Pinnacles National Monument

This hike is as spectacular as it is strenuous, all in 5 — 7 miles. Bring binoculars for a closer look at California condor families living in the peaks, and finish by spelunking under them.

A "series of ladders and multiple tight squeezes take hikers through a geological maze that has made the Pinnacles a favorite among hikers from throughout California. While the rocks and expansive vistas are the main attractions, you might get lucky and spot some of the rare California condors that nest in the park and soar high above. Springtime adds wildflowers to the awesome scenery, making it a near perfect hike."

Route (Alltrails): Condor Gulch to High Peaks loop.
- "5.5 miles, 1,630 ft elevation gain.
- Caves are open and passable (muddy spots).
- Generally considered a challenging route." (Not recommended for newbie hikers.)
- Trails are well maintained.
- Considered "one of the best hikes in Pinnacles National Park, ... the route threads its way through the wreckage of a volcano destroyed by the San Andreas Fault millions of years ago."

Costs:
- Entry fees are $30 per vehicle (no cash).
- Please offer $10 (minimum) to the driver, if you catch a ride in a carpool, plus split the entrance fee.
- Alternatively, bring a slightly aged goat carcass as an offering to the condors — one of their favorite delicacies!

Things to bring: flashlight/headlamp for the cave, bug spray, drinking water, sunscreen, snacks, (What else?)
- A picnic lunch for after?

Safety First: We invite you to join as long as you take full responsibility to only attempt trails and activities that you are confident are within your skill and endurance level.

Finding us:
Use the EAST ENTRANCE - passing by the Pinnacles Campground Store, and on to the Nature Center parking lot (although the Nature Center may be closed). You will not find us if you use the west entrance as there isn't a road that goes through Pinnacles.
- The trailhead is located by the Bear Gulch Nature Center, via the east entrance of the park. Please meet folks by the parking lot, closest to the picnic area.

Click for: Route from Peet's Coffee in Aptos.
Or, create your own route to the destination meetup point.

Resources:
Pinnacles National Park Web Site

Legal Disclaimer: The organizers and hosts in this group are not professional guides, and each person who signs up for a trip/meetup/ or outing is responsible for his or her own safety and the safety of his or her guests and property. By signing up for a night at the pub, or any other event organized by this group, you are acknowledging that you are aware and have made your guests aware of the risks, dangers and hazards associated with any social activity and freely accept and fully assume all such risks, dangers and hazards, and further agree to release and discharge the organizer, assistant organizers, event organizers and event hosts of this Meetup group from and against any and all liability arising from your and your guest's participation in the group activities. As always, this is a “Participate at your Own Risk” event.