Although many official hiking trails in and around Southern California are currently closed, there will be a time in the near future when we’ll be able to explore the great outdoors and absorb all the beauty that SoCal has to offer. And we can’t think of a more spectacular hike to look forward to than this adventurous trail that’s home to some of the most ancient trees on planet earth. Here’s a closer look.
Located in the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest inside the Inyo National Forest you’ll find a hiking trail that will surround you with some of the oldest living trees on earth.
flickr/daveynin
Methuselah Trail is an exhilarating 4-mile hike that will lead you through the most unexpected scenery. Wandering through land that’s home to trees that are thousands of years old is a wonder to observe.
flickr/daveynin
Although the hike itself is not extremely challenging, the altitude can play tricks on you and make you feel as though the trail is much longer.
flickr/daveynin
Make sure to come prepared with proper gear such as sturdy hiking shoes, bottled water, and plenty of sunscreen. Or even a hat! All of these things will make the hike much more enjoyable.
flickr/trailkrum
You’ll find plenty of viewpoints to enjoy along the way. The view from up here is pretty spectacular. What a great reward for heading out on this trail!
flickr/chris brooks
At first glance, the trees along the trail may not appear to be anything out of the ordinary. But once you discover these ancient bristlecone pines have been standing for thousands of years inside this forest, many of them over 4,000 years old, the hike takes on a magical aura.
flickr/mathew dillon
flickr/mathew dillon
With sprawling root structures and gnarled trunks and branches, the ancient bristlecone pines offer a unique glimpse of nature.
all trails/marty roska
In addition to soaking up the beauty of the bristlecone pines, you’ll also want to take a moment to enjoy the landscape, especially at sunset. It’s quite heavenly around here!
flickr/mathew dillon
What an enthralling hike to experience in Southern California. Have you ever hiked through parts of the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest? If you’ve enjoyed reading about this hike, you may also want to read about these 12 hiking trails in Southern California that are some of the greatest on earth.
flickr/daveynin
flickr/trailkrum
flickr/chris brooks
flickr/mathew dillon
all trails/marty roska
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