Maybe it’s a remnant of COVID era lockdowns. Maybe the beautiful and inspiring views of nature are enough to get you out of the house. Whatever the reason, hiking has become a significant family pastime and the national parks are a great destination.
California’s newest national park, Pinnacles National Park, offers varied and interesting views and experiences. From high rocky red peaks to hidden reservoirs to dark talus caves, there is something for everyone in your family. However, a family trip quickly becomes a family nightmare without the right supplies (ask me how I know). So before you head out on your next family adventure into Pinnacles National Park, make sure you pack the following.
1. Snacks!
There is not a lot of infrastructure built up around Pinnacles National Park. Given that this is California’s newest national park, this may change in the future. However, for now, make sure you pack whatever you think you are going to need – it is unlikely you will be able to purchase much once you get close to the park.
Snacks were an absolute necessity when taking our kids (both teens and toddlers) to Pinnacles National Park. A baggie of trail mix kept the herd happily munching as we continued along miles of trails on foot. And, a few animal crackers and pretzels kept Little Bro happy as we waited midway through the Lower Bear Gulch Cave for the rest of the family to navigate the heart of the cave.
So make sure to pack yourself a picnic lunch… but also keep in mind extra food for snacking along the trails.
2. Water
Water is important whenever you are hiking. Period. Dehydration is no fun for anyone and lots of physical exertion increases your chances of becoming dehydrated. Similar to the point above, you should make sure to bring enough water with you as you cannot rely on picking up supplies close to the park entrance. The Pinnacles National Park website recommends bringing at least 1 L of water per person.
Our kids like to bring backpacks to keep snacks and water bottles within reach. Next time, we are going to try a water bladder system… anything to keep dehydration and its nasty side effects away! We also brought extra water to keep in the car for the way up and back. Be sure to bring a cooler for this supply as the car will get hot!
3. Hats and Sunscreen
Regular use of sunscreen is something we all try to instill in our kids, am I right? Although, results may vary. At Pinnacles, sunscreen is a must. Most of the trails through Pinnacles are up high and lack shade. Keep this in mind, especially if you are braving the hot summer months (and make sure to bring extra water).
A hat and long sleeves is a great way to reduce the chance of sunburn if you forget your sunscreen… if you can get your stubborn littles to wear a hat at all.
The Bench Trail in from the overflow lot to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area does have some shade. And the amazing talus caves within the park are a cool, dark reprieve from a long hot hike.
4. Water Proof Shoes
It is best to visit Pinnacles National Park during the cooler seasons of Fall, Winter and Spring. Summertime in Pinnacles can be too hot, especially for little kids. However, the cooler months also mean more opportunities for rain.
Water runoff can be found on some of the trails, such as the Bench Trail from the campground to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Water also collects in the iconic caves, which may still remain open. Lower Bear Gulch Cave has a narrow rock wall through some water. You can walk across if you have amazing balance, however I was quite glad to have my water-proof hiking boots. I felt more sure-footed, especially with a youngster in the pack on my back.
5. A Light Source
A trip to Pinnacles National Park isn’t complete without a hike through one of its three talus caves. Caves are present on both sides of the park and are doable for most kids. Our three year old went through Lower Bear Gulch Cave holding someone’s hand.
You are going to need a light source if you are planning to go through a cave as it gets very dark. We used cell phone flashlights to guide our way, but I would recommend a real flashlight or possibly even a headlamp. The cave floor has collected water in some places and I felt a little worried I would drop my phone in a puddle.
Big Sis had a bit of a panic moment in the heart of the cave and I think a constant light source such as a headlamp would have alleviated some of that. A headlamp is also something that a smaller child such as Big Bro could have on without needing to keep track of it. He was totally enamored with the cave and we see more such outings in the future. I’m definitely looking into headlamps, myself. Any recommendations?
6. Binoculars
Pinnacles National Park is heralded as a bird-watcher’s paradise. Besides the amazing California condor nesting grounds, there are multiple species of falcon and a myriad of other avian friends to watch for. Besides birds, binoculars give you a means of examining the spectacular red rock pinnacles from a distance. Definitely a way to inspire some motivation to keep going.
7. A Good Child Carrier
If your visit to Pinnacles National Park includes parking in the overflow lot (which is likely for any who arrive on the weekends after 8am), you have the opportunity to hike to the more popular trailheads via the Bench Trail. There are some flat areas where toddlers might be able to assert some independence and walk safely on their own. But, for the most part, you are going to be hiking up rocky terrain with steep drop offs near the trail path. For this, I recommend you bring a good child carrier.
We use the ClevrPlus Deluxe Baby Backpack Carrier. I really like it as it securely holds Little Bro and provides a ton of storage. There are multiple pockets and a smaller removable bag zipped to the front. But it’s the under carrier storage that is the real winner. There is a big compartment where you can easily store water bottles, diapers and wipes, sweaters… Really anything you can think of. This carrier is designed for children up to 48 months or 33 lbs.
Do you have a favorite child carrier for hiking?
We truly enjoyed the memories we made during our most recent family trip to Pinnacles National Park. These things helped to make the trip run a little more smoothly. Hopefully they will help you plan a winning trip with your own tribe in the future!