This was an outstandigly put together review of this park, I see many of your vids are shorter but this one is very comprehensive. your channel is a treasure trove for Cali travelers. if you keep this up in 20 yrs you might catch up to my man huell howser bless his soul.
Went the other day $25 pass good for the whole week. Unfortunately, bear gulch caves were closed due to the bat's mating season. Still had a great time caught some frogs, water snakes, seen foxes, and bats. Super rad. Highly recommend it.
that's my old stomping gournds :-/ totally sucks to be stuck in shitty ass Illinois now :-( I watch this and other Pinnacles vids while cycling and on the treadmill in the winter here. I used to run up the Soledad face, kick back on the bench at the top, then jog the route around. Afterward I'd climb the falcon's nest!!! Miss it so much. It's amazing that you have this on here to revive my spirits while stuck in this hell :-/
My husband and I took our toddler to The Pinnacles two days ago. We only did the Bear Gulch Trail. After watching your video, I cannot wait to get to the Balconies and High Peaks Trail. Fun video to watch. Thanks.
hang on Josh, the site (park, place, area) wasn't "created" by Obama: its status was redesignated from a national monument (T Roosevelt 1908 - along with many other natural sites during his time - ) to a national park during his tenure.
You are soo good at making these videos. I live in california and have a check off list to see everything and everytime I need info or want to know the best hikes I watch your videos 📹 thank you 😊
I just got back from a three day trip to Pinnacles with my family. We did the same hikes you show here. My daughter (7.5 years old) was able to do all the hikes and caves too. Yay! We had to use a burrito bride (you'll get one if we finish) and she was all in! Great weekend trip away. There's a pool there at the visitors center. It opens on Monday, bummer we missed it, but we had a water fight back at our camp. Great early kick off to the summer to come!
Once at the Bear Gulch reservoir, you have three options. First, go back down the stairs thru the cave. Second, continue to the fire tower for about a 7 mile round trip hike that skirts around the reservoir toward the left over the dam. Third, go up the High Peaks Trail going uphill for a little bit then take the Y split to the Rim Trail down switchbacks to the upper Bear Gulch parking lot. This third option has some wonderful views of the High Peaks. My suggestion, if you plan on doing the ten mile hike which is fun is to start at the Old Pinnacles trailhead parking lot then head to the west side of the park via Balconies cave or up and over with the Balconies Cliffs. Stop at the Chaparral parking area for water and restroom facilities. Then take the High Peaks to the summit top where there are additional restrooms. Hike down via High Peak and Rim trails to the Bear Gulch day use area for more water and restrooms. You can take a break in the picnic area. Finally, hike the last two or so miles back to your park car. Definitely come early since the ten mile hike will take 4 to 6 hours.
I visited 3 times back when it was a national monument. Saw condors, deer, turkeys, and had a pack of coyotes run through the campground during the night! Also, the giant Coulter pines cones laying about are pretty cool too! Have you done the Chalone Peaks Trail? One of the most scenic crappers in the world on the summit!
That sounds awesome to see all that wildlife. I saw turkeys this time and condors last time but not all the stuff you have seen. I haven't done that trail but I will add it to the list for next time I am there!
It's a fairly easy hike, and the views are completely worth it! Last time I was there was February 2009. Less people, more animals I guess! I remember thinking why is this not a national park? Then, a few years later...it is!
Awesome hike and video. Thanks to your offerings, I've taken up hiking. It feels so cool. I live in Sacramento, so I'm doing the American River, Folsom Lake and this Saturday I'm doing the 11-mile Ribicon DL Bliss hike by Emerald Bay, Lake Tahoe. Some day, Mt. Baldy, etc . . .
Great video! We're hoping to visit soon from out of state. This was very helpful. What month was this filmed? We're thinking about visiting in mid May.
Great video! One question... what month did you visit? I'm thinking on going in a few weeks and wondering how cold was it when you visited, I might wait another month to camp there :)
Another GREAT video, my man! I'm working on a campground video for Scorpion Canyon Campground, on Santa Cruz Island. Your videos are very helpful and inspirational.
True, there is plenty to see in America--I've driven through all 50 states. But I travel overseas to experience new cultures and gain a broader perspective on the world.
Great video, I'm driving there tomorrow from Berkeley, leaving after rush hour, so I definitely will not be arriving early on Day 1! But I have a campsite reserved, at least :)
Awsome lots of info..Thanks never have seen these part of the park must check it on person.Im from soledad so i seen all the west side but never these east side section.Plus u can camp there its eaven better like the info thanks.
Hi Josh, I LOVE all your videos! When did you visit the park on this last video? Also, I am visiting from San Diego, which entrance would I be using East or West? Thank again for such fun, informative videos! 👍
Going there tomorrow for the first time! Only open to people with campsite reservations so should be pretty empty we hope. Great info. Thanks for the video. I liked and subscribed for the help. Ever see condors? Best place to spot them?
What time of year did you camp at Pinnacles and do the hiking through the caves? What are the roads like getting into Pinnacles? Do you think it would be ok for a Casita Trailer?
Hello Josh, your cool video just came up as we are beginning to plan a trip to Pinnacles. We are thinking of going this November while our kids are on Thanksgiving break. Do you know if the caves are open in late November?
Doing the hike alone into the cave is risky and you need a headlight not a flashlight to hold in your hand as you may drop it and won't be able to get out. We were there last weekend and the place was empty!
Very lovely park and great virtual tour!!. I'm heading out there this Saturday with my wife. I'm having a hard time finding their current hours. No one answer the phone and a email response takes one week. We want to be there early as possible. I'm looking for a 6-8mile round trip that will take us through the caves and that reservoir any recommendations?
I was there in 2007, before it was a NP, and we did see a condor, actually 3. It was amazing. We sat up at the top and watched the sunset then descended IN THE DARK! Omg, even with flashlights it was pretty scary!
