Pinnacles

Pinnacles National Monument

Dan heads up from the parking lot

Looking back, early in the day

Lichen-colored rocks

Early views of the Pinnacles

The views were expansive by the time we reached the High Peaks Trail and Old Pinnacles junction. We hung a left on the High Peaks trail, a trail that looked fairly easy as it stayed high on the crest. The views continued, sweeping from the east, north and west as we swung around the backside of Hawkins Peak. A couple of rock climbing points were marked out, which Dan took notice of for future trips to the area and we saw a few hikers along the way.

The parking lot in the distance

Looking across the Santa Cruz Mountains

Heading up (trail continues in the upper right of the photo)

Possible condor nesting spot?

Views to the northeast

On the north side of the High Peaks Trail

Dan hiking among the monoliths

I kept expecting to see Fred Flintstone

Another trail visible far below

A solitary photographer sits alone

Technological advance: the iCone!

Easy trail along the crest

The westside parking lot

Then there was a sign on the trail "Steep and Narrow Trail". Um, what does that mean? Does the fact that we climbed 1,300' along a sometimes a mere footpath not equal "Steep and Narrow"? Ah, silly us. The trail meandered gently along the northwestern flank of the mountain and then it truely became "steep" and "narrow". Foot holds had been carved into the rock. Railings were embedded into the granite. Native rocks had been carefully and firmly planted to create steps. Overhanging ledges kept me bent in half as I wormed my way under them. So this is what they meant. Very cool!

Dan makes his way up

A short bridge under an overhang

Move overhangs, stairs and railings

Looking back at the bridge

The trail we came up

Colorful flowers along the way

Returning to the car


Pinnacles National Monument
Before the previous weekend had even ended, Dan told me that we were going hiking this weekend. The plan was to leave early, hike around for 5-6 hours and then come home. It didn't sound entirely like my idea of fun but that's because I'm out of shape and would be huffing and puffing all day to keep up with Dan "Dr. Death March". But it would be good to get out and that's what we did.

April 4, 2009 Total Miles: 5.1 miles Pinnacles National Monument, California	View Larger Map
Pinnacles National Monument was just a short drive south for us and we were parking the car in the upper lot by 9:30 that morning. It was a good thing that we left as early as we did though, as the upper lot was almost full and people were wandering around everywhere. Dan had planned out the route (here's the park map for reference) and off we went. The hike started easy through a nice green valley called Condor Gulch Trail, named for the condors which can sometimes be see here. I kept my eyes peeled but only saw vultures and crows. Perhaps next time. The trail was easier than I expected although Dan would politely remind me of how many times I "stopped for pictures" on the way up.

Dan heads up from the parking lot	Looking back, early in the day

Lichen-colored rocks	Early views of the Pinnacles
The views were expansive by the time we reached the High Peaks Trail and Old Pinnacles junction. We hung a left on the High Peaks trail, a trail that looked fairly easy as it stayed high on the crest. The views continued, sweeping from the east, north and west as we swung around the backside of Hawkins Peak. A couple of rock climbing points were marked out, which Dan took notice of for future trips to the area and we saw a few hikers along the way.

Your host	Your hostess

The parking lot in the distance	Looking across the Santa Cruz Mountains

Heading up (trail continues in the upper right of the photo)	Possible condor nesting spot?

Spring flowers	Views to the northeast

View to the north	On the north side of the High Peaks Trail

Peeking westward	Dan hiking among the monoliths

I kept expecting to see Fred Flintstone	Another trail visible far below

A solitary photographer sits alone	Technological advance: the iCone!

Easy trail along the crest	The westside parking lot
Then there was a sign on the trail "Steep and Narrow Trail". Um, what does that mean? Does the fact that we climbed 1,300' along a sometimes a mere footpath not equal "Steep and Narrow"? Ah, silly us. The trail meandered gently along the northwestern flank of the mountain and then it truely became "steep" and "narrow". Foot holds had been carved into the rock. Railings were embedded into the granite. Native rocks had been carefully and firmly planted to create steps. Overhanging ledges kept me bent in half as I wormed my way under them. So this is what they meant. Very cool!

Notched steps	Close-up of steps

Dan makes his way up	A short bridge under an overhang

Tight fit!	Move overhangs, stairs and railings

Looking back at the bridge
Fortunately we met very few people along this section. But once we cleared it and reached the turn off for the Juniper Canyon Trail, the trail became abuzz with humans. Kids yelled to each other, children asked "Are we there yet?", old people smiled as they trudged by and parents sometimes herded their offspring out of the way. What a zoo. I was all too happy to be ending the hike if this was the kind of environment it was going to be. I thanked Dan again for getting me out of the apartment early so as to miss as much of this as possible.

The trail we came up	Colorful flowers along the way
The way down had a lot more switch backs than on the way up and the views weren't as spectacular. It was enjoyable but I had reached the point of "one foot in front of the other" and was thinking about lunch. We strolled back to the parking lot, now completely full, and hopped into the VW. Just a quick ride over La Gloria Rd to Gonzales and we were eating lunch next to some cowboys discussing the branding schedule at the local ranches. What a great day.

Man-made tunnel	Returning to the car