Discovery Trail

Dogs Leashed

Features Birding · Views · Wildflowers · Wildlife

The discovery trail is the short, sweet version of some other local trail (about a mile long). You get a taste of everything and a feel for the altitude of the surrounding trails, without the longer distances.

If you like this trail and it is easy for you, then you might want to check out the Methuselah Loop Trail nearby.

The drive isn't too bad getting here; the roads are paved the whole way. There are some steep inclines and winding turns, so you'll want to be careful. There are no street lights or anything, and the nearest town is quite a ways away, so make sure you have anything you need that wouldn't be provided at the visitor center.

The visitor center, "Schulman Grove," Is the destination to set your GPS to if you would like to drive to the Methuselah Trail. There is a parking lot and the center itself is very nice. There are multiple trails, and they are all marked.

Important Note:
Make sure you have plenty of water! Because of the high altitude, you breath a lot more and faster; your sweat evaporates faster, and humidity is lower at higher altitudes. You may not realize how much water your body is losing.

The trail remains cool even in warm summer months because of the altitude, so heat isn't really an issue. You might want to bring a hat though, because some of the trail is exposed, and you can possibly get burnt. Make sure that you have snacks and whatever you need, because again, there is nothing on the trail in terms of food, water, bathrooms, etc.

Another great thing about this place is the solitude. If you hate going to a national park and being around tons of people, that is not an issue here. I didn't see a single person the whole day I was here.

Bristlecone Pines