National Packed

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Bianca Beltran By Bianca Beltran
BIO
Pinnacles National Park packed on Memorial Day weekend
Published  7:16 PM PDT May 29, 2016


Text Size:AAAPinnacles National Park packed on Memorial Day Weekend
PAICINES, Calif. —Locals know that the west entrance to Pinnacles National Park usually has less foot traffic, but on this Memorial Day weekend there were lines of cars at both entrances, waiting to get in.

"The park ranger told me that we are going to have to wait. They are letting people out and then as they let people out they let people in," Juan Gomez said.

He brought his family from Fresno to visit the Pinnacles. He grew up in Soledad and said he doesn't remember the park being so busy.

"I've never had to wait before so it's surprising. Maybe more people are finding out about this place," Gomez said.

It's true; since it became a national park two years ago, the Pinnacles has received more visitors from around the world. Park ranger Jan Lemons said they expect more for their centennial celebration.

While some national parks are considering caps on the number of visitors, Pinnacles is inviting more people to explore the outdoors, despite the logistical challenges.

"We've got more special events going on and National Trails Day on June 4," Lemons said. "We have a special event on the west side. It's going to be a celebration over there for the national park centennial."

The park only has so many bathrooms and space in its facilities, but Lemons said the biggest challenge is parking. Pinnacles National Park has 180 parking spaces and sees about 4,000 people on a busy day, so it's recommended to show up early.

Jace Jaque and Mari Joyce Jimenez hit the trails Sunday. The couple first met at the Pinnacles two months ago and decided to celebrate their "two-month anniversary" at the park. They said it's a big difference from the last time they were there.

"It wasn't too bad when we first got here but on our way back down heading back towards the trail head we started seeing a lot more people coming in so thankfully we got here a little bit early and we are cutting out now getting ahead of the traffic," Jaque said.

According to the park rangers, the best time to visit the park is before 9 a.m. or after 3 p.m. in order to beat the crowds and the heat. Temperatures can reach triple digits at the Pinnacles.

 Who let the cat out of the bag? Pinnacles is a phenomenal place, stimulating inexplicable urges in the beholder as they explore it's spectacle.

 I remember the days when Clyde would tell me that I was the only visitor on the West side for that whole day. The place has always entranced me.

[mynameismud]

wow

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Yep. Was thinking of you Mud with the second sentence.

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The Sierra is grand and sometimes majestic. Pinns is strange and intriguing.

[JC w KC redux]

The Sierra is grand and sometimes majestic. Pinns is strange and intriguing.

Surprised you don't like the Sierra better since it is a batholith 

[Brad Young]

Surprised you don't like the Sierra better since it is a batholith 

Grrrroooaaaaannnnn   

[F4?]

Who would have thought 20-30 years ago it would be a hot spot.
For is we were cheap and too lazy to drive to Yosemite.
So pinnacles it was and still is, but between the hours of 6am-9am and 4pm-8pm.

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So pinnacles it was and still is, but between the hours of 6am-9am and 4pm-8pm.

Right.

[F4?]

We used to nap under the monolith near Lard Butt until it cooled off.

[mungeclimber]

The crowds causing a line up? That's your state reps changing an early Monument to a Park. People will love the park to death.