Low Sierra Nevada snowfall and bristlecone pines

I read recently that snowfall this last winter in California’s Sierra Nevada was 30% of normal (Sierra Nevadita?). That’s a bummer in many ways, but a boon to those of us who like to get up into the high country early, albeit without skis. Alas for the ball and chain known as children.

If you’ve never visited the eastern Sierra Nevada, or the not so well-known White Mountains just to the east, this is a great year to see them both in mid to late June, several weeks ahead of “schedule”. I particularly like the ancient Bristlecone Pines, with Patriarch Grove being my favorite. At over 11,000 feet in elevation, it’s 10 miles or so on a gravel road beyond the grove at 10,000 feet, Schulman Grove.

With that in mind, please see my new photo article California’s White Mountains.

Ancient (likely > 4000 years) Bristlecone Pine
Patriarch Grove, White Mountains, California