2015-14 Pinnacles National Park, California
Hello All,
Before continuing our adventure from the Monterey Peninsula area on down the coast of California we decided to take a side trip inland. Our destination was Pinnacles National Park. To be quite honest we had never heard of this national park before seeing it on a map--so we had to check it out. We jumped on US-101 driving southbound through the Salinas Valley towards the small community of Soledad. Various forms of agriculture dominate the valley including many vineyards.
Before continuing our adventure from the Monterey Peninsula area on down the coast of California we decided to take a side trip inland. Our destination was Pinnacles National Park. To be quite honest we had never heard of this national park before seeing it on a map--so we had to check it out. We jumped on US-101 driving southbound through the Salinas Valley towards the small community of Soledad. Various forms of agriculture dominate the valley including many vineyards.
At Soledad we turned east following California Highway 146 up into the Gabilan Mountain Range where the park is located. Highway 146 leads into the park from both the east and west sides. But, it doesn’t go all the way through the park, which results in there being two divisions of the park. These two divisions (east & west) are only connected by foot trails through the rock formations. The majority of the park is protected as a wilderness.
While Highway 146 is paved, it is only a narrow one and a half lanes wide. And, in some places it is only a single lane wide. It is not recommended for large vehicles, motorhomes or trailers.
While Highway 146 is paved, it is only a narrow one and a half lanes wide. And, in some places it is only a single lane wide. It is not recommended for large vehicles, motorhomes or trailers.
Pinnacles National Monument was established in 1908 by U.S. President Theodore Roosevelt. Pinnacles National Park was created from the former monument by legislation passed by Congress in late 2012 and signed into law by President Barack Obama on January 10, 2013. It is the 59th and newest of our national parks.
The park's namesakes are the eroded leftovers of the western half of an extinct volcano. Millions of years of powerful explosions, lava flows, and landslides created the 30-mile wide volcanic field that forms the foundation of Pinnacles National Park today. The original volcano crater was split down the center by the San Andreas Fault. Due to plate tectonics the west side of the crater has now traveled 195 miles north from its original location. And, it is still traveling north at a rate of 3-6 centimeters each year.
At the end of the road we parked and set out on foot following one of the trails up into the high country. The park has more than 30 miles of trails that showcase the beauty up close and personal. Hikes range from flat stretches of grasslands to uphill climbs through talus caves onward to the rocky spires that Pinnacles is famous for. Trails vary in difficulty from mild to strenuous.
At the end of the road we parked and set out on foot following one of the trails up into the high country. The park has more than 30 miles of trails that showcase the beauty up close and personal. Hikes range from flat stretches of grasslands to uphill climbs through talus caves onward to the rocky spires that Pinnacles is famous for. Trails vary in difficulty from mild to strenuous.
The higher we climbed the tighter the trail got while winding through the massive rocks.
Here the scout is moving the rock to make the trail wider for the old boy following her!
It was a hoot walking through the grasslands, chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Small streams slowly flowed down the bottoms supporting flora. And, since it was springtime many wildflowers were in bloom.
Here are a few close ups of some of the wildflowers along the trail. We thought they were quite varied and dashing.
They came in so many different sizes, shapes, and colors. It was truly a fun and relaxing experience taking them all in.
Spires and rocks of the park give many species of plants, animals and birds a place to call home, including the highly endangered California condor. A wild condor re-establishment program is in place within the park. The first nest since reintroduction was built in 2010, and Pinnacles now manages a population of 25 free-flying condors.
Prairie falcons also breed in the area in some of the highest densities of anywhere in North America. Peregrine falcons and golden eagles also inhabit the park.
The park also features unusual talus caves that house at least thirteen species of bats.
Unlike many national parks, Pinnacles is most popular in the cooler months of the year. During the spring, when the grasses are green and a variety of wildflowers can be seen along any trail, hiking is at its best. Fall and winter are also excellent times to visit. However, during the summer extreme temperatures can make hiking uncomfortable and possibly dangerous for those who are unprepared.
We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Pinnacles National Park. Should we return another time we would probably give the east division a try.
Our next adventure on our current road trip will take us through the rugged Big Sur area of California enroute to San Simeon. You are cordially invited to join us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns
We thoroughly enjoyed our first visit to Pinnacles National Park. Should we return another time we would probably give the east division a try.
Our next adventure on our current road trip will take us through the rugged Big Sur area of California enroute to San Simeon. You are cordially invited to join us.
Until next time,
Dave & Barb
The Traveling Browns