I'm taking a trip to the White Mountains, CA in a few days to photograph the Bristlecone Trees, as well as some night photography. I'm taking White Mountain Road up to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest. I'm a little worried about the wildlife up there. Can anyone tell me about the type of wildlife I may encounter up there in the dark or other issues I may need to worry about?? I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Natalie
Posted by Sandy Steinman on November 12, 2012 at 11:45 AM
Posted by Harley Goldman on November 12, 2012 at 1:13 PM
There are no animals to fear up in that area.
There are two groves, the Schulman and the Patriarch. The road (assuming it is open) is paved all the way to the Schulman. It is a 12 miles or so of rough dirt road to the upper Patriarch grove. It is easy to do in any car, but I would suggest going slow. There are some sharp rocks that might puncture a tire at high speed. I have gotten two flat tires on the road from going fast. I never had any problem when taking my slow time.
I much prefer the upper grove for photography. It is wide open and the trees are easily isolated. The lower grove is more like forest. It will likely be cold at the upper grove, which is above 11,000 feet. Bring appropriate clothes.
Posted by Rodney Ninow on November 12, 2012 at 7:30 PM
The only animals you really need to worry about are chipmunks who are really good at stealing food in Grandview campground!
Posted by Rodney Ninow on November 16, 2012 at 10:38 AM
Discussion
4 repliesI'm taking a trip to the White Mountains, CA in a few days to photograph the Bristlecone Trees, as well as some night photography. I'm taking White Mountain Road up to the Ancient Bristlecone Forest. I'm a little worried about the wildlife up there. Can anyone tell me about the type of wildlife I may encounter up there in the dark or other issues I may need to worry about?? I'd really appreciate it.
Thank you,
Natalie
Eastern Sierra Interagency Visitors Center in Lone Pine: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/contact/
I also have a blog posting with additional information and resources about the White Mountains: http://naturalhistorywanderings.com/2010/05/26/best-of-two-worlds-eastern-sierra-nevada-and-white-mountain-hikes-drives-and-wildflowers/
There are two groves, the Schulman and the Patriarch. The road (assuming it is open) is paved all the way to the Schulman. It is a 12 miles or so of rough dirt road to the upper Patriarch grove. It is easy to do in any car, but I would suggest going slow. There are some sharp rocks that might puncture a tire at high speed. I have gotten two flat tires on the road from going fast. I never had any problem when taking my slow time.
I much prefer the upper grove for photography. It is wide open and the trees are easily isolated. The lower grove is more like forest. It will likely be cold at the upper grove, which is above 11,000 feet. Bring appropriate clothes.