This hike covers the really important parts of Pinnacles National Monument in 8.4 miles, only a few of them strenuous. Total elevation gain is just about 2000 feet, most of it in one long climb at the beginning. As usual, we'll be visiting the High Peaks for a dose of acrophobia, and the Balcony Cave for claustrophobia. As a special feature, it's tarantula season, so there may be opportunities for arachnophobia too! We'll start from the west entrance, and hike up the (steep) Juniper Canyon trail first thing, before the day gets hot. After seeing the fantastic views and impressive geology, we'll proceed down the (steep) High Peaks trail, have lunch somewhere along the way, and loop back by way of Cirith Ungol the Balcony Cave in the afternoon. Bring lunch, water, munchies, water, a flashlight (for the cave), $ for carpool (200 miles round trip), park entrance fee, and likely dinner stop on the way home, and water. Good sturdy hiking footwear is definitely recommended; sunscreen is also in order. Meet at carpool point #3.
Directions to LPSS carpool point #3 (Santa Clara County parking lot): Corner of 1st and Hedding, San Jose. Exit 101 or 880 onto 1st Street south in San Jose. Turn right at Hedding, and right again into the parking lot. Don't be too worried about the "no public parking" signs; they don't seem to apply on weekends.