Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

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To Reach the Trailhead Take Hwy. 25 South from Hollister for 35 miles to the posted turnoff for the Pinnacles on Hwy. 146. Approaching from the south, Hwy. 25 can be accessed from Hwy. 101 via Hwy. G13 at King City. Park in the nature center parking lot, 5 miles past the turnoff. The trailhead is across the road. While it is also possible to approach the Pinnacles (but not this hike) from the west through Soledad, there is no connection on Hwy. 146. There is an entrance fee of $10, which is valid for 7 days.

Description From the trailhead (0.0/1,650'), you begin climbing on the Condor Gulch Trail through large gray pines and deciduous blue oaks, quickly passing above a maintenance station. As you ascend, coast live oaks can be spotted in the riparian valley below. Toyon soon appears by the path, a shrub easily identified by its stiff, toothed, elliptical leaves and bright red berries, which first appear in December. At the first switchback, a rounded squat formation dubbed the Hippopotamus sits across the small gully. Looking like a stack of chips, Casino Rock is visible to the north. The trail then leads to an overlook where a small runnel of water gurgles down in season.