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Wildlife, Wildflowers, and Condors at the Pinnacles - West

ID : 14215   
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This gem of a pristine wildland tucked into the center of the Inner Coast Range along the boundary of Monterey and San Benito County features towering, brightly-hued volcanic cliffs, cool riparian streamside woodland, riotous spring flower displays, and is home to nesting prairie and peregrine falcon and wide variety of songbird species. An extra inducement for this visit is the introduction and breeding of the California condor within the park, which now roam free at the Pinnacles. We may have opportunities to observe these birds during our time on the trail.

We will explore portions of this fascinating wildlife mecca at the height of the spring wildflower season and the onset of the annual bird migration. An excellent, easily navigated trail system provides comfortable access to excellent viewing opportunities.

Our early meeting time puts us in the park when parking is easier to find closer to our trailheads, so be sure to plan for travel time.

Park entrance fees apply, unless you have a National Park Service annual pass or Golden Eagle Passport.

 

Class Details

1 Session(s)
Weekly - Sat

Location
Pinnacles National Park - West Entrance

Instructor
Bruce Elliott 

 

Notice

Please read:  Instructor recommends that you arrive a half hour prior to class start to assure that you are able to find parking close to the trailhead. The parking at Pinnacles fills fast!

Class will meet at the far end of the parking lot of Pinnacles West, NOT PINNACLES EAST which is on the opposite side of the mountain. There is no crossover road between the two sides within or near the Park. Meet at the picnic tables by the far end of the parking lot near the restrooms

Participants should dress for warm conditions, wear footwear suitable for walking on dirt trails, and bring a binocular to enhance your viewing of wildlife. Also, since there is no food or drink service in the National Park, bring a sack lunch and beverage. There are clean restrooms and picnic area facilities available for us.

From the Monterey Bay area to Soledad, the drive is about 1 hour. Allow an additional 45 minutes for the attractive, but windy access road through Shirttail Canyon beyond Soledad to the parking lot.

If you do not have a National Park Service Annual Pass or a Golden Eagle Passport, there is a modest entrance fee payable at the West Gate Park Service Station.

Fee: 

$110.00


Schedule Information

Date(s) Class Days Times Location Instructor(s)
5/10/2025 - 5/10/2025 Weekly - Sat 09:00 AM - 02:00 PM Soledad, Pinnacles National Park - West Entrance  Map Bruce Elliott 

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