Pinnacles National Park in Paicines, California

Pinnacles National Park is just 18 miles away from San Benito RV Campground.

Let's go!

Twenty-three million years ago volcanic activity at the juncture of the Pacific and North American Plates created a volcanic field.  As the Pacific Plate moved north, part of the field "went along for the ride."  The trip was 195 miles north to Paicines, just west of the San Andreas Fault.  Millions of years of wind and weather created the landscapes here.  

President Theodore Roosevelt created Pinnacles National Monument in 1908 to preserve the unique landscapes for Americans to enjoy.  President Obama upgraded Pinnacles to National Park status in 2013.  Visitors come here to camp, picnic, and hike.  

Eric & I hike Peaks View Trail.

There are few hikers on the

trails early on a weekday.

It's slow going...

This is a great trail for photos.

The views are beautiful!

Rock climbing, anyone...

Eric thinks this formation

was "transported" from

 Easter Island.

It reminds me of Sam the Eagle from The Muppet Show.  

I zoom in to see more

details.

Erosion continues to

"cut" new towers into

the terrain.

Some trees are growing

on an angle.

Rugged rocks grow out

of the Chapparel.

Animals who live in this rugged

environment includes Chipmunks, 

Squirrels, Raccoons, Badgers, 

Coyotes, Mountain Lions,

Bats...

The Condor Recovery Program is showing progress.  Three Baby Condors are thriving in Pinnacles National Park.

Wild Pigs have done a lot of damage here: eating, destroying plants, and causing erosion.  A Pig Proof Fence was built around the Park and hunting was allowed to remove the remaining Wild Pigs.  In 2006, Pinnacles was declared "Pig Free."

 

I can see why this Park is

popular with hikers &

rock climbers.

A rugged ridgeline

The close-up

Trees grow in the craggy

escarpment.

A different angle

Signs of civilization in this rugged country...

Bear Gulch Nature Center

Interpretation & Education

Conference Center

This area is probably very busy on the weekend and holidays.

I look forward to a

return visit without

my Walking Boot.

There are trails here that I

want to explore.