Pinnacles National Park, designated in 2013, is located an hour from San Jose and home to Falcons, Golden Eagles and the California Condor. It is amazing that a park this close to major metro areas was so empty. We got aggressive and set out on the Balconies and High Peaks Loop, a 9 miles hike. This loop covered the iconic features of the park, which are the Balconies Caves and the High Peaks. The caves were crazy tight and difficult to navigate with the little man on my back. There was a 10 foot section where I dragged myself on my stomach across the floor. After emerging from the caves, we climbed 1,700ft to watch the condors. During our lunch stop, we were harassed by bees. Bryce quickly picked up on our discomfort with the bees. He now yells “Beeeee, beeeee, beeee” in fear at every flying insect. Hopefully this is a phase. I took a lot of terrible pictures of birds off in the distance that I assume are the special condors and headed back down the mountain. Next stop Yosemite!
