Scenic 395 - The Official Guide 2018/2019

2018-2019 Scenic 395 34 Big Pine Continued from Page 31 Hi-Country Market & Hardware 101 N. Main Street, Big Pine, CA • 760-938-2067 email: hicountrymkt@live.com Ice • Fishing&Hunting Licenses •Great Staff& Friendly Service •ATM•Groceries •Cell Chargers •Copies&Fax Service •California Lottery • CompleteHardware Selection•Camping&RV Supplies • Internet Access • 24HourGas&Diesel with anATMor Credit Card 866-609-3785 RESERVATIONS Nice Rooms with Microwaves & Refrigerators www.bristleconemotel.com Northern Entrance to Death Valley Best Access to Bristlecone Pines & Palisade Glacier Kitchens • Laundry Facilities Fish Cleaning & Freezing Facility Showers for Campers & Truckers Everything you need for your travels on 395 Make your stop on 395 comfortable and clean Now Serving Milkshakes! VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS The ancient bristlecone pines are among the oldest living things on earth, with the oldest estimated at more than 5,000 years of age. RICK GOLDWATER VIA WIKIMEDIA COMMONS the Sierra Nevada. The Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest, high in the White Moun- tains, is home to trees that are among the oldest living things on earth, dating to over 5,000 years old. A good paved road via High- way 168 leads to the Schulman Grove from the north end of Big Pine. A Visitor Center provides daily interpretive talks and natural history lectures mid-June through Labor Day. Three interpretive hiking trails lead visitors to close up views of these grand trees and stupendous views of the far off Sierras. Be sure and bring a camera for one-of-a-kind photos. Informative interpretive signs will help you understand the uniqueness of these noble trees as you meander along. Nearby Grandview Campground makes for a delightful base camp to explore the nearby region. The Owens Valley Radio Observatory is located just a few miles northeast of town. These large white discs, seen from Highway 395, are owned and operated by Caltech and provides astronomers the ability to conduct extensive research of the stars and our solar sys- tem. Caltech offers occasional Open House events for the public to tour its fascinating research facilities. Some of the Eastern Sierra’s finest fishing is found in and around Big Pine. Throughout the picturesque Big Pine Creek are numerous fishing spots, starting just a couple of miles outside town and con- tinuing all the way to the end of the road 17 miles away. Close to town is the well- stocked Baker Ponds: turn west on Baker Creek Road, go about a mile to the campgrounds and from there the ponds are easy to find. The Owens River, about a mile east of Big Pine on S.R. 168, abounds with trout and warm water species like catfish, bass and others. There is also a “back road” to Death Valley National Park from Big Pine; be cautious, though, because the road is mostly of dirt and there are no facilities, but the scenery is wonderful and 75 miles far- ther is the north end of the Park near Scotty’s Castle. The list of “things to do” while in Big Pine could go on and on. Take the time on your next visit to the Owens Valley to experience some of these world-class and one of a kind adventures with friends and family. They’ll provide memories for a lifetime.