Mark your calendars and reserve your spot now for our annual hike to Pinnacles. This is a full day commitment including driving time there and back. There will be an optional dinner afterwards at Jardine's restaurant in San Juan Bautista. 115 Third Street San Juan Bautista, Ca. Phone: [masked]. RSVP's required for dinner.

Hike Description: This is a loop hike to Pinnacles National Monument's most scenic attractions. We will start from the east entrance and hike up Bear Gulch through the caves to the reservoir. From there we will go on the High Peaks Trail to spectacular views, and down the Tunnel and Juniper Canyon trails to the west entrance for lunch. We will return on a relatively flat route along the Balconies Trail through caves, Old Pinnacles Trail, Bench Trail, and finish with a climb up Bear Gulch back to our starting point. There will be an option to bypass the two caves for those who don't want to try them.

The main ecosystem of the park is pristine chaparral; however, there are also woodland, riparian, grassland, and rock and scree habitats in the park. We might see condors and other fauna. We will certainly see dramatic rock formations, caves, and spectacular views from every vantage point. The wildflowers should be at their peak in mid-March.

This is a strenuous hike of about 11 miles with about 2,000' of elevation gain. Bring plenty of water, lunch, sunscreen, hiking poles, binoculars and camera. Dress in layers, as the temperatures in the micro climates can be variable. Bring a flashlight or head lamp if you plan to enter the caves. Restrooms and water are available at the beginning and middle of the hike.

Directions: Take Hwy 101 south past Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25, go through Hollister and continue about 30 miles south to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146, then turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. From the campground, the Bear Gulch Day Use Area is 3.5 miles further into the park along Hwy 146.

Meet at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area at 9:00AM. We will start the hike about 9:15. Allow 90 minutes driving time from the junction of Hwy 85 and 101.

Carpool: A carpool from the Cottle Rd Park and Ride will leave promptly at 7:30AM. The P&R is located on the south east corner of Hwy 85 and Cottle Rd. Exit southbound Hwy 85 at Cottle and go straight across Cottle Rd at the light into the P&R lot. Fran will be driving one carpool car and we need another volunteer driver for those staying on for dinner at San Juan Bautista. Please let us know if you wish to carpool and attend the dinner at Jardine's afterwards.

http://www.nps.gov/pi...