Pinnacles wildflowers

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The peak blooming season at Pinnacles is from March through May, when over 80 percent of the monument’s plants are in bloom. A few early blooming species may still be seen in May, but center stage will be occupied by species that enjoy hotter, drier weather, such as chamise, buckwheat, clarkias, orchids, penstemons, and roses.

The temperatures during the day can get around 80 or higher, around 4 PM it will start to cool down until at sunset it will be around 60. Bring layers of clothing and sturdy walking shoes.

Make sure to bring your macro lenses if you have them, or macro rings, for some closeup photography of the wildflowers.

We'll do the following trail:

Trails from Chaparral Parking Area (west entrance)

Balconies Cliffs-Balconies Cave Loop
2.4 mile loop, 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 100 feet
Easy to Moderate

Here is a link to the monument's website: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm

Directions: Take Hwy 101 south to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east. Take care as you're driving through town; the highway takes a few turns. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into Pinnacles National Monument. We will meet at the Chaparral Parking lot.

An automatic gate at the west entrance of the monument opens each morning at 7:30 and closes each night at 8:00 pm. Park visitors will be able to leave the park after the gate is closed, but cars will not be able to enter.

Bring a flashlight! - We are going in the cave