The delayed start of the hot season gives us the chance for one more trip to Pinnacles! This time, we'll start from the east side, and hike up to the High Peaks at a sightseeing pace, stop for a picnic, see if we can spot any condors (we saw one last time!), and then return, with a minor scenic detour to the reservoir. Expect wildflowers! This will be between 6 and 8 miles, depending on parking conditions. Some of those miles are quite steep, but there's no need to rush, so don't worry about being left behind. Total elevation gain is about 2000 feet. Bring: lunch, water, munchies, water, $ for carpool (200 miles round trip), park entrance fee, and optional 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.