Autumn at Pinnacles

Another trip to one of my favorite parks in Northern California: Pinnacles National Park! This trip, I brought my brother and we took the same route that I took with my dad and my husband in March through the Bear Gulch Talus Caves. It is fun to compare and contrast the same hike at two different times of the year. The water was more impressive in March, but the light was just golden in early November. I recommend going at both times of the year.

As before, we hiked from the parking area near the visitor's center to the Bear Gulch caves, following the signs for the caves. From the reservoir at the top of the caves we took the Rim Trail back. It was really fun to get to show my brother this hike!

We saw lots and lots of rock climbers who were climbing on belay. Although it was relatively crowded, I am surprised that it wasn't more crowded since the weather was so perfect. Perhaps the smoke from the Kincade fire in Santa Rosa was causing people to stay home and hunker down indoors? Or perhaps spring is just a busier time for this park because the wildflowers are so impressive? Whatever the reason, it was a really great trip, and I am a fan of autumn visits to Pinnacles.

My photos:

Will's Photos at Pinnacles