Come celebrate the 50th Anniversary of the Wilderness Act on March 29 and 30 at Pinnacles National Park, the nation's newest national park in Central California. Eons of wind and water, heat and frost produced the starkly angular crags and spires at modern'day Pinnacles National Park. The 15,985 acre Hain Wilderness is part of this extraordinary parkland that's south of Gilroy and Los Banos too. Bring your camera as endangered California condors can often be seen wheeling overhad.
Wildlife sightings on a prior trip included a bobcat as well as condors.
The group will meet at noon on Saturday at the Pinnacles Visitors Center and pay the entrance fee. Bring a lunch to eat at the picnic area. We will then explore the eastern side of the park, including the Bear Gulch talus cave that was created by huge boulders that formed a roof over a narrow canyon.
Saturday night will be spent in King City, Calif., which is nearby. On Sunday, participants climb up to the High Peaks from the spectacular western side of the park. Moderate hikes will be offered on both days and will vary from 4 to 7 miles long with up to 1,215 or more vertical feet of gain. Participants should be able to climb narrow stairs and negotiate the tight cave quarters.
The trip costs $65 for Sierra Club members ($80 non-members) and includes Saturday night lodging in King City with breakfast and lunch snacks on Sundat. Participants are responsible for transportation to and from Pinnacles National Park, entrance fees, and for all meals except as mentioned above. No pets allowed.
To reserve and/or to request complete itinerary and application, send 2 self-addressed stamped envelopes or e-mail to Leader: Margee Hills (1460 Forestview Dr., Brea, CA 92821) margeehills@gmail.com.