#54 - Condor Gulch Trail to Overlook

02-26-2022

 

Pinnacles National Park, California

 

After finishing the Moses Spring to Rim Trail loop, we had spare time for one more short hike. Pinnacles National Park is known for its endangered California Condors and serves as a condor sanctuary managed by the Ventana Wildlife Society. Condor Gulch Trail is a great spot to get a chance to witness these beautiful condors circling the national park. If you see a condor, Pinnacles National Park encourages you to respect their space and report their sightings!

 

Distance: 2.00 miles (Out-and-Back)

 

Elevation Gain: 534 ft.

 

Final Elevation: N/A

 

Directions to the Trailhead: Use the following coordinates in Google Maps to route your directions to the Bear Gulch Parking Area (same parking area as Moses Spring to Rim Trail). There are restrooms with running water nearby.

 

36.419049, -121.913141

From the parking lot, walk west towards the public bathrooms. The pedestrian bridge and the start of the trail are just past them.

Continuing on... 

 

Made it!

 

#54.

Chris's Difficulty Scale - 1/10

#53 - Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop

02-26-2022

Pinnacles National Park, California

This is the best hike in Pinnacles National Park, period. This hike showcases all the best features that Pinnacles has to offer: picnic areas, rock climbing, Bear Gulch Cave, and a lake. Bring a flashlight!

 

Distance: 2.50 miles (Loop)

 

Elevation Gain: 524 ft.

 

Final Elevation: N/A

 

Directions to the Trailhead: Use the following coordinates in Google Maps to route your directions to the Bear Gulch Parking Area. There are restrooms with running water nearby.

 

36.419049, -121.913141

 

Parking and trailhead. Walk south until you reach a picnic area leading to a trailhead.

Walk left of the restrooms (south) to find the trailhead. You'll pass a smaller parking lot that is often full on busy weekends and some nice picnic benches before you reach the trailhead.

 

Trailhead.

 

Entrance to the caves. Watch your step!

 

Skinny stairs!

 

Exiting the caves to this cool chockstone. 

Made it to the lake! Last main feature to catch on this hike before you start your loop back to the parking lot.

 

#53.

 

Chris's Difficulty Scale - 2/10

#52 - Garrapata Beach - Calla Lily Valley

02-06-2022

Monterey County, California

If you're on your way to Big Sur, make sure to stop by the calla lilly blooms nearby the beautiful Garrapata Beach. This is a great rest stop on long road trips along Highway 1.

 

Distance: 1.1 miles (Out-and-Back)

 

Elevation Gain: Minimal to none

 

Final Elevation: ~35 ft.

 

Directions to the Trailhead: Use the following coordinates in Google Maps to route your directions to the parking lot and trailhead. Parking will be along Highway 1.

 

36.419049, -121.913141

 

Parking and trailhead.

Trail is well maintained.

Walk along the beach briefly until you reach a valley of sand.

Made it!

#52.

Chris's Difficulty Scale - 1/10