Hike: Pinnacles National Monument - Condor Gulch to High Peaks, to Bear Gulch Loop

Date: 4/8/2012
Location: Pinnacles National Monument (eastern)
Length: Approx 6.2 miles
People: AS & ES
Time: Approx 4 hours

Mild-moderate 6 mile loops starting uphill towards the high peaks through Condor Gulch. Saw several of the 60-some California Condors who call this park their home. They fly on the warm thermal updrafts of the canyons along with Turkey Vultures and other predatory birds and scavengers. Their wings are straight across while flying, unlike the vultures who form a distinctive v-shape. The adults have a red head year round have distinctive white markings on both sides of their wings. Bring Binoculars next time!

The high peaks was a twisted tumbling treasure-trove of outcroppings, peaks, buttes, bluffs, boulders, and giants rocky shapes mushrooming out of the hillsides in all shapes and sizes. The canyons were shady and the high peaks were generally quite exposed. Some scrambling between narrow passage ways and up steep climbs with steps carved into the rock and metal handrails for balance. The weather was fantastic peaking at about 70 degrees in the afternoon.

We explored some of the bear gulch cave but we just missed one of the short periods when it is completely open (announced as March ? - 31st, usually the last week of the month) in the springtime with another period in October (announced as October ? - 31st, usually the last week of the month).  When it is NOT completely open there is very little in the way of exploration opportunities and it was very crowded on the sunday we went. We saw no bats despite the thousands that are supposed to live there. I think we need to try again when the entire cave is open and maybe with a red light source.

Met several nice and well-informed rangers on the way. One with a high powered spotting scope who offered to try (but wasn't able) to find some condors to show us. And one who talked to us on the trail about bats. Saw many rock climbers. In addition to the birds Emily saw a non-rattling snake on the trail. This place just seemed loaded with wildlife.

The wild flowers were also coming out and we were able to ID some yellow Bush Poppies and purple "Silver Bush" Lupin.