Today, dozens make their home in the park, and if you can get close enough to one, you might spot their numbered tags, which help wildlife conservationists keep track of them. While on the trail, it is necessary to carry a flashlight or wear a headlamp.Ĭalifornia Condor at Pinnacles National ParkPhoto credit: David Calhoun / Įventually, the captive-bred condors were released in five different areas of California, including Pinnacles National Park. For example, the easy-to-moderate trail that loops together the Balconies Cliff Trail and the Balconies Cave Trail is 2.4 miles and features a scramble through the talus passages of Balconies Cave. If we had more time to spend at Pinnacles, or if we visit again, I’d like to sample the hiking trails that originate from the Chaparral Parking Area on the west side of the park. We appreciated the cooler foliage as we decreased in elevation and found ourselves at the Moses Spring parking area before heading back to where our vehicle was parked in Bear Gulch. Along the way back down, we passed a few spots specifically marked for rock climbers. Our loop also included ascending and descending the “steep and narrow” section of the High Peaks Trail, where metal rails and steps carved into the rock can help hikers steady themselves. Here, we enjoyed 360-degree views of the surrounding mountains and towering spires. We ascended further up the trail and across the High Peaks trail, weaving around giant rock formations while appreciating the shade they cast - a welcome break from the hot sun, even though we’d set out before 7 a.m.
First, we ascended about a mile along the moderate Condor Gulch Trail to a lookout that afforded great valley views. We also cobbled together a few different trails to make a 5-mile loop that began and ended in the Bear Gulch parking area. Condor Gulch TrailPhoto credit: Kara Williams
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