Join photographers Scott Hein and Steve Bobzien for a day of photography at Pinnacles National Park. We will start our day on the East Side of Pinnacles on the Moses Spring Trail Head and head up into the High Peaks area where we will be surrounded by magical vistas, rock towers, wildflowers, and wildlife. This will be a loop that will continue along the High Peaks Trail down to the Bear Gulch area and back to the cars below. If we are lucky, we will be rewarded with moments shared with the park’s iconic mascot, the California Condor. Participants should be in good physical shape and be ready for some technical, exposed hiking up steep steps cut into rock formations, and a long day in the hills.

This event is for experienced hikers and outdoor photographers with working knowledge of their own gear. Hike leaders will be able to guide participants into the amazing surrounding hills and cliffs for photography opportunities, but this will not be an introductory course on outdoor photography.

Participants should wear good, gripping hiking shoes, bring layers for changing weather, including a hat and carry plenty of food and water, as there will be no water outside of the parking lot for the duration of the hike. Heavy rain cancels.

***There will be a $30 park entrance fee (exact change)

This hike is limited to 10 participants.

Land: Pinnacles National Park

Rating: Strenuous

Distance: 5 miles

Elevation change: 2000 feet

Leader: Scott Hein and Steve Bobzien, Wildlife Photographers and Sean Burke, Save Mount Diablo’s Land Programs Director

Meet: Moses Spring Trailhead, Moses Spring Parking Area Bear Gulch Staging area, out of the East Entrance

GPS Coordinates: 36.520128536074594, -121.20809497276345

Directions: Take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25. Go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146. Turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at the Pinnacles Visitor Center. From the campground, the Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles further into the park along Hwy 146.

For more directions, please visit the National Park website: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/directions.htm

(Photo by Scott Hein)

FAQs

Are dogs allowed on Discover Diablo hikes?

No. Some Discover Diablo hikes take place on land owned by other organizations (such as Mount Diablo State Park & East Bay Regional Park lands) and many of the trails on these properties have a strict no-dog policy.

Are there ID or minimum age requirements to enter the event?

Anyone under the age of 18 will need to be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Do I have to bring my printed ticket to the event?

No. On the hike day, we will have a roster with your registration information on it. Please make sure to check in with the hike leader.

Can I update my registration information?

Yes. If you would like to change anything, please reach out to discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.

How can I contact the organizer with any questions?

You can contact us at discoverdiablo@savemountdiablo.org.