BAARS Pinnacles Herping and Camping Weekend 2008

By popular demand, BAARS is organizing its Annual Pinnacles Herping and Camping trip. Pinnacles National Monument is located about two hours southeast of San Jose. The main attractions of the park include volcanic spires, caves, a reservoir, hiking trails, climbing routes, and herps. Most of the park is desert, but depending on the weather; there are also moist areas where amphibians can be found. Personally, we have seen rattle snakes, horned lizards, fence lizards, alligator lizards, racers, frogs, toads, tarantulas, millipedes, deer, bats, rabbits, butterflies, feral pigs, turkey vultures, peregrine falcons, wildflowers, assorted creepy-crawly critters, and much, much more.

DATES: Saturday-Sunday, April 19th-20th 2008
CAMPSITE: We will be camping at the Pinnacles Campground at the East Side entrance of the park. This is a commercial campground and located outside the park. We will be in site number (TBD). The sites have fireplaces, but wood gathering is strictly forbidden. There is a campground store and a pool. Radios and stereos are not allowed, and all pets must be kept on a leash; no dogs or bicycles on hiking trails.
COST: It’s going to be about $20.00 per person for the weekend, depending on how many people come.
SIGN UP: Email Eric Koessel at erickoessel@yahoo.com and tell me how many tents/people/kids you are bringing. First come first serve.

HIKES:  Will be decided after we wake up from our Friday night tall story telling session around the cozy campfire. Usually several groups of people set off in different directions. I am going to do something kid-friendly on all days.
DIRECTIONS: Take Highway 101 South past Gilroy. Turn left onto 25 to Hollister. Follow the signs and stay on highway 25. About 30 miles south of Hollister, take a right onto highway 146. Note that you cannot access the East Side of the park from Soledad. Please, consult a map for details on how to get to the park. There is a $4.00 access fee per car, which is valid for the whole weekend.
WHAT TO BRING:
  *  Stout shoes with non-slip soles; the caves are slippery and some of the trails are rugged.
  *  At least one water bottle that can hold at least 1 quart of water. It gets hot in the park, and there is no water available on the trails.
  *  Sunscreen.
  *  A hat and sunglasses.
  *  Flashlights with fresh batteries, one per person, for the caves and for the night hike.
  *  Be sure to bring some long pants, sweaters, and blankets or a sleeping bag. Temperatures can drop significantly at night.
  *  Mosquito repellant, firewood, food to share, ear plugs, swimsuit, camera, ID books,

MORE INFORMATION:
- The phone number for the main park visitor center is (831) 389-4526.  
- The phone number for the campground and the store is (831) 389-4462.
- The website for the campground (with a link to the park): http://www.pinncamp.com

- Contact: Eric Koessel at erickoessel@yahoo.com.

CANCELLATION: The trip will take place in any weather.