Pinnacles National Park, our newest NP

After our visit with Ray & Ann, we headed up 101 on the way to San Francisco with our rental car.  Having been at many National Parks, how could we not stop at the newest one?  Pinnacles was named a National Monument by Teddy Roosevelt in 1908, but wasn't designated a National Park until 2013.  An ancient volcanic field rising out of the Gabilan Mountains.....this park has great hiking and views.

Driving in the East gate, we beelined to the visitor center so we could get the hiking information.  After the young Ranger sized us up and suggested an easy one mile loop trail hike, we asked what is the highlight of the park.  Next thing we knew, we were hiking up the 5.3 High Peaks trail with the "pinnacles" in our view.  Rated strenuous with an elevation climb of 1350 feet, we had no problems hiking to the top.  We skineed between the pinnacles using footholds cut by the CCC in the 30s, while grabbing the metal railings.  An adventure well worth the effort.

Not to forget, as we climbed, we watched the California Condors circling the rocks, riding the air currents. Twenty pounds and 9 foot wing spans, these birds are impressive.

The next morning, we drove in the west entrance, and hiked the Balconies Cave trail through a talus cave. These caves are formed in narrow canyons where large boulders have fallen, creating a cave.  Good thing we brought a good flashlight; this cave was DARK.  And the rock scrambling through the cave was spooky, but fun!

We'll need to come back here with our RV.  A nice campground, general store, and even a swimming pool, beckons us back.