Welcome to Pinnacles National Park, a cool place with big rocks and fun trails in California. Imagine huge boulders playing Jenga, reaching for the clouds. You can hike on cool paths and even go through caves, like a nature maze. Look up, and you might see California condors soaring high – they’re like the VIP birds here. Pinnacles is nature’s adventure zone, where rocks and trails make a giant playground. So, if you like climbing, hiking, and wildlife spotting, Pinnacles National Park is the spot where nature goes. Join us as we venture into the hidden gem of this National Park, a recent addition to the prestigious National Park lineup. Get ready for an unforgettable November camping escapade spanning 2 nights and 3 days of pure excitement.
Our journey kicked off on a Friday evening, setting up camp at the Pinnacles campground on the east side of the park. Our campsite, complete with a picnic table and a welcoming fire ring, set the stage for a cozy night ahead. As darkness descended, the chill in the air hinted at the coldest night of our trip, but armed with the perfect layers, we all tucked into our sleeping bags, snug, and content.
Rise and shine on day two! A crackling fire brought life to the morning chill as we leisurely observed the vibrant blue jays making their playful visits.
After a leisurely lunch, we embarked on a hike from camp through the Pinnacles Visitor Center to the South Wilderness trail. Our eyes were treated to the sight of a woodpecker, a multitude of blue jays, and even a curious deer.
The valley’s fall foliage, adorned with oak trees, was nothing short of breathtaking.
As the day waned, we returned to camp to warm up and for a delicious dinner, followed by an enchanting session of stargazing. The sky showed its beauty, making us feel amazed under the stars.
Day two brought another round of exploration as we conquered the Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop. A short, moderate 2.1-mile hike, but brace yourself for one of the most extraordinary hikes you’ll ever experience – caves, rock formations, reservoir, and towering peaks.
We started early, securing a spot at the upper parking lot closest to the trailhead. There is another parking by the Visitor Center and is a pleasant stroll through a picnic area to the trailhead.
About halfway through the hike, we reached the Gulch Cave. The caves led us into darkness, requiring the assistance of headlamps and phone lights to navigate the mysterious passages. Mysterious as we had no idea what was coming! It was just magical!
Climbing stairs to exit the cave system, we were rewarded with the breathtaking Bear Gulch Reservoir. Unless you did research before embarking on this hike (we did not!), you just don’t expect to see any water all that way up.
Heading towards the Rim Trail, we enjoyed amazing views of the valley, including majestic boulders and peaks.
As nightfall arrived, so did the mischievous raccoons. These masked bandits were everywhere, fearless as we sat for dinner. They darted right by our table, proving elusive photographic subjects due to their lightning-fast speed. Our attempts to capture them only heightened our amusement and trepidation as we went stargazing one last time.
Our trip to Pinnacles National Park was amazing! We enjoyed surprises, beautiful scenery, and lots of laughs. As we packed up, we thought about the great time we had at this California new-ish addition to the National Park family. This unforgettable adventure in November, lasting two nights and three days, will always be a special memory. Pinnacles, you’ll stay in our hearts until our next family adventure.