Pinnacles as a National Park... Something feels a lot different.

[Atomizer]

I personally have noticed that the Pinnacles suddenly feels a lot different with the change of status. First it seems more crowded, much more so than March has in the past. I've had to use the lower parking lots twice in a row now after never having to use them before. We even went on a Thursday and it seemed as crowded as a weekend.

Another weird difference I have seen is the throwing of rocks from the reservoir trail down into the chasm between it and the Monolith. Yesterday we observed no less than 10 rocks thrown down there. One which would have taken out a belayer on Ranger Bolts. Over years of time spent in this spot ive only seen rocks thrown twice before. Now there is a broken glass down there and it just feels kind of unsafe all of sudden. Does a NP attract a lower IQ user group than a NM? This is not good for a spot which is likely the future of hard pinnacles climbing. And for the fact that there is a trail below.

Has anyone else noticed something different?

[CruxLuv]

That stinks.

With all the recent hooplah, hopefully it's just a temporary uptick in attendance.

Kinda like how crowded (non-climbing) gyms are every January.  Once everyone has broken their resolutions, it's back to the normal crowd.

[Atomizer]

Dave and both wrote letters to the Superintendent asking for new signs on that trail. They have no excuse to not put them up. Someone could die and not just a climber but hikers in the cave are effected too.

[JC w KC redux]

KC said there was an article in Sunset mag, and there have also been recent articles in Rock & Ice and Climbing. Those may be responsible for an increase in hikers and or climbers and lookie loos. Various schools have also been having their spring breaks on staggered schedules the last few weeks as well. I am out this week for DeAnza. Maybe we need to carry wristrockets with our gear

[Atomizer]

Both Dave and I have now received a good email response from the park superintendent. It sounds like action will be taken swiftly to prevent his from happening again. It feels nice to get a positive and geniune response so quickly. I guess sending messages directly really helps.

[JC w KC redux]

Okay - I'll cancel my bulk order for the wrist rockets

[F4?]

Damn Sunset, there they go ruining it for us.

The fame will wear off.

I just hope the squirrels can cope with the increase in traffic (that's why you have to drive 15mph).

Next there will be a busing program from Hollister and Soledad.

[Atomizer]

Until this is resolved I will take my own actions, in self defense. Every time I hear or see someone walking that trail I yell at the top of my lungs, "DON'T THROW ROCKS!!!!!!" It seemed to work, but maybe I should look deeper into this incident, maybe I'm just supposed to climb somewhere else.

The sign should also say "climbers can hear you and be quiet". I seriously had someone tell me the next bolt was five feet above my head from the rim trail. I was trying that stupid rap bolted continuation to the old TD project right of Ranger Bolts and was already frustrated enough that the next bolt was only five feet above. I wanted to say, " yeah I can probably see it better than you", but I stuck with "yes i see it."

Now I'm just ranting...

I also suggested that the shuttle bus  should stop at all the parking lots along the road, not just the campground.

[Atomizer]

The Chief Law Enforcement Ranger says signs will be placed before next weekend.

[Gavin]

I've been away at Yosemite for a few days but just finished the read-through of this thread.

I'm glad to hear Karen (the superintendent) and Mark (the chief LE ranger) replied quickly, Adam... I hadn't seen rock-throwing incidents where you were describing them, but that is very frustrating. Hopefully the signs will do some good. With eroded funding on top of the sequester effects, we're down to 3 law enforcement rangers for the whole park, so I think it has been difficult to get folks on trail with any frequency.

In regards to the original question: I've noticed higher visitation pressure over the last few years, though I'm not sure it has been especially significant since NP status in January. I've noticed an increasing amount of trash on and near trails over the past several years, as well as more trail short-cutting, graffiti on rocks and trees, and more dogs on trail (which aren't allowed beyond paved areas, in case folks aren't aware). I've organized a few trash clean-up events for all staff and have tried to push for a more responsive attitude in dealing with trash and graffiti, but it can be hard to stay on top of it, especially as increased visitation is likely to continue.

[mynameismud]

Belizzi and I experienced it while at the base of RB.  We both yelled at the offenders and the Mom apologized.

[F4?]

Hmmm, yesterday was a crazy experience.

I was told that Pinnalces wasn't getting any additional funds as a Nat'l park. I did make my annual donation to the park to help pay for the W-Side visitors center.

Yes, the trails were packed and then some. The dust was bad. I could see some improvements like the railings. But, man people, people.

The parking lot was packed and the shuttles went from 2 to 1 @ 5pm. And stopped @ 6pm.

Then to add insult to injury...the store was closed @ 5pm.

While the traffic is good (more$$ coming in) the park just doesn't seem to handle the influx as well. Or maybe the increase traffic is way more than expected?

Granted they did have host volunteers helping out and directing folks (nice idea and very helpful).
Or maybe it has to do with the Sequester?

Might have to hold off until May when the heat scares the crowds off...

[JC w KC redux]

There were way fewer people there today.