Pinnacles National Park

Located about 80 miles southeast of San Jose, Pinnacles National Park is California’s newest national park. The park’s unique geological features have formed over millions of years of volcanic history. Around 23 million years ago, volcanic eruptions near modern-day Lancaster, CA formed the Neenach Volcanic Field. The San Andreas Fault split this volcanic field, carrying the Pinnacles section about 195 miles northwest to its current location while the other part remained near Neenach. Over millions of years, the forces of wind, water, and ice sculpted these volcanic rocks into the steep spires, towers, and talus caves (formed by fallen boulders) seen today in the park.

Human history in the park spans over 10,000 years with the Ohlone people being the first inhabitants. The arrival of Spanish missionaries in the 18^th century greatly disrupted the native populations. Following the admittance of California as the 31^st state in 1850, homesteaders began to move into the area to farm and ranch. Homesteader Schuyler Hain arrived in 1891 and immediately recognized the beauty of the region. Hain led the efforts to protect the area, becoming known as the “Father of the Pinnacles”. In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt established the region as a national monument to preserve the unique geology. During the Great Depression, the Civilian Conservation Corps (CCC) came to Pinnacles to make improvements like trails and buildings. Finally, Congress redesignated it Pinnacles National Park in 2013, expanding its protected wilderness and adding the Hain Wilderness area. 

Unlike many parks, Pinnacles National Park is primarily a day-use park as there is only one location for lodging: a large, developed campground with a pool. There are two entrances to the park, east (near Hollister) and west (near Soledad), but they are only connected by foot trails. Many visitors to Pinnacles National Park come for over 30 miles of hiking trails that wind through volcanic rock formations, talus caves and the High Peaks. One of the more popular hiking regions on the east side of the park is Bear Gulch where you will find the challenging High Peaks Trail. During my stay at the park, I went on several hikes in the Bear Gulch region including the Moses Spring Trail which took me out to the picturesque Bear Gulch Reservoir before I returned on the Rim Trail. My favorite hike was the Bear Gulch Cave Trail which took me through a series of talus caves (formed by fallen boulders). The volcanic formations at Pinnacles National Park also make it a popular rock-climbing destination with routes that cater to both beginners and seasoned climbers.

Pinnacles National Park also offers a critical habitat for the endangered California condor. Since 2003, Pinnacles National Park has been a key partner in the California Condor Recovery Program, serving as a release and management site. Managed by both Pinnacles and the Ventana Wildlife Society, these birds are carefully monitored to ensure their survival. With their massive 9.5 feet wingspan, these majestic birds soar over the parks rugged landscape, and many guests are fortunate enough to catch a glimpse of them. From the Pinnacles Campground, I spotted a few California condors mixed in with large flocks of turkey vultures who descended from the heights at dusk to roost in the campground’s large oak trees.