PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK OVERNIGHT TRIP

PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK OVERNIGHT TRIP

Leader: Gary Weiss

Leader Email: gary@sfhiking.com

Leader Phone: 415-279-5570

Meeting Date and Day: Friday, March 25, 2022

Meeting Time: It would be ideal if all drivers could leave the Bay Area around 9AM with any passengers.  Driving time is under 2 hours.

Meeting Place: Most likely Whole Foods in SF and Rockridge in the East Bay.

Return Home: March 27, 2022

Rating:Level-2 or Level-3 or Level-4

Mileage: Multiple options

Elevation Gain: 1000' to 2000'

Description: Pinnacles National Park is one of the remarkable wonders of California. Basically, it's half of an extinct volcano that has slid north - from Southern California - over millions of years.  The rock formations are breathtaking.

Our plan is to leave the Bay Area in the early morning of Friday, March 25th and arrive in time to check in to our hotel, pick up lunch and water and go hiking. 
LET'S TRY AND MEET IN THE LOBBY AT NOON, ready to go.

This should be peak wildflower season so any hike we take should be spectacular.

We'll most likely be visiting one entrance on Friday and the other entrance on Saturday. 

Optional: On Sunday, after checking out, most of us will detour 45 minutes to visit Point Lobos State Natural Reserve.  It's a stunningly beautiful reserve, well-known for windswept rock cliffs with Monterey pines and cypresses clinging to the rocks.  There are several short hike options we can take in the park.

We'll be staying at the Laurel Inn & Conference Center in Salinas, CA.  If you're interested in going, please register on our site as soon as possible, then call the hotel to give your credit card.  I've reserved 26 rooms, and as of now the hotel still has several additional rooms available. Breakfast of sorts is included.  I've reserved 13 rooms with 2 queen beds and 13 with 1 king.  The cost for both nights including tax will be $200.98.  No problem if you'd like to stay a third night: some people may be arriving early to stay Thursday as well.
The hotel's phone number is: 831-449-2474.  Tell them you’re with the SF Hiking Club - we have a block of rooms.

When you've registered with the hotel please text or email me to let me know that you've done so and which room type you selected.

IF YOU'D LIKE TO GO, PLEASE REGISTER ON OUR SITE FIRST, THEN TEXT OR EMAIL ME WITH YOUR CHOICE OF ROOM.

Directions: Laurel Inn & Conference Center
801 West Laurel Drive, Salinas, CA 93906
We'll plan on meeting in the lobby around noon.

Bring/Wear: Sturdy hiking shoes, sunscreen, clothing changes and any snacks or food you wouldn't expect to find in Salinas. Poles for some steep downhills if you use  them.  Bring your water containers to refill.  AND flashlights for the caves (may be closed at this time).

Rain Policy: Event will take place rain or shine

Driving Distance: 240 miles total, there and back.

Car Pool Fees: $28 per passenger just for the ride to and from the hotel.  There will be several additional miles driven during the weekend.  Please bring sufficient cash or an electronic payment method. 

Park Entrance Fees: Pinnacles has a $30 per vehicle entrance fee (free with National Parks Pass); Point Lobos has a $10 per vehicle entrance fee.