Pinnacles National Park Top 6
A favorite place for hikers, climbers and condor watchers.
Pinnacles National Park is California’s newest national park, and it’s clear to see why people want to protect this wilderness. Here are some of our favorite things to do from gorgeous hikes to exploring a cave and spotting condors that are making a comeback.
Explore a Cave and a Reservoir
On the 2.2-mile Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area, you’ll pass rock formations, a reservoir and even Bear Gulch Cave that’s open seasonally. You’ll need a flashlight for the cave.
Admire the High Peaks
Head to the High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop that’s a strenuous 6.7 miles round-trip with 1,425 in elevation gain. You’ll hike into the High Peaks and then descend the ridge, passing through meadows and stands of sycamore and oak trees.
Attend a Ranger Program
The park offers fun, educational programs done by rangers, so check in at the visitor center to see if a program will be happening while you are there.
See Iconic Rock Formations
From the Pinnacles Visitor Center, hike to Balconies Cave, a 9.4-mile, round-trip moderate hike. You’ll see Balconies Cave (bring a flashlight) and the largest rock formations in the park along the way.
Spot a Condor
The park’s California condors live in rocky cliffs in the High Peaks area, and early mornings are the best time to see them roosting there. Otherwise, look up toward the sky. Condors have a 10-foot wingspan, the largest in North America. Elsewhere, try to spot any of the 181 bird species that live in the park.
Camp in the Park
Spend the night at Pinnacles Campground that can only be reached from the East Entrance of the park since there are no connecting roads between the two park entrances. The campground offers tent and group camping, along with RV sites.
For More Information:
Pinnacles National Park Service
www.nps.gov/pinn