Bay Area Backcountry: North Chalone Peak

The Pinnacles are one half of the core of an extinct volcano. The other half is in Southern California. (Can you guess where a major fault line runs? I knew you could). The core intruded into softer rock, which has since largely eroded leaving the core exposed to view.

Springtime is the best time to visit - the temperature is still nice and wildflowers are in bloom.

There is a private campground (408 389-4462) just outside of the eastern entrance. The eastern entrance provides convenient access to a nice cave, while the western entrance is best for exploring the pinnacles themselves.

There are two caves, not much as caves go but this part of California is largely cave-free, so you have to take what you can get. One cave is very short - perhaps one hundred feet, and the other is about a quarter of a mile long. Neither ever get completely dark, but flashlights are still required. Watch for frogs and bats in the cave.