Natural History Wanderings

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Pinnacles National Monument is in the southern part of the Gibilan Range, which is part of the California Coast Ranges.  It is named for the eroded rock formations that are the result of an extinct volcano.  It is popular with birders, wildflower enthusiasts, and climbers.  It is about 80 miles south of San Francisco and is over 80 % wilderness.  The main National Park website is: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm

Pinnacles participates in the California Condor Recovery Program and  has 30 free-flying condors.   To learn more about the condors go to http://www.nps.gov/pinn/naturescience/condors.htm

For more information about animals at Pinnacles and to get a PDF bird list go to: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/naturescience/birds.htm

The Pinnacles has four different plant communities: xeric(dry rocky areas), riparian, chaparral and foothill woodland communities.  March thru May is peak wildflower season and over 80 per cent of the wildflowers found at Pinnacles will bloom during this period. Early season (January to February) wildflowers included Manzanitas, Milkmaids, Shooting stars and Indian Warriors.   Starting to bloom in March and usually into April are Bush Poppies, Fiddlenecks, Fiesta Flowers, Monkeyflowers and Baby Blue-eyes.  In April blooms include Johnny-jump-ups, Virgin’s Bowers, Gilias, Suncups, Chias, Black Sages, Larkspurs and Bush Lupines.  May wildflowers are Chamise, Buckwheats, Clarkias, Orchids, Penstemons and Wild Roses.  For more information on plants and to get a Pinnacles plant list PDF go to: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/naturescience/plants.htm

There are two talus caves at Pinnacles: the Bear Gulch Cave and the Balconies Cave. Flashlights are required for hikes through the caves.   The Bear Gulch cave is home to Townsend’s big-eared bats. Check with the park to see when they are open: http://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/cavestatus.htm

The Pinnacles campground is found on the east side of the monument. The west side is closed to camping. Summer is very hot and dry and the least desirable time to visit.