. Photographically, the Discovery Trail is best--there is even a loop called :Photographer's Way." In early summer you will find plenty of wildflowers to photograph as well.
   The most picturesque trees are higher yet. You will have to drive a dirt road another 11 miles to the Patriarch Grove. This is not a great road--it is very bumpy, steep, dusty, and narrow. Fortunately there are usually few other cars demanding their share of the limited road space.

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