Leaving the bustle of San Francisco behind, we journeyed south along California’s scenic Highway 101, eventually arriving in Greenfield. Nestled in the heart of wine country, Greenfield proved an ideal base for our next adventure. We checked into Yanks RV Resort, a pristine and well-appointed retreat where we could recharge in comfort after days of exploration. Its luxurious amenities made it more than just a stopover—it felt like a destination in itself.
Anxious to get started, we set out for Pinnacles National Park west entrance, just a short drive from our temporary home. Established as a national monument in 1908 and designated a national park in 2013, Pinnacles is one of California’s lesser-known treasures. It owes its dramatic landscape to an ancient volcanic field that was split and shifted by the San Andreas Fault over millions of years, leaving behind jagged spires, talus caves, and sheer-walled canyons.
Our first stop was the park’s visitor center to gather maps and insights. Eager to get our first taste of the Pinnacles’ unique geology, we took on the Prewett Point Trail. This short hike introduced us to the park’s surreal rock formations—towering spires and rugged ridges shaped by centuries of wind and water. The views from the trail’s edge hinted at the adventures waiting deeper within.
From there, we ventured to the Balconies and Cave Trail, a loop that plunged us into the park’s heart. The trail began with sweeping views of the iconic rock formations, their surfaces etched with time, before leading us into the cool, shadowy depths of the talus caves. Squeezing through narrow passages and climbing over slick boulders, we felt the thrill of navigating terrain shaped by falling rockslides and natural erosion. Emerging into the open, we were greeted by sweeping vistas of the Pinnacles’ dramatic peaks.
As the day wore on, the sun dipped lower in the sky, casting a golden glow on the rugged terrain. The peaks seemed to shimmer in the late afternoon light, their orange and gold hues glowing like embers—a fitting farewell to a day of discovery. Reluctantly, we left the park, already planning tomorrow’s trip to the east side of the park. Click on thumbnail to view images
The next morning, we set out early, eager for another day of adventure at Pinnacles National Park. This time, we made the hour-long drive to the East Entrance, where we parked at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. With the cooler morning air energizing us, we began our ascent on the High Peaks Trail—a route renowned for its breathtaking views and challenging terrain.
The trail wasted no time testing us, with steep switchbacks leading us upward through a labyrinth of bizarre rock formations. These ancient volcanic remnants, shaped into spires and monoliths, seemed almost otherworldly. As we climbed higher, the sky began to shift ominously, and the weather took a dramatic turn. A sudden storm rolled in, pelting us with wind, rain, and sleet. Caught in the fury of the elements, we sought shelter in the lee of a towering rock formation, grateful for its protection. For thirty minutes, we watched the storm rage around us, its clouds swirling dramatically over the jagged peaks.
When the storm finally passed, leaving the air crisp and the rocks glistening, we resumed our hike. The descent offered a new perspective on the landscape, with each turn revealing more of the park’s rugged beauty. Along the way, we paused to watch a group of rock climbers scaling a sheer cliff face. Pinnacles, with its endless array of cracks, chimneys, and overhangs, is a magnet for climbers, and seeing their determination and skill was inspiring.
By the time we reached the trailhead, we felt a deep appreciation for Pinnacles’ stark, untamed beauty. Its dramatic landscapes and the thrill of hiking its trails made it an unforgettable experience. Though we left soaked and a little windblown, we were glad to have explored this unique park in all its moody splendor. Click on thumbnail to view images
