Big Pine, California is a census designated place (CDP) located in the Owens Valley between Bishop and Independence. To the north, about 15 miles, is Bishop. To the south, about 26 miles, is Independence. Located to the west of Big Pine is the Sierra Nevada. To the east are the White Mountains and the Westgaard Pass. The elevation of Big Pine is 3,989 feet.
Big Pine was best known for the giant sequoia tree located at the junction of Highway 395 and California State Route 168 on the north end of town. Planted in 1913, the Roosevelt Tree paid tribute to Teddy Roosevelt and the opening of the Westgard Pass. This narrow pass runs through the White Mountains and the Inyo Mountains at an elevation of 7,313 feet. During a period of drought between 2017 and 2018, the Roosevelt Tree died after its water source dried up. In September 2020, the 107-year old pine tree came down. While unfortunate, mulch and cuttings from the tree were used for new plantings, for the veteran’s memorial, and for a church cross.
Things to do in Big Pine
Campgrounds in the Big Pine area
Fishing in the Big Pine area