Our Martin Luther King Jr. Weekend adventure was to our newest National Park. Our trip story is up on our blog here -
Pinnacles National Park
Please enjoy.
Pinnacles National Park
Please enjoy.
Frank, no worries. I appreciate your perspective and information and I bet others do also. There were two Federal Fish & Wildlife people up at the bench you mention by the outhouse. They had a spotting scope set up and a radio receiver to locate Condors. It was a very nice touch for the public to be able to interact with and ask questions of these professionals. There was a good crowd with the kids, appropriately, getting the most attention.Casa Escarlata Robles Too said:Ski,again thanks for the report.
This one has a special place in our hearts.
Many "moons" ago I lived in Soledad,and would go to the west side sometimes once a week.In those days there was a dirt road about the last 4/5 miles,and some ranchers still lived back there.Also from the Soledad side there was another road you could take called Stonewall Canyon a county road,but back in mid 90s during that series of pineapple express storms it washed some of the road away.The county got tired of maintaining it so now it's sorta private.The only thing on that road is the Pinnacles Inn and the Chalone Vineyard.
But I digress.We have camped the east side just after it was taken over by the NP service,it was a private CG for years.
We had good experiences,but it wasn't a holiday time either.Our site was 63 I think and across the way was another pop up from the bay area.
Our first day we took the reverse of your hike,up to High Peaks than down Condor Gulch.
This was the year,I want to say 2010,actually it was our second trip in the ATC..That's when the first condor egg laying and hatching in 100 years took place. It was just after Easter.We had gone to the west side at Easter and saw the adults with egg than on the camping trip saw the adults and new hatchling.
I posted some photos at the time,but if you remember that bench at the top just after the stone restroom (that's right a biffie way up there) the nest was about 1/4 mile across the canyon ,west of the bench.You could see the adults and even the egg,you had to use eye enhancers for the egg.Quite a experience.
The second day we walked the trail you did to the Balconies not all the way though.We want to do the loop but we would go in a clockwise way,for the hardest part of the trip would be in the cool of the morning.
Not trying to steal your report just sharing so others might take a trip there.
I have seen the park in most weather times,from sunny days to rain to snow and fog.
When it rains is one of the best times to see the west side for all the water falls that only last till the rain water has been used up.
At one time there was a walk in tent CG on the west side.I would like to see them put back a CG there,but won't hold my breath.
We made a trip down just after Christmas this ,oh last year.
The place was a zoo with visitors.I don't think I have seen that many people at one time in all the years I have enjoyed the park.
I keep telling Ms.Casa,we have gotten spoiled over the years.Oh well.
Again thanks for the report.Hope you go again,I know what you mean about the drive there,I-5 yuck!!!!
Great condor pictures.They can be hard to find at times.I always like visitors say Oh I saw a condor when in fact it was the "pretend" ones, vultures.
Enough,
Frank
I'll search my photos for the picture I took in April,2010 of the nest and birds.ski3pin said:If we lived close by to Pinnacles, we would be frequent visitors. It would be so cool to observe an active condor nest. If you see one again, let us know!
I believe it was you talking with the Lady that prompted this trip. It was a great suggestion, thanks!N'kwala said:<snip>
Magnificent place, great walks. The condors are just incredible. There were a bunch of them hanging about on the ridge above the campground. The trailbuilding was WPA work, as I recall, and I found it pretty impressive. I look forward to a return.
I live a mile off I-5 in Stockton. It is way worse than miserable.N'kwala said:Glad you enjoyed it, despite your neighbours. I agree though, about the miserable I-5. The park really needs to be a good destination to justify traveling to it.