Hike Name
High Peaks Loops
Month and Year
March 2010
Best Time to Go
March
Scenic Expectations
Rock formations, condors, wildflowers
Hiking Group/s Recommended
Rambler Scrambler
Views
Distant valleys, rock formations, condors
Name of Park
Pinnacles National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
Recommended Lunch Spot
After the main climb on the High Peaks ridge
Length of Hike
5.5-6.2 miles rt
Elevation Gain
1700' -2300' depending on which variation
Estimated Return to Rossmoor
Overnight stay recommended
Driving Distance and Estimated Driving Time
122 miles from Rossmoor, 35 miles from Hollidster
Hiking Surface
Trail
Available Bathrooms
Chemical Toilets
Driving Directions
680 S to 101 S After passing Gilroy, exit onto Hwy 25 toward Hollister. Pass through Hollister on Rt 25 (ll miles) and continue on 25 to SR 146, which is the entrance road to Pinnacles. Turn right on 146, register at the Visitor Center. Bring your National Parks Pass if you have one. Continue 4 miles more to the Bear Gulch Nature Center. Begin on the Condor Gulch Trail which heads uphill opposite the Nature Center
Optional Comments
This loop used the Condor Gulch Trail and the High Peaks Trail. Most of the uphill is at the beginning. There is one unmarked intersection, go right here. At the T intersection, go left and look for an out- cropping of rocks with a view of the valley. This is a good lunch spot. After lunch continue to a trail junction which says "steep drop offs/dangerous" or Tunnel Trail. Both choices will meet at a bench where there are usually views of the condors and pit toilets. The steep trail is well constructed and has guardrails where there are drop offs. If you are not afraid of heights, this is challenging but fun. It weaves in and out of the rocks. The Tunnel Trail is a series of steep switchbacks. This has beautiful views and the footing is good. Before meeting the Steep Trail, there is one intersection. Careful, go left here. The wrong choice will land you on the west side of the park, a 2 hour drive from your cars. When you make the left on the Tunnel Trail you must climb steeply up about 500' in about 1/2 mile in order to meet at the bench. This turned out to be unexpectedly strenuous. All hikers return from the bench/bathroom area via a well marked 2 mile trail to the Bear Gulch Nature Center. (all downhill). Approx hiking time including lunch is 5-5 1/2 hours. Bring plenty of water.
Map Attached or Sent
No, but will send
Email
pointlobos@comcast.net
Name
Harriet Schwartz
High Peaks Loops
Month and Year
March 2010
Best Time to Go
March
Scenic Expectations
Rock formations, condors, wildflowers
Hiking Group/s Recommended
Rambler Scrambler
Views
Distant valleys, rock formations, condors
Name of Park
Pinnacles National Monument
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
Recommended Lunch Spot
After the main climb on the High Peaks ridge
Length of Hike
5.5-6.2 miles rt
Elevation Gain
1700' -2300' depending on which variation
Estimated Return to Rossmoor
Overnight stay recommended
Driving Distance and Estimated Driving Time
122 miles from Rossmoor, 35 miles from Hollidster
Hiking Surface
Trail
Available Bathrooms
Chemical Toilets
Driving Directions
680 S to 101 S After passing Gilroy, exit onto Hwy 25 toward Hollister. Pass through Hollister on Rt 25 (ll miles) and continue on 25 to SR 146, which is the entrance road to Pinnacles. Turn right on 146, register at the Visitor Center. Bring your National Parks Pass if you have one. Continue 4 miles more to the Bear Gulch Nature Center. Begin on the Condor Gulch Trail which heads uphill opposite the Nature Center
Optional Comments
This loop used the Condor Gulch Trail and the High Peaks Trail. Most of the uphill is at the beginning. There is one unmarked intersection, go right here. At the T intersection, go left and look for an out- cropping of rocks with a view of the valley. This is a good lunch spot. After lunch continue to a trail junction which says "steep drop offs/dangerous" or Tunnel Trail. Both choices will meet at a bench where there are usually views of the condors and pit toilets. The steep trail is well constructed and has guardrails where there are drop offs. If you are not afraid of heights, this is challenging but fun. It weaves in and out of the rocks. The Tunnel Trail is a series of steep switchbacks. This has beautiful views and the footing is good. Before meeting the Steep Trail, there is one intersection. Careful, go left here. The wrong choice will land you on the west side of the park, a 2 hour drive from your cars. When you make the left on the Tunnel Trail you must climb steeply up about 500' in about 1/2 mile in order to meet at the bench. This turned out to be unexpectedly strenuous. All hikers return from the bench/bathroom area via a well marked 2 mile trail to the Bear Gulch Nature Center. (all downhill). Approx hiking time including lunch is 5-5 1/2 hours. Bring plenty of water.
Map Attached or Sent
No, but will send
pointlobos@comcast.net
Name
Harriet Schwartz
