Welcome to Pinnacles National Park, ordained in 2013 as our newest national park.
Hoping For Condors
Is Pinnacles worth a visit? If you avoid the summer, and you’re a hiker, absolutely! (We were there in early May, and it was bordering on too hot even then.) It was only 100 miles north and inland from our last stop near Morro Bay, and we swung by with the hope of seeing California Condors, an endangered species that dwindled to a mere 22 birds in the early 1980’s.
On the road to Pinnacles National Park
Captive breeding programs have increased the numbers to more than 400, and Pinnacles is one of four places where captive-bred condors are released into the wild. We saw plenty of Turkey Vultures and Common Ravens soaring in the updrafts created by the high peaks of the rock spires, but alas, no condors. The hiking opportunities in Pinnacles, however, were far more interesting than we anticipated.
Hiking In Pinnacles
The unique rock formations for which Pinnacles is named were created about 23 million years ago. Basically, a volcano erupted, and as the Pacific Plate along the nearby San Andreas Fault shifted, a huge section of the volcano split off and moved northwest by a couple hundred miles.
The beautiful rock spires (pinnacles)
Over centuries, the rock eroded, leaving tall fanciful spires. At the same time, enormous boulders fell into deep, narrow crevices and wedged there, creating caves below. Mind you, this took place in geologic time, which is slower than a snail’s pace. But had I known that seismic activity continues to frequently occur in Pinnacles (the United States Geological Survey maintains two seismometers within the park) I might have thought twice about going down into the caves. Some of the boulders hanging over our heads were as big as our trailer.
Much more appealing (to my way of thinking) are the trails above ground. In the 1930s, the young men of the CCC put all that testosterone to good use hewing steps, archways, and paths through the volcanic rock and installing sturdy railings along some of the more precipitous passageways. The High Peaks trail is especially thrilling with a steep, narrow, winding path that traverses a high ridge and provides sweeping views of the pinnacles. If you’re looking for condors, this is one of their hangouts—it would be a great place to see them soaring at eye level.
About The Campground
Would we visit Pinnacles again? You bet, especially earlier in the spring, when the wildflower displays are reputed to be spectacular. Two to three nights is sufficient, and provides enough time to hike most of the trails on the east side of the park—that’s where the campground is, and it’s also the only route into the park if you’re traveling with anything other than a passenger vehicle.
The RV sites have electric hookups, there’s water available in the campground, minimalist shower facilities, a small visitor center and store (bring everything you need) and the rangers are very helpful in planning hikes according to your desires. We asked for a challenging hike with views, and they recommended the High Peaks trail combined with the Bear Gulch loop that took us through the caves. It was about 7-8 miles, and perfect. The second morning, we hiked the Old Pinnacles trail, which is flat, grassy, and provides views looking up at the pinnacles.
Campground in Pinnacles
A Quick Trip To Mount Madonna
Leaving Pinnacles, we drove 60 miles to Mt. Madonna near Watsonville, and stayed at lovely Mt. Madonna County Park.
Twenty miles of beautiful trails wind through redwoods and coastal chaparral, and include the ruins of the once magnificent mansion of Henry Miller, a penniless immigrant who became one of the wealthiest cattle and land barons of his time. We enjoyed a peaceful two-night stay, with wonderfully cool hiking on the shady trails.
I’m not sure I’ve ever heard of Pinacles but those expansive views and rock spires are fantastic. Looks like a really fun trail. I assume this must have been a state park or something before 2013 to have had trails built in the 30’s by the CCC. Thanks for going so I could have a look at it through your always wonderful photographs. Outstanding picture of that darling fly catcher.
Sherry, Pinnacles was a National Monument before it was upgraded to a National Park, hence all the work by the CCC. Glad you enjoyed the photos — the trails are great!
We visited Pinnacles for a day pre-RV and loved it! I think we did the same trails…and we loved seeing bats at arms reach!
Your next post has me intrigued!
Lisa, I’m not surprised that we did the same trails. :-) We didn’t see bats in the caves, although we were looking for them. Part of the caves were closed off to protect their roosting sites, so that’s probably why. The entire caves are closed from mid-May through July while the bat colonies raise their young.
This post brings back memories of 50 years ago
when I was a freshman student at Cal Poly SLO
and taking a class in Nature Study. We were
required to go on a field trip to the Pinnacles
to study the wild flowers. I will never forget the
sight of all the gorgeous flowers in bloom. Imagine
California at that time w/o global anything and just
pure bliss looking at the wildflowers…..
It is an amazing think back in time…..
Peggy, that must have been a fabulous field trip! We would love to return to Pinnacles to see the wildflower bloom — I can imagine they would be a spectacular sight. What a great memory for you. :-)
I knew I shouldn’t have read this. You have me drooling!! But if I can’t do the hiking, I’m glad you took me along on this fabulous hike. Steep, narrow climbs, caves, rocks, arches, and views…sounds like a little bit of heaven:) The archways are so neat. The CCC did amazing work. That is such a pretty photo of the foxglove blossoms with that neat color inside. I believe I saw a larger motorhome in the campground. Would we fit in the campground with 40 ft? I do believe I need to hike here. Thanks for sharing this very cool NP!
Pam, this is exactly the kind of hiking that you two enjoy! The trails were fantastic, and so unique. Yes, you would easily fit into the campground, especially in the sites in the outer loop. That’s where some trees are located, too. It’s a hot campground, although from the photo it looks nice and shady. (Eric said the photo makes the campground look better than it is. ;-))
Thanks for the extra info:) We don’t worry too much about how the campgrounds look when we are hiking. We are usually so tired when we get home and have been out all day, that we are generally inside. We do like level sites, though. I do believe we would visit in the cooler weather:)
I’m sure I’d never make the more daunting trail so am delighted to see it through your photos. Those carved steps are incredible. Will have to keep Mt Madonna in mind on our next time through, it looks like a lovely spot – there’s just so much beauty in this state! I too am curious about the next post :-)
Jodee, I’m glad you enjoyed the virtual hike — it’s definitely very steep and lots of climbing on the High Peaks trail, but you could easily do the Old Pinnacles trail, which leads you to beautiful views looking up at the Pinnacles. Mt Madonna was a lovely surprise — we really like the California county parks (less busy and less expensive than the state parks).
We are hoping to get to Pinnacles sometime soon. Now I know just which hikes to do. Sounds like our kind of place.
LuAnn, you guys will enjoy Pinnacles. Great hiking and beautiful views!
Another stunning and unique place to add to our ever growing list. The trails look amazing. Thanks for taking us along.
Ingrid, I think you’ll enjoy Pinnacles — the trails are definitely unique, traversing the high ridges and then heading down into the caves. Something for everyone. :-)
Ha! The Pinnacles. I went there all the time as a kid and again in high school – we would hike up through the caves and unscrew the lightbulbs – duh! Had to hike down in the dark. Many many fond memories of picnics in the poppy-infused spring times. I grew up in Coalinga and we would meet our bay area relatives there. Then married Bryan and from his step-family’s east side Salinas Valley ranch we could see the south side of the Pinnacles. Very special place.
Nancy, I love knowing that you’ve spent time in Pinnacles! No lightbulbs in the caves these days — but flashlights (or headlamps) are essential. We would love to revisit when the poppies and other spring wildflowers are blooming. It must be gorgeous.
I have not heard of Pinnacles NP and to think we used to drive in that area. That is one challenging hike and my kind of hike. Thanks for exploring and hiking for us first, the NP is one reason why we should go back to CA.
Oh, the Ash Throated Flycatcher just posed for you. I still have to see one and maybe the pinnacles will be the place, one day.
I’m amazed that with the drought out there the park is still green!
MonaLiza, the High Peaks hike was just the right amount of challenge and a lot of fun. You guys would enjoy it, for sure. Just be sure to go before mid-May — otherwise it’s way too hot and crispy.
We want to visit that area some day…as always we are following in your footsteps. Thank you again for sharing your experience of this spectacular area.
Bettina, I’m betting when you go, you’ll see the condors (judging by your spectacular birding experiences in your travels!). We saw condors several years ago while hiking the North Rim of the Grand Canyon, and were hoping to see them again at Pinnacles. Despite not seeing condors, Pinnacles was still a wonderful place to spend a couple of days.