Itinerary Announced for 2024 Atheist Adventure Camping Trip
Our fourth Atheist Adventure Camping trip (as featured in the L.A. Times) is taking us to Pinnacles National Park Nov. 7-11 — tickets are still available.
Pinnacles is a captivating natural wonder nestled in the heart of California. Just announced: here’s what attendees will enjoy:
Thursday, Nov 7
6:00 AM
Sunrise
5:04 AM -- Astronomical Twilight Starts
6:05 AM -- Civil Twilight Starts
8:00 AM
Morning Check-In
Meet around the campfire and review the days itinerary. Pack meals and water.
9:00 AM
Photo: alltrails.com
Length: 8.0 mi out and back | 4 h 34 min | Hard Difficulty
We’ll go as far as people are comfortable, then turn back
Elevation gain: 2,178 ft
Direction: Park at Moses Springs Parking Area
Trailhead: High Peaks Trail
The trail follows the contours of the reservoir for a short distance before turning south towards Pinnacles highest points. The trail maintains a steady ascent past such rock formations as The Sisters, The Love Handles, Kasparek's, Ridge Rock, The Hatchet, Gertie's Pinnacle, The Goal Posts, The Driver, Cortadura Wall, and The Yaks. Eventually, near the end of the hike, the trail joins a dirt road before terminating at an old fire lookout tower on North Chalone Peak, the highest point in Pinnacles National Park. The trail is well-maintained and easy to follow. Once you've had your fill, head back the way you came!
2:00 PM
Lunch at Campground
3:00 PM
Freetime / New Arrivals Campground Check-In
5:30 PM
Sunset
Photo: Joe Parks
5:28 PM -- Civil Twilight Ends
6:29 PM -- Astronomical Twilight Ends
10:06 PM
Moonset
Friday, Nov 8
6:00 AM
Sunrise
5:07 AM -- Astronomical Twilight Starts
6:08 AM -- Civil Twilight Starts
7:15 AM
Morning Check-In
Meet around the campfire and review the days itinerary. Pack meals and water.
8:30 AM
Photo: alltrails.com
Length: 5.3 mi loop | 2.5 hours | Medium Difficulty
Elevation gain: 515 ft
Trailhead: Old Pinnacles Trailhead (Limited parking, arrive early)
Description:
The Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave Loop is a moderately challenging 5.3-mile hike in Pinnacles National Park. The trail, open year-round, leads through a sunny landscape of towering rock formations, including Machete Ridge and the Balconies Cliffs. Explore the Balconies Cave, a flashlight-required adventure, and navigate seasonal creek crossings. This popular trail offers stunning views, diverse flora and fauna, and a unique opportunity to experience the park's geological wonders.
1:00 PM
Lunch at Campground
4:00 PM
Photo: peopleinparks.org
Length: 0.7 mi out and back | 30 min | Easy Difficulty
Elevation gain: 32 ft
Trailhead: Pinnacles Visitor Center
Description:
The trail, open year-round, begins at the Visitor Center and winds through oak woodlands, chaparral, and grassland. Along the way, you'll encounter historic remnants of the park's mining past, including the Bacon Ranch site. The trail offers stunning views of the park's iconic rock formations, including the Pinnacles themselves. This popular hike is suitable for hikers of all levels and is a great way to experience the park's diverse ecosystems and rich history.
ALTERNATIVE: Visitor Center to South Wilderness Trail
Photo: Alltrails.com
Length: 6.8 mi out and back | 3 hr | Easy Difficulty (go as far as you want!)
Elevation gain: 364 ft
Trailhead: Visitor Center or Campground (Bench Trail)
Description: This trail is great for birding and hiking, and it's unlikely you'll encounter many other people while exploring
5:30 PM
Sunset
5:27 PM -- Civil Twilight Ends
6:29 PM -- Astronomical Twilight Ends
11:16 PM
Moonset
Saturday, Nov 9
6:00 AM
Sunrise
5:08 AM -- Astronomical Twilight Starts
6:09 AM -- Civil Twilight Starts
8:00 AM
Morning Check-In
Meet around the campfire and review the days itinerary. Pack meals and water.
9:00 AM
Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop (Bear Gulch Cave Hike)
Photo: Alltrails.com
Length: 2 mi loop | 1.5 hrs | Easy Difficulty
Elevation gain: 439 ft
Trailhead: Bear Gulch Day Use Area
Description:
The Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop in Pinnacles National Park offers a moderate 2-mile loop that features Bear Gulch Cave, known for its many species of bats, and Bear Gulch Reservoir.
We might have our group photo here.
BIGGER ALTERNATIVE: Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
Photo: loupiote.com
Length: 5.6 mi loop | 4 hrs | Hard Difficulty
Elevation gain: 1,633 ft
Trailhead: Bear Gulch Day Use Area
Description:
The Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop is a strenuous, roughly 5.5-mile loop hike in Pinnacles National Park, California, featuring steep trails with excellent views of the park's iconic rock formations, including the "High Peaks," often accessed by climbing up Condor Gulch Trail to reach the scenic overlook at the top.
EVEN BIGGER ALTERNATIVE: High Peaks and Bear Gulch Loop Trail
Length: 7.4 mi loop | 6hr | Hard Difficulty
Elevation gain: 1,932 ft
Trailhead: Bear Gulch Day Use Area
Description:
The High Peaks and Bear Gulch Loop Trail in Pinnacles National Park offers a challenging yet rewarding hike. This 7.4-mile loop takes hikers through stunning rock formations, lush meadows, and offers panoramic views of the park. The trail features sections with steep climbs and narrow passages, making it a great choice for experienced hikers. With its diverse landscapes and breathtaking scenery, this trail is a must-do for nature lovers seeking a memorable adventure.
4:00 PM
Rock Talk with Science Speaker (Location TBD)
5:30 PM
Sunset
5:27 PM -- Civil Twilight Ends
6:28 PM -- Astronomical Twilight Ends
6:00 PM
Campfire Party
Sunday, Nov 10
6:00 AM
Sunrise
5:09 AM -- Astronomical Twilight Starts
6:10 AM -- Civil Twilight Starts
8:00 AM
Morning Check-In
Meet around the campfire and review the day's itinerary. Pack meals and water.
10:00 AM
TBD
2:00 PM
Lunch
4:00 PM
TBD
6:30 PM
Sunset
5:26 PM -- Civil Twilight Ends
6:27 PM -- Astronomical Twilight Ends
Ready to join us on this Atheist Adventure? What are you waiting for?
