Pinnacles 2023
![Pinnacles 2023](/content/images/size/w2000/2023/04/_feature-3.jpeg)
Pinnacles National Park is the smallest National Park in California (5th smallest in the US). We were there last year and had a great time, and this year, we visited there again as the Spring came to the Bay Area.
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We learned a lot about the Park on our last visit - especially about parking on the weekend. We left home at 5 am in the morning, passed the Park entrance and the visitor center (the campground), and ran up to Moses Spring Parking Area. It was 7 am, and there were a few available spots. I think you have to come no later than 8 am (on the weekend) if you want to park near Bay Gulch Day Use Area.
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At first, we left for the Bear Gulch Reservoir via Bear Gulch Cave. Last year the path was crowded in both directions (up/down), and it was hard to take pictures. This year at 7 am, literally, there was no one except for us. We could have plenty of time in the cave and enjoy the morning tranquility of the beautiful reservoir.
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Then we went to Condor Gulch Trail. It was a steady and easy trail by a beautiful landscape. We could see many condors (probably) circling the top for foraging and a glimpse of the California Superbloom of this year.
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After two hikes, it was just 11 am, and we had lunch that we had brought from home. Then, came back home - it was still 1 pm of Sunday. The early bird was paid in full.