Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Monterey ($3.50, one hour, every 30 to 60 minutes).
Pinnacles National Park
Named for the towering spires that rise abruptly out of the chaparral-covered hills east of
protects the remains of an ancient volcano. A study in geological drama, its craggy mono-
liths, sheer-walled canyons and twisting caves are the result of millions of years of
erosion.
Sights & Activities
Besides
rock climbing
(for route information, click to
www.pinnacles.org
), the park's
biggest attractions are its two talus caves, formed by piles of boulders.
Balconies Cave
is
almost always open for exploration. Scrambling through it is not an exercise recommen-
ded for claustrophobes, as it's pitch-black inside, making a flashlight essential. Be pre-
pared to get lost a bit too. The cave is found along a 2.5-mile hiking loop from the west
entrance. Nearer the east entrance,
Bear Gulch Cave
is closed seasonally, so as not to dis-
turb a resident colony of Townsend's big-eared bats.
To really appreciate Pinnacles' stark beauty, you need to hike. Moderate loops of vary-
ing lengths and difficulty ascend into the
High Peaks
and include thrillingly narrow
clifftop sections. In the early morning or late afternoon, you may spot endangered Califor-
nia condors soaring overhead. Get an early start to tackle the 9-mile round-trip trail to the
top of
Chalone Peak
, granting panoramic views.
Rangers lead guided full-moon hikes and star-gazing programs on some weekend
nights, usually in spring or fall. Reservations are required: call 831-389-4485 in advance
or check for last-minute vacancies at the visitor center.
Sleeping
Pinnacles National Park Campground
CAMPGROUND
(
877-444-6777;
www.recreation.gov
;
tent/RV sites $23/36;
)
