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Inyo National Forest
Hiking - White Mountains
Hiking in the White Mountains of eastern Inyo offers a sharp contrast to the Sierra. The Whites are a typical Great Basin Range, old sedimentary rock in a semi-arid climate. In the rain shadow of the Sierra, these mountains receive only 8 inches precipitation annually on the lower slopes, 20 inches on the peaks. The land is high elevation desert, yet contains what is arguably one of the most fascinating botanical discoveries of all time: the oldest life on Earth, the ancient Bristlecone Pines.
Easiest access to the White Mountains is to take Highway 168 east from Big Pine. In 13 miles, you reach the turnoff to the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest, paved for the 10 miles to the Visitor Center at Schulman Grove, them a reasonable (though rough and steep) dirt road another 13 miles to Patriarch Grove.
BRING YOUR OWN WATER!
1. Discovery Trail - This nature walk passes through some of the most fascinating parts of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest. The trail is named"Discovery" because it is located in the area where Dr. Edmund Schulman first discovered bristlecone pine trees over 4000 years old. The Discovery Trail is a one mile loop and takes a leisurely hour to walk. Access from the Visitor Center at Schulman Grove.
2. Methuselah Walk - A fascinating 4.5 mile loop, the Methuselah Walk passes through a grove of 4000 year-old gnarled wisemen, who were germinating about the time Leonardo da Vinci first discovered seasonal growth patterns in trees. The trail passes through several ecological zones, revealing sharp contrasts caused by moisture, sun, and soil. Access from the Visitor Center at Schulman Grove.
3. Patriarch Grove - Another short trail though Bristleconess set within a large open bowl, well exposed to wind and weather. The elements have molded the trees into abstract sculptures even more contorted than at Schulman Grove. Patriarch Tree, the largest Bristlecone in the world, looms along the trail. Access is 13 miles past the Visitor Center, along a spectacular drive with views of the Sierra Crest across the Owens Valley.
4. White Mountain Peak - The peak rises to 14, 246 feet, the highest point in the range. It is the third tallest peak in California, just 249 feet lower than Mount Whitney. The hike to the summit is a strenuous 7.5 miles from the nearest parking area. Hikers usually begin their trip below the White Mountain Research Station at the locked gate (11,650 feet) on the White Mountain Road, about a mile past Patriarch Grove.
The Research Station provides facilities for studies of high altitude physiology, arctic flora and fauna, astrophysics and geology. No unauthorized motorized traffic is permitted beyond the gate. The laboratory is not open for visitation but the staff are available to help in the event of an emergency. Please hike only on the road so that study plots and fragile alpine tundra are undisturbed.
5. Boundary and Montgomery Peaks - Boundary Peak's popularity is due to its status as the highest point in the state of Nevada (13,140 feet). It is located at-the northern end of the White Mountains near the California border. Neighboring Montgomery Peak, named for the 19th century mine on its northwest slopes, stands at 13,441 feet and is an additional 2-hour round-trip scramble west of Boundary Peak. The pair constitute an impressive granite massif with grand views from their summits.
Most hikers climb Boundary from the east side of the range. To reach road's end for the eastside climb, drive north from Bishop on U.S. 6. into Nevada and over Montgomery Pan. Approximately 5 miles beyond the junction with Route 360 look for Route 264 to Fish Lake Valley. Turn right on Route 264 and continue for 13.9 miles. Turn right onto an UNMARKED wide dirt road on the north side of Chiatovich Creek. Follow the main dirt track, taking right forks, for 12.2 miles to a small meadow.
An alternate route to the trailhead is via Trail Canyon. Watch for the sign on Rte. 264 as you drive towards Fish Lake Valley from Highway 6. The use of. a 4x4 or high-profile vehicle is recommended on this road.
Allow 5 to 6 hours one way for the 4400+ foot strenuous ascent to the peak. Follow the canyon., to Trail Canyon saddle, then follow the talus-covered ridgeline. After Peak 12,201, continue another thousand feet to Boundary Peak. Montgomery Peak is an hour beyond Boundary Peak.
 Move on to Trail Finder: Inyo National Forest
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