Story:
Spring is the best time at Pinnacles, when the flowers are at their peak and it's not absurdly hot. Starting at the west entrance, this clockwise loop took my friends and I through the Balconies Caves trail (and through the short but cool cave section), back around the pretty flat northern part of the park, then up through the High Peaks trail where we hit the big climb.
Fortunately, the climb is worth it with the reward of sweeping views and spectacular rock formations. There are also rare California Condors but we didn't see any on this trip.
Spring is the best time at Pinnacles, when the flowers are at their peak and it's not absurdly hot. Starting at the west entrance, this clockwise loop took my friends and I through the Balconies Caves trail (and through the short but cool cave section), back around the pretty flat northern part of the park, then up through the High Peaks trail where we hit the big climb.
Fortunately, the climb is worth it with the reward of sweeping views and spectacular rock formations. There are also rare California Condors but we didn't see any on this trip.
Tips:
- Bring lots of water & use sunblock (and probably a good hat), especially if it's going to be a hot day here, it gets really toasty.
- The ranger warned us to keep an eye out for rattlers, who had started showing up in the last week or two. Thankfully, we saw none.
- I really wish I'd brought my wide angle 17-40mm lens instead of the 28-135mm.
- The road to get here is narrow and winding, so plan on that part of the drive taking a while. There's a pricey B&B near the west entrance if that floats your boat. There's also a winery but the tasting room was closed when we were there.
- The park has dedicated rock climbing areas, and there is camping on the east side of the park.
- Bring lots of water & use sunblock (and probably a good hat), especially if it's going to be a hot day here, it gets really toasty.
- The ranger warned us to keep an eye out for rattlers, who had started showing up in the last week or two. Thankfully, we saw none.
- I really wish I'd brought my wide angle 17-40mm lens instead of the 28-135mm.
- The road to get here is narrow and winding, so plan on that part of the drive taking a while. There's a pricey B&B near the west entrance if that floats your boat. There's also a winery but the tasting room was closed when we were there.
- The park has dedicated rock climbing areas, and there is camping on the east side of the park.
Tags:
Pinnacles, balconies, Condors, talus caves
Pinnacles, balconies, Condors, talus caves
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