Pebble Beach's Famous Lone Cypress Tree

The Lone Cypress in Pebble Beach, perfectly positioned against its scenic backdrop, has become symbolic of the rugged northern California coast. 

Thought to be around 250 years old, the cypress actually predates much of the settlement in the region, though this fact hasn't stopped folks from trying to profit it. In 1990, the Pebble Beach Company, owner of the famed golf club which uses the Lone Cypress as its logo, claimed to have trademarked the tree's image -- despite the fact that it has long been a favorite subject of photographers like Ansel Adams and Edward Weston.