Time: April 3, 2011 from 10:30am to 4:30pm
Location: Pinnacles National Monument

Come join us for a hike.   The Santa Cruz area men's hiking group (sc-hikers) will be making it's annual spring time trek to see the wildflowers and other sights of the Pinnacles National Monument.  We're a very low-key and friendly group.  We're a men-only group and  do monthly hikes around the Santa Cruz area... but, everyone is welcome at the Pinacles.

We're meeting up at 10:30 am at the Chapparal parking lot (west entrance) and we'll do an 8.5 mile strenuous hike to the high peaks and to the balconies cave.

High Peaks–Balconies Cave Loop
8.4 mile loop, 5-6 hours
elevation gain: 1,540 feet
Strenuous

Begin by climbing into the High Peaks, and the rest of the loop is downhill or flat. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails, going over or through the cave. Flashlight required in cave.

Bring plenty of water
A hat & sunscreen
Flashlight for the caves

The National Park Service charges $5 per car for entrance.

Our carpools leave from the Soquel Park & Ride lot @ 8:30am, located just east of Santa Cruz along Highway 1.

The Park & Ride is located at the northwest corner of the Soquel Ave interchange at hwy 1.

Coming from Santa Cruz, exit hwy 1.  turn right on frontage road (1st light), then turn right on Soquel Ave (2nd light).  get in left lane and turn left (next traffic light)after crossing over freeway.  Make (immediate) first left into the lot.

Driving Directions