Pinnacles National Monument, April 2005

Most of Central California consists of smooth, round hill. Not so the Pinnacles. This countryside is dominated by spires and, yes, pinnacles. They are the remains of an ancient volcano. Or rather parts of it. Since the San Andreas Fault runs just east of the area, the movement of the plate tectonics has carried the other half of the volcano some 195 miles to the southeast. Pinnacles is an El Dorado for mountain climbers, it is a great place for hiking and wildflower spotting and if you are lucky you might even see a condor.

Juniper Canyon Hike I have taken a couple of hikes ihere throughout the years, but so far I have pictures only of Junipero Canyon and Balcony Cave in the western part of the park.

It is pretty hot at Pinnacles, so it is highly recommended to start this hike early in the morning. (The park opens shortly after sunrise).

Juniper Canyon is a steep hike up to the highest peaks of the park. The view is marvelous wherever you go.

This is why it is called Pinnacles: It is impossible to take pictures in landscape format. Everything here is tall . . .

High Peaks Trail This a loop on top of the Junipero Trail. It takes you to the highest pinnacles and offers spectacular views to both sides of the park.

Now, this is getting interesting . . .

. . . and "interestinger" . . .

. . . and even more interesting.

The eastern side of the park from the top.

And the western side. (The white stuff in the back is the fog in the Salinas Valley.)

Bernd at High Peaks Trail. Through Tunnel Trail (left) back to the valley.

Balcony Cave Trail This trail follows the Chalone Creek. The Chalone carries water only for a couple of months, but while it does, it supports an amazing variety of plantlife.

Last winter's heavy rain has caused an astonishing bloom of wildflowers . . .

Balcony Cave

Balcony cave has been created by huge boulders falling into the Chalone Canyon and not quite making it to the ground . . .

Yes, the white arrow marks the entrance to the cave.

Close-up of the entrance.

Bernd, enjoying the last daylight.

And then, there was only darkness. Make sure you bring a flashlight. Also make sure you wear good boots since the Chalone Creek is still there on the ground of the cave and you may have to wade through it. The exit on the other side of the cave is the beginning of Old Pinnacles Trail which leads to the eastern side of the park. This is something I will do in fall . . .

For more information, see the National Park Service website. For a large map, click here. When planning your visit, please bear in mind that there is no road connecting the western and eastern entrances of the park. You'll have to walk, but it is worth it!

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