Geotourism Mapguide: A travel guide to the places most respected and recommended by locals.
(
 
)
 
  National Forest
Share |
Add to My Favorites
Share a Comment

Bennett Juniper

bennett juniper

Open forest lands in the upper Sierra Nevada mountains and views of jagged lava peaks are found in this area making it different from the usual granitic Sierra landscape.

Visitors will drive through dense pine and fir forests, which will break up into large meadows interspersed with open stands of pine, fir and in some places more widespread groups of pine and western junipers. One may see deer and coyote. Bear and mountain lion are definitely present, but don't expect to see them. You will see squirrels, lots of them. In the spring there will be a wide variety of flowers, including snow plants.

Most visitors will find themselves alone unless Ken Brunges is present. Ken is a member of "Save the Redwoods League" and a caretaker to the Bennett Tree. The tree is on land owned by "The League" by way of a donation by the land's original Joe Martin. Mr Martin donated the land to the Nature Conservancy in 1978, which has since passed it on to the "Redwoods League".

Recreational Opportunities

Photography, bird watching, hiking, hunting, snow shoeing and skiing in winter.

Seasons Accessible

Late spring to mid fall to vehicular traffic. There are two streams to ford. Pick up or other high clearance vehicle recommended. Winter: snowshoes, skis, or snowmobile. Note that streams may make winter access inadvisable. By road it is 12 miles from Highway 108.

 ADA Accessibility Notes

To the base of the tree is not accessible as it is a rough forest landscape. The road however provides good views of the tree.

 Pet Friendly Notes

Well mannered pets are welcome.

For More Information, Contact:

Summit Ranger District Stanislaus NF

#1 Pinecrest Lake Rd, Pinecrest, CA 95364
209-965-3434

RAYMOND S GADA III wrote on April 27, 2013: A wonderful place to see nature at its finest.The Bennett is truly one of nature’s prizes.But lets not forget the human commitment made by people with the foresight to protect it.Hats off to Joe Martin for the donation of land and to Ken Burgess for his unselfish work year after year to help protect this treasure and to inform the public of the importance of such landmarks! Again thank you both.

Bill Rugg wrote on April 17, 2010: We've been to the Bennett Juniper on snowmobiles and on dirt bikes. It's a beautiful ride in from 108 and a gorgeous place when you get there!

We encourage healthy dialogue and interaction. Please include your first and last name. Comments must be accurate, family-friendly, based on personal experience and relevant to all travelers. Comments with profanity, threats, personal insults, or commercialized content will be deleted. Thank you.

Sierra Nevada MapGuide Sponsor >
Northern Sierra Partnership

Boundaries and names shown do not necessarily reflect the map policy of the National Geographic Society.

Longitude: -119.796981800
Latitude: 38.309201100
Elevation: 8371 FT (2551 M)
Meet the Contributor:
Michael Rutty
_
 
Ancient Bristlecone Pine Forest
“Methuselah,” which is more than 4,800 years old, is one of the oldest living trees...
 
Ansel Adams Wilderness: A Wild Experience In the Sierra Nevada
We go to Wilderness to witness beauty.  We go there for challenge, renewal, and to share...
 
Bell Meadow
This beautiful meadow is located in a valley that was originally carved out by glaciers. The...
 
Dinkey Creek Recreation Area
Dinkey Creek Recreation Area is located along beautiful Dinkey Creek on the Sierra National...
 
Emigrant Wilderness
Emigrant Wilderness is bordered by Yosemite National Park on the south, the Toiyabe National...
Download the Mobile MapGuide