Pinnacles National Monument - 12-03-11

This is one of the most spectacular places I have visited while in the Bay Area. Pinnacles was considered an ancient volcano and now is "a release site for the endangered California Condor" (nps.gov). We were so lucky to see two Condors flying above our heads and then we saw their nest on top of a rock.

The views were fantastic and rewarding after the 3000' climb. We also visited two amazing caves; Balconies Cave where we found some interesting "big eared bats", and the Bear Gulch Cave that takes you to a new different world. Both were fun to crawl in and fun to ascend and descend.

We hiked a total of 12.5 miles RT and gained about 3000' at the second pick. Awesome trip! Please enjoy the pictures.