Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168)

California

National Forest Scenic Byway

Map

Byway Details

Designation
National Forest Scenic Byway
Length
35 mi in California
Managed by
Forest Service

About Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168)

Ancient Bristlecone Scenic Byway (Route 168) is a 35.2-mile drive in California, managed by the Forest Service and listed as a National Forest Scenic Byway. It also carries the designation of California State Scenic Highway. The route passes through the town of Big Pine. Spring and fall are the most comfortable times to make the drive. Typical averages from the nearby Bishop airport weather station show April highs around 74°F and October highs near 78°F, while July averages climb to about 100°F. The byway is a hub for hiking and camping, with several trails and campsites right along the road. Grandview Campground and the Patriarch/ancients Vis Loop sit about 0.1 mile from the route, and the Cottonwood Basin Overlook Loop and Bristlecone Cabin are each within about a quarter mile.

Scenic byway data: U.S. Department of Transportation, Federal Highway Administration

Facts about this place

When to go

Best time to go: Mar–May. The mildest months here, with typical highs of 67–83°F and lows of 31–44°F.

Typical monthly averages (not a forecast) from the Bishop Ap, CA weather station, 14 mi away. High / low in °F.

  1. Jan56° high24° low
  2. Feb59° high26° low
  3. Mar67° high31° low
  4. Apr74° high37° low
  5. May83° high44° low
  6. Jun94° high51° low
  7. Jul100° high57° low
  8. Aug98° high54° low
  9. Sep90° high47° low
  10. Oct78° high37° low
  11. Nov64° high27° low
  12. Dec55° high22° low

Source: NOAA NCEI U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020

Where it is

Towns along the route
Big Pine

Source: USGS GNIS populated places

Nearby

Source: Roamze catalog (indexable pages within 2 miles of the route, PostGIS distance)