I believe this is the erstwhile "Prometheus Tree" (might have been named posthumously). In a forest of living bristlecones, it can be difficult to find the stump remains of Prometheus. The stump is only a foot or two above ground level and is quite broad, as would be expected. If you can find this tree then you can find Prometheus nearby. Or maybe it will be easier to search for the stump and not the aforementioned tree.
The stump is located on this forested hump near the south edge near where the talus field abuts the forest. The stump was a little ways in from the edge, perhaps 30 yards. Another view of the area where it's located where the talus abuts the forest can be seen here.
A slab from the Currey tree with some of the borer holes is on display in the White Pine County visitor's center in downtown Ely, Nevada. Personally, I think there are older trees, but it will be extremely difficult to actually verify that.
Not just the oldest known tree, but the oldest known LIVING THING. Gotta love Grad students.
I believe this is the erstwhile "Prometheus Tree" (might have been named posthumously). In a forest of living bristlecones, it can be difficult to find the stump remains of Prometheus. The stump is only a foot or two above ground level and is quite broad, as would be expected. If you can find this tree then you can find Prometheus nearby. Or maybe it will be easier to search for the stump and not the aforementioned tree.
The stump is located on this forested hump near the south edge near where the talus field abuts the forest. The stump was a little ways in from the edge, perhaps 30 yards. Another view of the area where it's located where the talus abuts the forest can be seen here.
Wheeler Peak is also one of the sought after prominence peaks in Nevada as it ranks #2 on the list. Since it stands out rather dramatically from valleys around it, giving it 7563 feet of prominence. This prominence puts it in an elite group of peaks in the USA that have a prominence of over 5000 feet and those can be seen on this neat MAP HERE. If you don't understand what prominence is all about, here is a good explanation. Adam Helman recently authored a book completely dedicated to prominence.
Northeast Couloir (AKA Wheel of Death) III-IV 5.5, AI 3, 10 pitches. FA by James Garrett and Alex Steckel (1985)
The Center Headwall was left unfinished about half way up. It was left at 5.7R and only went six pitches. FA Attempts by James Garrett, Michael Layton and Brian Waters. Attempts were aborted due to rotten rock and pro protection
Another route goes right up a darker cleft in on Wheelers NE Face. Its called Stella By Starlight V, A3 10 pitches. FA Wade Mills, solo (1977)
For 2012 the drive up the Scenic Drive road was barricaded at just under 8,500' at the end of October. By November 23rd the road was closed at the entrance to the Upper Lehman CG, and so was the CG itself. There is a parking area on the side of the road opposite the Upper Lehman CG, elevation 7,580'. The restroom at the Upper Lehman CG was locked but at least two restrooms at the Wheeler Peak CG were open as of November 24th, 2012.
Klenke - Nov 8, 2005 3:12 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI believe this is the erstwhile "Prometheus Tree" (might have been named posthumously). In a forest of living bristlecones, it can be difficult to find the stump remains of Prometheus. The stump is only a foot or two above ground level and is quite broad, as would be expected. If you can find this tree then you can find Prometheus nearby. Or maybe it will be easier to search for the stump and not the aforementioned tree.
The stump is located on this forested hump near the south edge near where the talus field abuts the forest. The stump was a little ways in from the edge, perhaps 30 yards. Another view of the area where it's located where the talus abuts the forest can be seen here.
Klenke - Nov 8, 2005 3:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI spotted some photos of the tree on this site. The guy was moved to tears?! Come on now. Sure it sucked. But I know I wasn't moved to tears.
ScottyS - Nov 8, 2005 3:04 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentA slab from the Currey tree with some of the borer holes is on display in the White Pine County visitor's center in downtown Ely, Nevada. Personally, I think there are older trees, but it will be extremely difficult to actually verify that.
Not just the oldest known tree, but the oldest known LIVING THING. Gotta love Grad students.
Klenke - Nov 8, 2005 3:12 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI believe this is the erstwhile "Prometheus Tree" (might have been named posthumously). In a forest of living bristlecones, it can be difficult to find the stump remains of Prometheus. The stump is only a foot or two above ground level and is quite broad, as would be expected. If you can find this tree then you can find Prometheus nearby. Or maybe it will be easier to search for the stump and not the aforementioned tree.
The stump is located on this forested hump near the south edge near where the talus field abuts the forest. The stump was a little ways in from the edge, perhaps 30 yards. Another view of the area where it's located where the talus abuts the forest can be seen here.
Klenke - Nov 8, 2005 3:16 pm - Hasn't voted
Untitled CommentI spotted some photos of the tree on this site. The guy was moved to tears?! Come on now. Sure it sucked. But I know I wasn't moved to tears.
Dean - Jan 28, 2006 11:37 am - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentWheeler Peak is also one of the sought after prominence peaks in Nevada as it ranks #2 on the list. Since it stands out rather dramatically from valleys around it, giving it 7563 feet of prominence. This prominence puts it in an elite group of peaks in the USA that have a prominence of over 5000 feet and those can be seen on this neat MAP HERE. If you don't understand what prominence is all about, here is a good explanation. Adam Helman recently authored a book completely dedicated to prominence.
Alex Wood - Aug 6, 2012 11:39 am - Voted 10/10
Climbing RoutesHere are some of the routes up Wheelers NE Face:
Northeast Couloir (AKA Wheel of Death) III-IV 5.5, AI 3, 10 pitches. FA by James Garrett and Alex Steckel (1985)
The Center Headwall was left unfinished about half way up. It was left at 5.7R and only went six pitches. FA Attempts by James Garrett, Michael Layton and Brian Waters. Attempts were aborted due to rotten rock and pro protection
Another route goes right up a darker cleft in on Wheelers NE Face. Its called Stella By Starlight V, A3 10 pitches. FA Wade Mills, solo (1977)
Moogie737 - Nov 26, 2012 12:37 pm - Hasn't voted
Closures for late 2012For 2012 the drive up the Scenic Drive road was barricaded at just under 8,500' at the end of October. By November 23rd the road was closed at the entrance to the Upper Lehman CG, and so was the CG itself. There is a parking area on the side of the road opposite the Upper Lehman CG, elevation 7,580'. The restroom at the Upper Lehman CG was locked but at least two restrooms at the Wheeler Peak CG were open as of November 24th, 2012.