Pinnacles NP

For a long time now, Pinnacles National Park has been on my list of places to check out.  Though everything I read about it sounded like a fantastic adventure-- red rock formations reminiscent of those in the Southwest, long hikes through pitch-black bat caves, a natural condor refuge-- its location is just far enough away to put it out of our day-trip range.  So, this Spring Break it was my goal to put together a little getaway that would finally make a trip to Pinnacles possible.  We broke up the driving with a night and second destination by the coast.  This was the perfect way to tackle Pinnacles and a nice grand finale to what has been a really excellent Spring Break. 

In many ways, Pinnacles NP is in the middle of nowhere.  We drove into the park not really sure what we'd get.  But once we parked and started hiking, the impressive red rock monoliths were immediately visible.

In fact, it didn't take long until our hiking path had us squeezing through the red rocks!

The caves were what we were most excited to hike.  I guess there is a pretty significant bat population that makes its home in the Pinnacles caves.  To protect these bats, the caves are only all the way open in the spring.  We timed it right and got to hike the entire cave system, and we didn't have to bump into any bats.  Now, let me just say...we've been in caves before.  You know, those touristy caverns with guides that take groups of people down some stairs and show them funny shaped rock formations.  These caves were not at all like that.  These caves were for real, yo.  Flashlights were definitely required as we navigated rough steps, streams, low hanging rocks and dark tunnels by ourselves.

Let me also just say that the first trip through the caves had the girls pretty freaked out.  They were clinging to us and wishing for it to be over.  When Dave suggested we all turn our lights off and just stand in the dark listening to the waterfall...FORGET IT!  But, later when we had the option of taking a looping path back to the car, or returning through the caves, the girls chose to go back through the caves!  And once we reached the end, they begged to turn around and do it ALL OVER!  So, once again we had some pride that our kids faced an initial fear, but then totally conquered it!

To help us find our way in the dark, the walls were marked with these white arrows.  The girls thought it was a huge adventure to find them and lead us.  They also thought it was pretty hilarious when they could squeeze through crevices that Dave and I had to crawl through.  We adults definitely had our share of scrapes and head bumps!

The end of the cave hike opened up into this beautiful reservoir where we ate our picnic lunch.

Then we walked on a high cliffs trail for about half a mile.  This trail led to some great views of the canyon that the condors supposedly swoop over.  The park ranger told us that the condors are pretty active and not hard to find, but we didn't see any on this day.  Though, when Delia manned the binoculars she was certain every single bird she saw was a condor, even little ones!

It took some driving to get here and some bravery to conquer the trail through the caves, but with each new turn at Pinnacles, Dave and I were just in awe that we have access to some of the most unique and fun hiking we've EVER done.  We already started talking about which adventurous family members will love to come back here some day and see it with us. Anna?  Kyle? :)