Aloha Everyone,
The Pinnacles National Park, located east of central California's Salinas Valley, consists of over 26,000 acres. More than 38% of the park is designated as wilderness.
There is an East Entrance and West Entrance to access the park. However, the roads are not connected and they must be entered and exited separately.
This morning J.J. and I went to check the East Entrance and we stopped at the visitor center. Remote and rustic may be appropriate words to describe the location as well as facilities.
Pinnacle Campground has RV camping sites with electrical hook-ups and showers. We counted only 5 parked vehicles.
Bear Gulch Visitor Center was closed. I was told that "do it yourself" self-guided Bear Gulch Cave tour is expected to open this Friday. As you know J.J. does not like spelunking (exploration of caves). Even with a powerful flashlight we carry in Honu, I would have to sit this one out. To get to the West Entrance, according to travel information, is even more challenging with roads of 1 1/2 vehicle width for a two-way traffic. Honu's length is not recommended.
Conclusion: Pinnacle National Park is suitable for experienced hikers and rock climbers. I am grateful that we were able to see even a small section of this remote, unspoiled and infrequently visited national park.
Drove via Pacheco Pass to Los Baños KOA where we are staying for the night.
Aloha -- Cathi
