Mt. Whitney Portal Store & Hostel Forums General Mt. Whitney Portal Store Message Board Ancient Bristlecone Pine road

Sorry to be off topic, but I tried to get up to see the Ancient Bristlecone Pine forest on Sunday. After about 10 miles of driving, the road suddenly turned into one way. I turned around, thinking the road would be one way the entire way to the forest. Now I think I goofed and the road was only narrow and one way for a bit. What's the truth about this road?

I hate to be the one to tell you this, but you GOOFED. Now you have to go back up there and get to the forest. Its only one way for about 500 yards if that. Have fun.

No, I realized I blew it once I got back to 395. I was driving a classic car, a '36 Chevy, and didn't want to risk it driving that car. had I had a "regular" car, it wouldn't have been a problem. I thought momentarily the road would be one way for 20 miles... not just a few hundred yards. My stupidity!

Honk your horn when you get into the slot one-way so people on the other way know you're coming.

I doubt it is 500 yards, maybe 200? Anyway, a question for DHM, do you really need a high-clearance vehicle on the dirt/gravel/graded (?) road past the visitor center? How bad is that road? Never been that far but I'm trying to line up an interview with those who inhabit the UC White Mt. Research Lab.

Thanks

I drove the road to the trailhead in a Honda Civic a couple of years ago. It's true. A high clearance vehicle can do at least 30 mph -- definitely preferrable. I drove the entire thing at about 10. At one point, my son got out and ran alongside. But, I did the trip with no damage to the car.

I went up white Mountain in August. All the vehicles at the trailhead were high clearance except one VW Golf. On my way out he was getting help as he had cracked his oil pan. If you take a regular car, be careful.

Went up September 12th , had no problems in a 87 Honda Accord. Be sure to drive slow (5 to 10 mph, the 17 miles of gravel took me 90 minutes) , 2 other vehicles blew their tires. As I drove up at night to the 12000 ft TH , I enjoyed the lights in the Owens valley. The views of the Sierras were spectacular from White Mt summit.

Thanks for the advice all, the washboards could not possibly be any worse than the short trip to Fossil Falls near Little Lake, I learned a long time ago that time is not a topic of discussion.

I just have to make sure the mufflers on my Stang are cinched up real tight, looks like. Is there an abundance of chicken wire up there or should I bring my own (if you know what I mean)?

When I was up there in August, noboby was using chicken wire and there were no problems for anyone.

Marrmots have not been a problem in the area...yet.