The journey continues. Wednesday night was clearing after high winds and rain, so I thought the Pinnacles would really be nice with clear skies, and I am continuing to work on my physical strength, and stamina to get back to work.

Up bright and early load up the camera gear, water, and warm clothes, and I’m off. Takes about 2 hours to get to the Pinnacles from my house.

The first photo is the beginning of the trail, the remainder show more of the trail, as well as some of the views.

The hike gains about a 1500 foot elevation, (and no I forgot exactly how steep the trails are, or I may have passed) and was 5.5 miles long. Yes, I over did it and will be resting for a few days, or more. Don’t tell my doctor, he would be giving me a lecture.

For or those of you who haven’t been there, here are a few snap shots.

Sam

Trail Head

A bit on the narrow side.

Now it's getting a little steep.

This is the trail?

OK, I finally get to look out over the area.

Just a nice spot on the trail.

I have spotted the trail back. It will be awhile before I get to the arrow.

One final view of the Pinnacles.

Niiiiiiiice docu-photos. I LOVE that area. Hollister, Tres Pinos, Paicines, all my hometown. Old friends the Kingmans own the campground there...just sold off the bulk of their property to land trust.

Thanks for the virtual hike.

Any sign of condors?

Originally Posted by photodoug Niiiiiiiice docu-photos. I LOVE that area. Hollister, Tres Pinos, Paicines, all my hometown. Old friends the Kingmans own the campground there...just sold off the bulk of their property to land trust. Thanks for the virtual hike. Any sign of condors?

Yes, I saw one, but at a distance. A woman I met on the trai said she saw 4 or 5 flying right over her head.

Sam

The second and third shots are a nice indicator of the steepness of the
trail. Did you go to the caves?

The back side of the park is home to Hwy 25 also known as the Airline
Highway (for the planes that fly high overhead). A great ride (might
have to do that tomorrow).

Good work Sam!

Originally Posted by ian408 The second and third shots are a nice indicator of the steepness of the trail. Did you go to the caves? The back side of the park is home to Hwy 25 also known as the Airline Highway (for the planes that fly high overhead). A great ride (might have to do that tomorrow). Good work Sam!

Ian,

I didn't go through the caves. The caves are on the way to the reservoir, and I didn’t go that way this time. The caves are pretty tight, and with my backpack, tripod, etc. would have been tough. You can go through the caves and continue on to the High peaks Trail, but the rout I too was plenty long enough for me.

I’m not sure what you mean when you say backside. I went in via HWY 25. The High Peaks Trail will take you within sight, and a little closer than a mile to the Chaparral Ranger Station, which is on the HWY 101 side, access via HWY 146. Last year I walked from the HWY 25 side over to the Chaparral Ranger Station. That rout will take you through the Balconies Caves which are pretty neat, and are deep enough that if your all alone in the early morning you will wonder if you have lost the trail.

Sam

Hi Sam,

You went in via the back side.

You can take 25 over to 46 and then out to the coast (ends near Morro
Bay). Pretty nice place the Pinnacles are.