This twisting form is very typical of the bristlecones.  Not all trees are twisted.  Some spiral like this one, others take on a more conventional form (though both forms are common).  However, all the trees eventually start to look gnarled.  Even though this tree is dead, it might have been standing here after it's death for thousands of years.  I sat by this tree for a while, enjoying the day.

I believe this is the same tree as pictured above, just later in the day.  Either way, I like it.