Pinnacles National Park

Flowers in Bloom along Condor Gulch Trail

Established in January of 2013, Pinnacles is one of the newest National Parks.

Imagine a place where birds of prey constantly soar overhead, where deer frolic playfully along the roadside. The sound of turkeys gobbling permeates the air. Quails constantly search for food buried in the dirt. Coyotes stroll by looking for a bite to eat. Large rock formations sprout up in masses eerily telling the story of tectonic plates shifting in times past. Poppy’s bloom as squirrels busily gather nuts. Various birds chirps echo through the valley. It’s spring in Pinnacles National Park.

One of the most unique things about Pinnacles National Park is the ability to see the largest land bird in North America the California Condor.

California Condor in flight at Pinnacles National Park — California Condor in Flight

California Condors in flight at Pinnacles National Park — California Condor in Flight

These incredible birds have a massive wing span of up to 9.8ft.

In 1987, the population of these incredible vultures had dwindled down to just 27, all of which were in captivity. The San Diego Wild Animal Park and Los Angeles Zoo were able to breed the remaining birds and by 1991 they were reintroduced into the wild. Today, you can catch a glimpse of these birds in California, Arizona, and Utah. While the population is slowly growing, California Condors are still listed as a critically endangered species.

Hike Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Loop to get a closer look!

From the valley floor, people often confuse the Turkey Vulture and the California Condor. There are a few key differences that will help you tell these two birds apart. Bring binoculars if you don’t plan on hiking to the higher peaks of the park.

The California Condor has triangular patches of white towards the leading edge of their wings and they are all tagged with numbers as you can see in the pictures above. California Condors are much larger (up to 26 pounds) than turkey vultures (5 pounds on the larger side). Turkey vulture’s wings are white towards the tail end of the bird. Turkey Vultures have small red heads and are much less steady in the air than the California Condors. You will notice how steady the California Condor soars in comparison with the much more wobbly flight of the turkey vulture.

Turkey Vulture in flight at Pinnacles National Park — Turkey Vulture in Flight

Check out this video to see both birds in flight!

Hiking Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Loop

My favorite hike in the park is to loop Condor Gulch Trail with High Peaks Trail. Extend your hike to also include the Bear Gulch Cave and the Bear Gulch Reservoir.