King Clone is thought to be the oldest Creosote bush ring in the Mojave Desert. The ring is estimated to be 11,700 years old, making it one of the oldest living organisms on Earth. This single clonal colony is a group of genetically identical plants that grew from a single original plant (clonal colonies are often considered to be the same living organism). It reaches up to 67 feet in diameter, with an average diameter of 45 feet King Clone was identified and the age documented by Frank Vasek, a professor at the University of California, Riverside. The plants age was measured using two methods: radiocarbon dating and measurement of growth. In the first method, pieces of wood from the center of the ring were analyzed to find the amount of the radioisotope carbon-14 present. The second method measured the amount of time a clonal creosote bush takes to grow outward in a ring. Both methods arrived at the same conclusions, giving an estimated age of 11,700 years.

The land that King Clone resides on is mostly unprotected. This means that, unfortunately, many people may drive over it with all-terrain vehicles. But it also means visitors can go see King Clone in person.

Creosote Rings Preserve Location: In the California Mohave desert between Lucerne Valley and Johnson Valley on Highway 247. Head north on Bessimer Mine Road. Approximately .6 miles from the highway on the east side of the road you will find the beginning of a fenced area, triangle shaped, protecting the ancient Creosote rings. The rough dirt road is accessible with any vehicle that has good ground clearance, 4wd is not necessary. You must park and walk in. Good Luck!