Pinnacles National Monument
Hike - April 25th, 2009
About Pinnacles: Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails at Pinnacles National Monument, ranging from easy, flat walks to more challenging, all-day hikes. You will need to take and drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.
Hike Description: What an amazing day this was. We started the hike from the Bear Gulch Nature Center and headed along the Bear Gulch Trail to the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. Some of us connected to the HIgh Peaks Trail and the Bear Gulch Reservoir via the Caves and some decided to bypass the caves and go on the alternate route via the Reservoir Trail. The hike up the High Peaks Trail to Scout Peak was sunny and pleasant. We were all enjoying the hike and ready to make the 10 mile loop when a big black cloud opened and we were drenched in a heavy hail storm. The storm left snow on the ground and the trees were also covered in snow. We decided not to complete the hike in the storm and returned back to the nature center via the slushy trails. We will be hiking Pinnacles again soon and hope to complete the full day hike at that time.
Park Details
Hours: Open - 7:30 During daylight savings time, which begins in mid-March, the gate will close at 8:00 pm. During standard time, the gate closes at 6:00 pm.
Carpool Info: St. Edward's Church (Hwy. 85 & Union, parking lot on Ronda Drive) at 6 AM
Driving Directions: Take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25, go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146, and follow it to the Pinnacles entrance station. Meet at Visitor's Center Parking Lot (not the Ranger Station) at Pinnacles (off Hwy. 25, Hollister side) across from the bathrooms at 8:30