Quick birthday trip to the Pinnacles NP

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Very nice day at one of our favorite NPs. I have been visiting the Pinnacles for about 60 years.Some changes and most things no change.The NP designation has brought in more visitors but not in a bad way. Most people didn't know about the park.Good changes are upgrades to some services especially on the east side.The west side my favorite side really hasn't changed much. New restrooms,picnic tables with shade and a parking upgrade.

On my first visits the park was actually very primitive with a dirt road most of the 9 miles to the entrance.
One of the biggest changes is the California Condor program.There are now several breeding pairs and usually a new hatch every year.

Today the weather was almost perfect mild temps with a nice breeze. Spring/Fall/Winter are the best times for different reasons.
Spring brings out a lot of different wildflowers and new spring growth.
Fall has what you would expect some color and nice cool temps.
The rainy season can be very spectacular with water falls falling off the high cliffs into moss lined pools.

Today we had a treat and spotted several Condors.That always makes the trip very special.

The park is well worth a visit.There is camping only on the east side traveling Hwy 25 through Hollister or King City.

Check it out and have a great time.
Frank

 

[Wandering Sagebrush]

Frank, that’s a beautiful area! Thanks for sharing!

 

[Sagefemme]

Amazing!! Thanks for the condor pics!

 

[ski3pin]

Thanks Frank, that was fun and much appreciated! Small world story, Julie and I spoke with four women from Tehachapi on Monday walking along the mighty Amargosa River north of China Ranch. They asked us about Pinnacles and noted the other half of the formation is south of them in the Antelope Valley - on the east side of the San Andreas Fault.

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks Frank, that was fun and much appreciated! Small world story, Julie and I spoke with four women from Tehachapi on Monday walking along the mighty Amargosa River north of China Ranch. They asked us about Pinnacles and noted the other half of the formation is south of them in the Antelope Valley - on the east side of the San Andreas Fault.

Yes over the millions of years the San Andres fault has split the volcano that formed what remains of the very last eruption. It's always a treat to hike through there.
As a side note DOGE hasn't taken away our geezer pass.
Frank

 

[cabinguy]

Thanks Frank. I've been wanting to visit for some time. Now that I realize I've been missing out on good fun for 60 years, I feel inspired.

 

[AWG_Pics]

Sorry I missed your post. Those are great shots of beautiful rocks, trees and trails. I really like seeing condors in wild. What a come back!

 

[Casa Escarlata Robles Too]

Thanks Frank. I've been wanting to visit for some time. Now that I realize I've been missing out on good fun for 60 years, I feel inspired.

Yes you should give it a visit.But soon the hot temps will be there and it's not fun.
Still should be OK until June/July.
Let me know if you need more info.
Frank