My family and I visited Pinnacles in late May and decided to hike the Moses Spring Trail up to Bear Gulch Reservoir.
As I weaved between the boulders, I felt akin to a mountaineer exploring the trail for the first time. Tall rock spires colored umber and pale coral towered over me, and when I looked closer at the ones nearby, I realized they were covered in bright patches of orange and yellow lichen. They added to the vividness of the scenery, alongside the beautiful wildflowers and trees.
I ducked underneath an opening in the rocks and reached the final staircase. As I climbed up, beams of light illuminated the steps, almost blinding me until I reached the top—
A dazzling lake filled my vision. Rich blue, it shimmered under the sun like a jewel hidden among the beige-brown rocks. I went down to the water’s edge and saw blue and red dragonflies between the reeds, some birds, and even a snake taking a swim!
It was here that I drew the illustration above. I hope that we will continue to take good care of Pinnacles and other national parks, so future generations will have ample opportunities to spot wildlife and be inspired as much as I did.
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
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Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
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