Kiki
Windy Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area in Alma, CO
Have you ever seen trees growing horizontally? Bristlecone Pine Scenic Area is full of them! Windy Ridge sits above the town of Alma at the eastern foot of Mount Bross and has gorgeous 360 degree views. The trees are the most exciting part of this area though. These ancient Rocky Mountain Bristlecone Pines are typically 1,000 to 2,000 years old! They are wind-whipped sculptures created by a combination of nature’s fierce winds and the world’s strongest trees. This is a must-see if you have a half a day to spare. The views are absolutely breathtaking!
Windy ridge is a mellow off-road trail that can be easily reached from Alma. It’s a really fun trail to go on with 4wd, ATV’s, Dirtbikes, or for a nice hike! Lots of people drive most of the way, then choose to hike the last half mile when things get a little bit rougher. Trust me though, it’s worth it when you get to the top and see trees growing sideways due to the constant wind!
The trees are Bristlecone Pines (Pinus aristata.) These are the most durable living entities on this planet! They are highly resilient to harsh weather and bad soils and are known to have achieved lifespans of several thousand years.
The oldest of them can been found in California. Methuselah, which has a verified age of 4,852 years, is the oldest recorded Bristlecone Pine tree on the planet. It can be found in the Inyo National Forest in Eastern California.
From Alma, take Buckskin Gulch Road and head uphill to the west toward Kite Lake and the 14’ers. Follow signs for Windy Ridge Bristlecone Pine Scenic area. You’ll need 4wd or you can hike the last part where the road gets tougher for a low-clearance car.
