Pinnacles National Park guide · 2 min read
Return of the California Condor Over the High Peaks
The California condor is an endangered bird with an enormous wingspan. At Pinnacles, these birds glide above the rock spires near the park's highest points.
Mornings are a good time to look for them, since they may still be perched in rock formations or gray pines. Once the air warms, they lift on rising currents of warm air while searching for carrion.
Pinnacles has taken part in a reestablishment program since 2003, run by the National Park Service with the Ventana Wildlife Society. Birds hatched in captivity are later set free here, a step meant to grow the wild population. The first nest since the birds were brought back was built in 2010, and the park now counts 25 free-flying condors.
Clusters of pinnacles on the mountaintops, known as the High Peaks, give the park its name. The High Peaks Trail Loop is rated moderate to strenuous and includes rock ladders, ledges, and some scrambling over boulders. Hikers pass Bear Gulch Reservoir and Bear Gulch Caves, and 360-degree views open across the park. The loop can be started from the east side or the west side.
The Condor Gulch Trail feeds into the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail, where condors are often spotted on the rock faces. For a shorter outing, walk one mile to the Condor Gulch viewpoint and back, climbing about 600 feet. Across the park, more than 30 miles of trails are open to hikers. Plan on at least a liter of water per hour, because none is available along the trails.
Birders can count 181 documented species here, and the park's place along the Pacific Flyway makes it a useful stop for migrating birds. The Balconies Trail begins at the Chaparral trailhead and overlooks Machete Ridge and Balconies Cliffs. Above the talus cave system, watch for condors, prairie falcons, and golden eagles.
