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San Jose, California
Pinnacles National Monument
San Benito County
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®
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San Jose, California |
Pinnacles National Monument San Benito County |
The Pinnacles is a Federal Monument, and born of volcanic activity. It is the other half of some of the most interesting rock formations ever, and also the home of a small population of California Condor, part of a program to help this magnificent carrion eater make a comeback in the wild.
Rising out of the valley are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement.
We will be meeting at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center at
9 AM.
This will be one hour earlier than normal.
Starting from the Bear Gulch Visitor Center, we take Condor Gulch Trail up to
High Peaks Trail. Once we get up on the ridge, we go along an exciting part of the
trail that is comprised of handrails and stone steps. We hit the peak after this,
and then High Peaks brings us along to our meeting spot.
After the meeting, our treat is going to be to hit the Rim Trail down to the Reservoir.
We will then traverse the lovely creek and pass the caves on the way back to the
visitor center.
Just in case the caves are open, bring a flashlight.
Directions:From San Jose: take 101 South, and Exit on Hwy 25; go through the town of Hollister.
Follow the signs carefully because in Hollister, Hwy 25 turns left and then right.
After you leave town, stay on 25 until 146, which takes you to the park.
Drive Time: 2 hours -Parking $5.00
Dogs not allowed.
Level 4 - Miles: 6 - Elevation 1600' - Host:: Jennifer N.
Note:We are starting at 9:00 AM instead of our normal 10 AM, because this hike could take
up to 5 hours, including our meeting and it is a two-hour drive from San Jose.
RECOMMENDED:To pack plenty of water, food and sunscreen.
Plan for wet weather. Wear layers and prepare for quick changes in temperature.