I value National Parks as unique destinations and for the experiences that they provide. I met Robert and Kyra in one of my classes at San Francisco State University. For one of our class assignments we were to visit a national park. This assignment presented a great opportunity to develop friendships outside of the classroom. We chose to visit Pinnacles National Park as neither of us had been there. We left San Francisco on a Sunday morning. About an hour into the trip we got a flat on I-280. Thankfully I had a full-sized spare and the knowledge to change a tire. After stopping by the gas station for air and debating the fate of our trip, we decided to go for it and continued our way to Pinnacles. Worried about suffering a second blow-out the whole way there, I felt the biggest wave of relief once we got to the visitor center parking lot. We decided to hike from Chaparral Trailhead, to Juniper Canyon Trail, to Tunnel Trail, through Steep and Narrow section, to Scout Peak, then back down Juniper Canyon Trail to Balconies Trail, and finished the day exploring the Balconies Cave Trail. Some of the highlights of the trip included seeing a California Condor for the first time, cave exploring, spectacular vistas, hiking the Steep and Narrow section, eating wild edibles and experiencing it all with friends.
Sincerely,
Pinnacles National Park
The jagged rocks at this park formed from the remains of an ancient volcano. This volcano used to be located about 200 miles south of its current location, but tectonic forces along the San Andreas Fault moved these rocks at a pace of a little more than half an inch per year over a period of 23 million years to what is now the national park. Today, these towering spires attract hikers and climbers, as well as falcons, golden eagles and California condors. The park also features grasslands, chaparral, forests and rare talus caves.
State(s): California
Established: 1908
“They provide a place for anyone to experience something that is bigger then themselves. ”
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Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
As I unboarded the school bus, my shoes unevenly hitting the gravely road, I stretched my legs and looked around curiously. "This bus ride had better be worth it," was my only thought during the two-and-a-half hour journey from my school, where we left at 6:00 am, in the cold,…
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Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
Camping at the Pinnacles National Park was an expedition that lingered in my mind long after the tents were packed away. What began as a simple outing with classmates quickly unfolded into a breathtaking journey, leaving profound impressions on my soul. Day one was an overture of awe and excitement.…
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Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
Here at Pinnacles National Park, where these rocks have been shaped by nature's work, I walked on the Moses Spring Trail down to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. Walking on the trail, I was treated to many different rock formations. These rock formations varied in many ways and shapes. Up close,…
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