Visiting Pinnacles National Park

The Pinnacles was my husband’s and my first “real” hiking adventure as parents, navigating the trail with a baby and a six-year-old. Our local national monument had just upgraded to a national park, and we couldn’t wait to introduce our kids to the unique rock spires and bat caves. With our youngest snug in a baby backpack carrier, saying we were unprepared for the experience is an understatement. It did not occur to us that you could not scramble through a tight cave with a baby on your back until we had to juggle it and our energetic son, who bolted into the cool, dark cave ahead of us. Recalling the chaotic scene of trying to catch up to our son, balancing a baby carrier, navigating a dim trail with a flashlight, and encountering fellow hikers, it’s safe to say our outdoor parenting adventures did not start well.

Since this first experience, the Pinnacles National Park has become a favorite place for our family. Easily accessible from Monterey, the park has two entrances. We find the west entrance near Soledad to be the most convenient. It’s worth noting that some friends have mistakenly ended up at the wrong entrance, so be mindful of your GPS if you have a particular trail in mind. This entrance has a variety of hiking trails across different levels, and if you’re fortunate, you might catch sight of the majestic California condor.

That first hike was the Balconies Cave Trail, spanning approximately 2.5 miles, and is classified as an easy to moderate hike. The only part families might find challenging is the dark cave, which might have a bit of a scramble. Don’t worry if you get to the cave and decide it isn’t for you; you can go around and meet the rest of your party at the other end via the Balconies Cliffs Trail. Of course, even though this is a shorter hike, wearing appropriate hiking shoes or boots and having water, sunscreen, and proper clothing to protect you and your kids is essential. There is little shade across the park, and sun exposure is the primary safety issue.

Another reason we love the west entrance is the Contact Station. This station is not just a source of park information; it also houses indoor and outdoor exhibits, a captivating film delving into the history and formation of the Pinnacles, and an opportunity to obtain the Junior Ranger Book (with a badge awaiting those who complete it!). From the Contact Station, the Prewett Point Trail is a breezy one-mile path suitable for all park visitors, offering a stunning view of the captivating rock spires.

A must-try for experienced hikers, the High Peaks Trail holds a special place in my heart and can be accessed from either park entrance. Depending on your starting point and detours for additional views, plan for a rewarding 6- to 8-mile trek. I strongly recommend an early start, as the trail will become hot with minimal shade regardless of the season. Notably, this is the only trail where I’ve had the privilege of observing California condors up close. While not conventionally beautiful, these magnificent birds, the largest in North America, are mesmerizing as they gracefully soar across the red rock. California’s turkey vulture and condors are often confused. The easiest way to identify them is by their wing feathers. Condors have white triangle wing feathers with brown tips. The vultures have the opposite—brown under their wings and white feather tips.

From the east entrance, another must-see that is less strenuous is the Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir. What makes this talus cave unique is a year-round waterfall. You can hear the water cascading down the rocks long before your headlamp captures its spray. If you start from the Bear Gulch parking area, it is only 2.5 miles away, or you can access it from the High Peaks Trail. My family particularly loves this trail, often hiking to the Reservoir for lunch or a snack. Before you go, check with the park; portions of this cave are closed periodically to protect the unique bat species that breed and raise their young in the cave. Don’t worry if bats make you nervous; we have been in the caves dozens of times and have never seen or had a bat fly by!

We’ve explored these trails every season, but there’s no denying that spring holds a special place in our hearts. The hills are a vibrant green, and the temperature remains pleasantly mild. During this season, we’re often treated to the breathtaking sight of wildflowers blanketing the hills, with the striking red rocks contrasting against the blue skies. For water enthusiasts like us, the post-rain period brings a flowing creek and a cascading waterfall from the Reservoir. Don’t worry if you cannot get to the park before the weather turns hot; it is still magical. Just remember to stay vigilant about the heat, pack a lot of extra water, and liberally apply sunscreen for a great adventure.

Fast forward nearly a decade, and my once-little adventurers have grown into a tween and teenager who are pro hikers. While our mishaps have evolved with time, even for a seasoned hiking family, they remain part of the experience! On a recent trip to the Pinnacles, a 2.5-mile jaunt to Bear Gulch Cave turned into an unexpected 8-mile day. Yet, as long as safety prevails, even these mishaps build enduring memories, and you never know what extraordinary discoveries are in store. During this particular excursion, the kids were treated to their first encounter with a ladybug cluster—thousands of ladybugs gathered on a single log. And, of course, they now have ample ammunition to playfully tease me, holding this adventure over my head for what I assume will be years to come. Building connections takes various forms, and our Pinnacles hiking escapades remain cherished avenues for family bonding.