Spring 2021: This was the first time I’ve travelled to a national park with my mom since the pandemic. After nearly a year of self-quarantine at home, we have finally decided to go and take a breather in the nature.
Eagerly, we packed water and a jacket on the weekend and went off on a 2-hour drive to the park. When we arrived at 7 in the morning, there were already a few cars in the parking lot.
We entered the park from the West side and decided to follow the Chaparral trail that led us to the Balconies Trail. Along the way, we often stopped and compared the sizes of the trees and the rocks. Finally, we reached the Balconies Cave.
Looking up, there was only a strip of light that passed through the giant rock formations that created an arch shape.
Looking down, there were smaller rocks that filled the ground. Each rock had its unique shape, size, color, and texture. After a long strenuous day, I climbed back on the car, still fascinated by the views up high. However, the beauty does not end there. The drive down the road was spectacular and seeing the park from far away was just another breathtaking view. At that moment, I thought of John Muir’s famous saying “Of all the paths you take in life, make sure a few of them are dirt.” Now, every once in a while, I scroll through the pictures that I have taken at the park, only to marvel the picturesque scenery again. I am so glad to have such a national park just a couple of hours away. I will definitely return to explore the other trails and caves!
Sincerely,
Pinnacles National Park
The jagged rocks at this park formed from the remains of an ancient volcano. This volcano used to be located about 200 miles south of its current location, but tectonic forces along the San Andreas Fault moved these rocks at a pace of a little more than half an inch per year over a period of 23 million years to what is now the national park. Today, these towering spires attract hikers and climbers, as well as falcons, golden eagles and California condors. The park also features grasslands, chaparral, forests and rare talus caves.
State(s): California
Established: 1908
“We are visitors of these beautiful parks, so we should protect the home of wildlife.”
National parks represent the best of America. Why do you care about protecting and preserving them? Tell us why parks matter to you!
Success! Thanks for sharing your story with us.
You’ll be notified by email when your story is approved and added to the collection on the My Park Story homepage.
In the meantime, you can share your own story page with your family and friends — and help us spread the word about these priceless memories and priceless places!
Here’s your unique story page link:
{{ storyUrl }}-
Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
Camping at the Pinnacles National Park was an expedition that lingered in my mind long after the tents were packed away. What began as a simple outing with classmates quickly unfolded into a breathtaking journey, leaving profound impressions on my soul. Day one was an overture of awe and excitement.…
-
Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
Here at Pinnacles National Park, where these rocks have been shaped by nature's work, I walked on the Moses Spring Trail down to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. Walking on the trail, I was treated to many different rock formations. These rock formations varied in many ways and shapes. Up close,…
-
Greetings from Pinnacles National Park
My family and I visited Pinnacles in late May and decided to hike the Moses Spring Trail up to Bear Gulch Reservoir. As I weaved between the boulders, I felt akin to a mountaineer exploring the trail for the first time. Tall rock spires colored umber and pale coral towered…
Preserve Our Parks
Make a tax-deductible gift today to provide a brighter future for our national parks and the millions of Americans who enjoy them.
Donate Now