Inyo National Forest in Inyo County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Dr. Edmund P. Schulman

Schulman Grove

— Bristlecone Pine Forest —

Dr. Edmund P. Schulman Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

1. Dr. Edmund P. Schulman Marker

Inscription.
In 1953, Dr. Edmund P. Schulman was searching this grove of bristlecones for old trees to extend his tree ring chronology. With his discovery of the "Pine Alpha" tree, he became the first person in the world to document 4,000-year-old trees. He continued his persistent search and in 1957, discovered the oldest living tree in the world, the Methuselah Tree. This ancient is located in Methuselah Grove, a four mile round-trip hike from here.

The significance of Dr. Schulman's discovery can scarcely be overstated. The continuous bristlecone tree ring chronology, including living and dead wood, now extends back nearly 10,000 years. Data from these tree rings supports important scientific research on radiocarbon dating, past climates, air quality, frequency of fires, and water supply trends.

Although Dr. Schulman died at the age of 49 in 1958, his legacy of discovery is still with us today.

Erected by USDA Forest Service.

Topics and series. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Horticulture & Forestry • Parks & Recreational Areas • Science & Medicine. In addition, it is included in the Historic Trees series list. A significant historical year for this entry is 1953.

Location. 37° 23.145′ N, 118°

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10.709′ W. Marker is in Inyo National Forest, California, in Inyo County. It can be reached from White Mountain Road 10 miles north of California Route 168, on the right when traveling north. Located at the Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center, in the White Mountains, at an altitude of 9,850 feet. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Bishop CA 93514, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker is in California’s Sierra Nevada.

It is also in the American Mountain West.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 4 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Pumps (approx. 9.2 miles away); Turntable (approx. 9.2 miles away); Laws Station (approx. 9.3 miles away); Laws (approx. 9.3 miles away).

Also see . . . Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest Visitor Center. Open only during summer. (Submitted on June 30, 2026.)

Photographed by Craig Baker

2. Dr. Edmund P. Schulman Marker

The marker is on the Discovery Trail, at left.

Bristlecone Pine Visitor Center image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

3. Bristlecone Pine Visitor Center

Schulman Grove Trails Map image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

4. Schulman Grove Trails Map

Edmund Schulman Tribute image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

5. Edmund Schulman Tribute

Professor of Dendrochronology, Laboratory of Tree-Ring Research, University of Arizona. A pioneer of modern tree-ring dating, Dr. Schulman conducted research on bristlecone pines here in the White Mountains for many years, eventually discovering the oldest living tree in the world.

Ancient Bristlecone Pine image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Craig Baker

6. Ancient Bristlecone Pine

Over 4,000 years old.

Credits. This page was last revised on June 30, 2026. It was originally submitted on June 30, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California. This page has been viewed 7 times since then. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6. submitted on June 30, 2026, by Craig Baker of Sylmar, California.