Who likes birds? Okay, so even if you aren’t a bird-aficionado or don’t know if you are,
Pinnacles National Park is a great place to dip your toes into the world of bird watching.

Pinnacles National Park is located southeast of the California Monterey Bay, and it is tucked
away in the Central Coast Range. It is renowned for its striking geological formations that were
formed by the eruption of multiple volcanoes over 23 million years ago and subsequent
development of incredible rock spires, rock caves, and rolling hills.
The reason why Pinnacles National Park is a must see for parents and children is because this
is one of the locations to view the endangered California Condors.

California Condors are critically endangered. At one point, they were extinct in the wild, but they
have been reintroduced after successful captive breeding programs. Up close, they aren’t the
prettiest of birds. They have a featherless head, and they look like big turkey vultures. But
despite their homely appearance, they are impressive creatures, as they have the largest
wingspan (9.5 feet!) of any north American bird. They are also believed to live a long life, as
long as 60 years, or even longer.

Children will find the California Condor captivating. If children are told what to look for,
scanning the sky for a California Condor will seem like a version of an Easter Egg Hunt. If
children need more information on what exactly they are searching for in the sky, it’s wise to
show them pictures of the various birds and to teach them about this importance of the
California Condor prior to your trip to Pinnacles. The Oakland Zoo has some California Condors
in one of their exhibits, so that is a great place to get a visual of these impressive birds. Of
course, nothing beats seeing them in their national habitat.

The amazing part of Pinnacles is that when searching for the California Condor, you are
guaranteed to find more amazing birds in the sky as well, such as Golden Eagles, Turkey
Vultures, falcons, woodpeckers, and red tailed hawks, to name a few. Our state bird, the
California Quail, can be seen at ground-level. Your family can make it a fun project to identify all
the various birds in the area. Just remember to bring some binoculars!

Pinnacles isn’t just about birds. The terrain is impressive with sharp rock formations and
amazing hiking trails. Some hikes are longer than others, but there is enough to keep everyone
entertained, even the littles. The land lends itself to adventure, and it’s a great opportunity to
get children exploring the nature-made playground of this national park. There are even some
caves that can be explored. Don’t forget to pack some headlamps.

Hiking Trails

The park is renowned for its diverse trails that range from easy walks to challenging rock scrambles. Notable hikes include:

• Balconies Cave Trail - A moderate hike leading to impressive talus caves and the massive Balconies Cliffs. This hike is about 2.5 miles, and it is a good option for most children.
• Bear Gulch Cave Trail - An exciting hike that passes through one of the park’s captivating caves, home to a colony of Townsend's big-eared bats. This is a must-see for children of all ages!

Rock Climbing

Pinnacles National Park is a main destination for rock climbers. The park does not have its own outfit for teaching visitors how to rock climb, but there are organizations that will take people to Pinnacles as the destination. Rock climbing can be fun for observers! Because Pinnacles National Park is a destination for rock climbers of varying skill levels, children and their guardians can keep entertained watching these brave souls ascend the rocks without having to actively participate.

Where to stay

Camping is the best option when visiting Pinnacles National Monument. The Pinnacles Campground is located on the east side of the park and can be accessed from the east entrance off Highway 25. The campground has both individual and group camping sites, RV sites with electrical hookups, picnic tables with fire rings at each campsite, restrooms and showers, and a swimming pool (generally open from May through September). For those looking for more comfort, lodging can be found in nearby towns such as Soledad and Hollister. These locations offer a range of hotels and motels catered to different budgets and preferences.

Some tips:

1. Do not go in the summer. It’s too hot: an average of 100-degrees Fahrenheit! It’s best
   to plan your visit for the spring or the fall.
2. Bring lots of water. The trails can have a lot of sun exposure, so be prepared and stay
   hydrated.
3. Don’t forget the sunscreen!
4. Beware of wild pigs. Be sure to put all your food away. If you see wild pigs, stay away.
   They can be quite dangerous.
5. Stop by the Visitor Center. There are educational programs for children, such as Junior
   Ranger activities. Check it out!
6. Bring some comfy camping chairs along to assist with sky-gazing.
7. Remember to bring binoculars and headlamps for this National Park!

Pinnacles is a unique and wonderful destination. There are plenty of activities for the entire
family. When visiting, you will find yourself looking upward most of the time. Whether you’re
relaxing in a camping chair with a pair of binoculars or out on a hike, you will find yourself
scanning the sky for a glimpse of a circling Condor. And, even if your party is not an active
bunch, Pinnacles is a great destination for a family camping trip.

Laura D