Pinnacles National Park, CA

Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop

Pinnacles National Park has two separate sections. With no connecting road, you either have to hike from one side to the other or drive around the park's boundary from one entrance to the next if you want to visit both. I went to the east side first and chose a fairly short and moderate hike as my first of the year. It did not disappoint with its green landscape, impressive rocks and pinnacles, and smattering of water.

I began the hike by following a cleft in the terrain above which the rock face towered.

Red & Gray Cliff Face

I picked my way around many rocks, large and small.

Lichen-Covered Rocks

Large Rocks Stand Tall

In a couple of places, the trail had been carved into or through the rock.

Trail Skirts the Wedge as it Hugs the Cliff Face

Tunnel Required a Little Ducking

Other times, I had to pick my way around, over, and under the jumbled rocks.

Tight Spaces

Low Spaces

Bear Gulch Reservoir lay at the furthest point from the trailhead.

The View as I Arrived at Bear Gulch Reservoir

Pinnacle Rises above Bear Gulch Reservoir

Rock Formations beside the Water

Not too long after I began the loop's return leg, I came to the trail's highest point where I was granted beautiful views.

Vista View

Row of Pinnacles

Stubby Pinnacles

High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop

After driving around the southern tip of the park, I went through the west entrance for the next day's hike. I almost took on more than I could handle as I hiked a several trails that together formed a loop of just over 9 miles, climbed up to some of the highest points in the park, and took me 6.5 hours. I was certainly exhausted by the time I finished.

The trail wound its way through a diverse terrain...from rolling hills covered in grasses, bushes, and trees amid to the rugged rock among the pinnacles.

The Trail Enters a Forest of Mostly Oak and Pine Trees

Almost Vertical Steps Carved out of the Rock

The Trail Passes Rocks and Begins to Descend

The Trail Goes Through 10-foot Tall Bushes of Chamise and Buckbrush

The higher elevations afforded excellent views of the national park and beyond.

Three Condors Soar Over the National Park

Rugged Layers of Rock

Ridges & Gullies

Carpeted in Green

While I enjoyed the entire hike, its highlight came near what is called High Peaks. For it was there I saw about a dozen California Condors soaring on the air currents. It felt like they were putting on a show just for me. A few even flew within 30 feet directly over me.

Condors at High Peaks

A Pair of Condors

The flora ranged from growing and vibrant to withered and ready for renewal.

Oak Tree at Sunrise

Gnarled Trunk of an Oak Tree
(but it still bore leaves)

California Buckeye

Bush Poppy

Warrior's Plume

I enjoyed following along and several times crossing a small creek during the latter part of the hike.

Chalone Creek

Mushroom Rock Beside Chalone Creek

The hike's finale was a cave. I used a headlamp to navigate a completely dark section. Several places were both narrow and required scrambling up and over rocks. Unfortunately, none of my photos of the cave's interior were any good.