Pinnacles Grand Tour!
Details
** IMPORTANT! **
**PLEASE READ ALL INFORMATION SO THAT YOU ARE ADEQUATELY PREPARED AND COMFORTABLE WITH THE STATED LEVEL OF DIFFICULTY**
Pinnacles National Park!!!! Yay!!! The spectacular remains of an ancient volcanic field! Heat, frost, water and wind wearing away rock. Fault action and earthquakes adding to its creation. Rock spires, ramparts, crags and caves. Massive monoliths, sheer-walled canyons and boulder covered caverns. Several species of bats, the California red-legged frog (largest frog in the western United States), California Condors and turkey vultures. Wildflowers and stunning views.
Our route: Chaparral Parking Area>Juniper Canyon Trail>Tunnel Trail>High Peaks Trail>Rim Trail>Reservoir>Bear Gulch Cave Trail>Moses Spring Trail>Bear Gulch Trail>Moses Spring Trail >Condor Gulch>Blue Oak>Old Pinnacles>Balconies Cliffs Trail or Cave Trail>Balconies Trail>Chaparral Parking Area
https://www.alltrails.com/explore/custom-routes/high-peaks-balconies-cave-loop-86a08a8
This route includes Pinnacles two cave systems: Bear Gulch Caves (Upper and Lower) and Balconies Cave. The caves are frequently subject to closure as is needed to protect the bat population. Here is the Cave Status link (which changes day to day and hour to hour): https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/cavestatus.htm
At time of this posting the forecasted weather for Pinnacles National Park will be lovely. We'll be starting out on the shady side of the park with a temp in the low 50s rising to the mid-60s in the afternoon. Partial sun. If things change and the rain carries over into Friday we'll reschedule. Cross your fingers!
This will be a very strenuous hike. Not at all for the casual hiker. Multiple steep climbs, narrow ledges, uneven rocky terrain, relentless exposure to the elements and extensive mileage. Refer to my Difficulty Rating Chart in Photos below.
Intensity: Very difficult Length: 12+ miles Time: 5-6 hours
Elevation gain: 2927 feet Route type: Loop
I recommend carpooling. There is a $30 per car entrance fee if you don't have a National Park pass.
Please wear hiking shoes/boots with good tread. Bring plenty of water, (2-3 liters), snacks, sunscreen, headlamp (in case the caves are open) and your adventurous spirit!
Dogs, unfortunately, are not allowed in the Park.
Safety: Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and you are ultimately responsible for your own safety.
Take a few moments and refer to the frequently updated Soquel SoleMates Hiking Group general description ("What We're About") for important information about this group. Soquel Soulmates Hiking Group
https://www.meetup.com/soquel-solemates-hiking-group/
I hope to see you there!
Jill :)
Please RSVP only if you are committed to attend. Reevaluate your availability a few days before the hike and withdraw at that time if you can no longer commit.