Floris van Breugel / Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) abstract view of exposed and weathered wood layers, White Mountains, California, USA July

Floris van Breugel / Ancient Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata) clings to life, with a grand view of endless sage valleys, White Mountains, California, USA, July

Jack Dykinga / Bristlecone pine (Pinus aristata var. longaeva) gnarled branches of an old tree, Bryce Canyon National Park, Utah, USA.

Tim Fitzharris / Rocky Mountains Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) tree overlooking forest, Rocky Mountain National Park, Colorado

Tim Fitzharris / Foxtail Pine (Pinus balfouriana) tree, twisted trunk of an ancient tree, Sierra Nevada, California

Jim Brandenburg / Great Basin Bristlecone Pine (Pinus longaeva) trees in snow, Great Basin National Park, Nevada

Jeff Foott / Rocky Mountains Bristlecone Pine (Pinus aristata) in spring, White Mountains, Inyo National Forest, California