With the long-awaited reopening of Mount Blue Sky Scenic Byway set to take place in upcoming weeks, Colorado’s residents and tourists alike will be eager to travel this route, which tops out near the summit of the 14,268-foot peak.

And they will pass a remarkable pitstop along the way without thinking much of its ancient nature.

Found along the byway about 3 miles from the fee station at the base of the peak is Mount Goliath Natural Area. About 160 acres, the main attraction is the Rocky Mountain bristlecone pine trees found at the spot — some of the oldest trees on the planet.

According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the trees in this area are estimated to be about 700 to 1,600 years old.

Their twisted and gnarled appearance makes them easy to spot, shaped by hundreds of years perched on the oft-wind-blasted landscape. Believe it or not, these trees can actually grow straight and upright in more favorable conditions, though they tend to end up taking on their eerie appearance when growing closer to treeline.

As The Denver Gazette’s Vince Bzdek wrote, “the bristlecone’s ability to survive thousands of years in thin soil on wind-blown, drought-stricken mountaintops makes it one of the most resilient living things on the planet.”

One great way to experience this area is via the Bristlecone Loop Trail – it’s only about a quarter-mile long, but it provides an up-close look at these ancient trees.

Learn more about visiting the Mount Goliath Natural Area here.

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