In April 2022, I took a guided trip in Pinnacles National Park. The park is located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, five miles east of Soledad, CA. Pinnacles is a geologic wonder shaped by ancient volcanoes, resulting in unusual rock formations, canyons and caves. It is also home to the endangered California Condor, North America’s largest flying bird. Pinnacles was established as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt. In 2013, President Barack Obama and Congress made it a national park.
April 14, 2022
After meeting our guides in San Jose, CA, we traveled 80 miles southeast to the park. One our way, we stopped at a grocery store to pick up any personal provisions. In no time, we were setting up camp in the Pinnacles Campground in a group site. Our accommodations were private and canopied by numerous oak trees. The campground has a camp store, flush toilets and showers, and a swimming pool. These amenities made our stay even better. Before dinner, we set out on a 2.5-mile hike to catch glimpses of the mountains where we would be trekking during our stay here. When we returned, we were treated to a wonderful dinner under the stars.
April 15, 2022
The next morning, after much needed coffee and a tasty breakfast, we drove over to the Bear Gulch area of the park. We set out to hike to North Chalone Peak, the highest peak in the park, at 3,304 feet. Early in our trek, we ascended through the Bear Gulch Caves, where we kept a look out for bats that call the park home. After exiting the caves, we were treated to picturesque Bear Gulch Reservoir. As we summited, we kept an eye out for Turkey Vultures and the famed California Condors.
Lunch was a treat, when our guides surprised us with a fabulous picnic spread. From atop North Chalone Peak, we enjoyed 360-degree views of the area, including the Salinas Valley. Once we arrived back in camp, I treated myself to a shower and checked out the camp store. Dinner was fantastic, one we enjoyed with campfire stories!
April 16, 2022
After a hearty breakfast the next morning, we set off on the Old Pinnacles Trailhead on our way to the Balconies Cave, home to Mastiff Bats, the largest species in North America. I don’t recall seeing any bats, but perhaps you will if on a visit. We continued our trek up through Juniper Canyon, keeping an eye out for the condors. We eventually reached the high point of the High Peaks section and enjoyed viewing a multitude of pinnacles – spectacular!
April 17, 2022
On our final day, we once again trekked in the High Peaks area of the park, with its clusters of pinnacles. We ascended on a steep and narrow trail, with iron railings and carved steps, on our way to the Condor Crags. What a highlight, to spot several condors in this area at a fairly close range!
The birds have been tagged and one can learned more about each of them at: Profiles of the Pinnacles Condors – Pinnacles National Park (U.S. National Park Service) (nps.gov). We spotted several – two recognizable numbers of 43 and 84!
Pinnacles National Park can be hot, even in mid-April afternoons. Therefore, I would recommend Spring and Fall months for comfortable weather and minimal crowds. This park is a gem, and I look forward to exploring in more detail one day! If you have ever been to Pinnacles or are planning a trip here, I’d love to hear from you!