2022
Located about 2 hours away by car, Pinnacles National Park is a great getaway from the San Francisco, Bay Area. It’s a lesser known park in the National Park System, and is also the newest one where California is concerned. Pinnacles is really a beauty, just as much as the other parks.
Caption: A Welcome to Pinnacles National Park sign with the NPS crest
Many millions of years ago, volcanoes erupted, lava slid and formed what is now known as Pinnacles National Park. There are woodlands, rare talus caves, turkey vultures and the impressive California condor. I was of the belief that I saw some majestic condors flying high above the high peaks, only to find out later that they were instead turkey vultures.
Caption: Turkey vultures flying above a peak with a tall tree in the foreground
Some of the activities you can get into at Pinnacles include: hiking, rock climbing, bird watching and camping. One of my favorite trails there is the High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop. It’s a challenging 6.7 miles round trip hike that takes you high into the peaks, and down through beautiful meadows.
Caption: Pegman enjoying the view of the high peaks while leaning against a d-slr
Caption: Stairs with a rail and surrounding rocks inside of the bear gulch cave
Caption: local guide Tessa on the High Peaks Trail wearing a sun hat and polarized sunglasses
Due to its steep and rocky terrain, trail access for people with mobility issues is limited. Provisions were made to a section of the Bench trail to enable wheelchair access and with that, great views of the high peaks.
I can hardly wait to revisit this splendid park. In the meantime, I’ll cherish the memories from my previous trip there. I hope you’ll enjoy these photos too, and one day get to visit Pinnacles.
Caption: An expansive view of the western end of the park showing the pinnacles and a number of oak trees
Are you an outdoors person? What’s your favorite park or place to take in the wonders of nature? Maybe I’ll get a chance to visit them too! ?
Had never heard of this park before - and with it only being a 2-hour drive from San Fran, I'll definitely be adding this to my to-do list the next time I'm in the bay area. Great photos and recap on your experience here, @anu7spice. I have only scratched the surface on different state and national parks that I'd really love to visit. As far as myself, being that I've only scratched the surface, here are a few photos of my first time at Muir Woods last May. Absolutely loved it.
