Pinnacles National Park

Located in central California, near the San Andreas Fault, Pinnacles National Park is named for its spiraling rock formations, believed to be remnants of the extinct Neenach Volcano. Since 2003, the park has released captive-bred condors as part of its participation in the California Condor Recovery Program. The park’s 32 miles of trails make for excellent hiking and provide access to geological formations, spectacular vistas, and wildland communities. The park preserves many species of animals and birds, including a colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats in Bear Gulch Cave, which is closed for part of the year to protect the bats while they raise their young. A remarkable four hundred species of bees reside in the park, marking one of the most diverse bee populations in the world. Visitors enjoy the beauty of animal, bird, insect, and plant life—more than 80% of the park’s plants are in bloom from March to May, making for a breathtaking adventure for spring visitors.