Forget Bonaroo or Lollapalooza – the real place to rock out this summer is Pinnacles National Park, the first addition to the National Parks list in over 10 years.
A national monument since 1908, Pinnacles National Park and its rocky peaks graduated to national park status in January. Named for its spire-topped mountains, Pinnacles National Park is a summer destination where you can skip the crowds at the Grand Canyon or Yosemite and enjoy all the natural beauty you’d expect of a national park.
America’s newest national park is nestled in central California near the Salinas Valley and San Andreas Fault. Its rocky peaks were shaped by millions of years of volcanic activity, which later fractured to create canyons and vast talus cave systems that can still be visited today. The two main caves, Bear Gulch and Balconies, are unlike any other cave you’ve seen as these were created from falling boulders that filled the canyons below. Home to 14 of California’s 24 bat species, you might even stumble upon a few creatures of the night while exploring the caves.
If you prefer to stay in the sunny outdoors, Pinnacles National Park boasts more than 30 miles of hiking trails. You can spend your morning taking a leisurely nature walk along the park’s grasslands or climbing through the spires to reach the Condor Gulch Overlook. Throughout the trails, you’ll find creeks, large rock formations and plenty of opportunities to spot the California condors that call the area home.
Of course, these beautiful spires are the things rock climbers dream of, and experienced climbers will enjoy the thrill of scaling the large pinnacles at areas like Portent on Discovery Wall, Chockstone Dome and Unmentionable in the High Peaks area.
If you’re looking to spend the night at the park, tent and RV camping is available.
Will you be visiting America’s newest national park this summer?
(Main image: NeitherFanboy)
