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The 'crest' of the White Mountains is a complex geological mixture and one prominent feature are dry, pale hills of eroded dolomite rock. Dolomitic soils are favored sites for bristlecone pines -- Earth's oldest living organisms -- but this ridge east of Mt. Barcroft is just slightly above treeline. Some of these rugged trees grew here until a couple of thousand years ago, and a few old trunks are still visible. Living bristlecones are abundant on slightly lower elevations in the background. I took this photograph just before sunset. |
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