Reaching New Heights.

Memorial Day Weekend · Outdoorithm Collective · Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles

Saturday, May 24 to Monday, May 26, 2025

Nestled among ancient volcanic spires and winding talus caves, Pinnacles National Park offers a striking and unforgettable backdrop for our next family camping adventure. The group campsite brings us together beneath a sky teeming with stars and soaring condors, surrounded by rugged beauty and rich history.

Just a short ride or hike away, the park opens up into a wonderland of towering rock spires, hidden caves, and high trails where California condors soar. Whether exploring the surreal beauty of Bear Gulch, climbing through talus passages, or stargazing by the fire, this trip invites us to reconnect—with nature, with each other, and with the joy of adventure shared.

What to Expect (i.e. is this trip for me?):

This spring trip offers a beautiful blend of comfort and adventure. Our group site provides drive-up access and shaded areas for gathering, making it easy to settle in and enjoy the rhythm of camp life. From this home base, you’ll have the chance to explore the park’s iconic caves, climb through rocky canyons, and take in sweeping views from the high peaks.

Expect warm days, cool nights, and the possibility of sunshine-fueled hikes that inspire. It’s a great fit for families and folks who want to explore nature’s dramatic side by day and return to the comfort of shared meals and stargazing by night.

If you're excited for sunshine, wild landscapes, and time together in a one-of-a-kind national park, this trip promises fun, connection, and lasting memories!

Spots Added - Last Chance!

✨ We were able to secure additional spots! We’ve pulled folks off the wait-list and have a very limited number of spots left - sign up today!

The Details

Where: Pinnacles National Park

When: Saturday, May 24 - Monday, May 26 (Memorial Day Weekend)

What: Great community, good food, and optional hikes through caves, canyons, and condor country in one of California’s most dramatic landscapes.

What’s Included?

Food: We’ll provide dinner and breakfast from the evening of Saturday, May 24 through the morning of Monday, May 26.

Sleeping: Outdoorithm Collective provides 1 tent and 2 cots per group, plus string lights. For this trip, we’ll be using fully waterproof, lightweight polyester tents with inflatable air frames—quick to set up and comfy for spring camping.

Amenities: Flush toilets and running water are available at the campground.

Activities: Pinnacles is home to scenic trails that wind through volcanic canyons, shady talus caves, and breathtaking ridgelines—with chances to spot wildlife, including endangered California condors. Hikes range from easy strolls to moderately challenging routes, with options for all ages and comfort levels.

What Do I Bring?

Food: Bring your own lunches, snacks, and drinks (including any kid-friendly favorites).

Sleeping: Bring a sleeping bag and sleeping pad; pillow optional. Tents and cots will be provided.

Clothing & Personal Items:

  • Comfortable layers for warm days and chilly nights

  • A sun hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen

  • Good walking shoes or hiking boots

  • Toiletries and any personal care items

  • Flashlight or headlamp

Extras: Bring anything your family enjoys during downtime—card games, books, journals, art supplies, binoculars for bird watching, etc.

Ready to go?

Our Trip Philosophy

➡️ Belonging in Nature: We believe that public lands are for everyone. We center the experiences of folks who have been marginalized from outdoor spaces, creating supportive environments where all feel welcome. Together, we're rewriting the narrative of who belongs in our beautiful natural world.

➡️ Community Empowerment: We thrive together. From setting up camp to preparing meals, we share responsibilities and wisdom across cultures and generations. Our collaborative approach builds confidence, develops outdoor skills, and creates meaningful connections that extend beyond each trip.

➡️ Restoration & Joy: We embrace nature's power to inspire awe and renewal. Our trips create spaces where families experience the wonder of starlit skies and sunrise moments, find joy in shared discoveries, and develop traditions that nurture wellbeing through the restorative qualities of the outdoors.

➡️ Stewardship & Legacy: We honor our responsibility to protect and preserve these lands for future generations. Through hands-on experiences and cultural connections to place, we inspire a lasting commitment to environmental care that becomes part of each family's outdoor practice.

What do Outdoorithm Collective trips look like?

Here’s a quick peak at our trips and our amazing community.

FAQs

  • No, there is no fee to attend. You do need to provide your own lunch, snacks, and drinks, as well as sleeping bag and sleeping pad. If you’d like to contribute to Outdoorithm Collective to support this and future trips, you can make a tax-deductible donation online.

  • Breakfast and dinner are provided, starting with dinner on Saturday thru breakfast on Monday. Everyone is expected to contribute to meal preparation and cleanup, as part of our value of co-creating a camping community.

  • Please reach out to Sally directly at sally@outdoorithmcollective.org

Exploring Pinnacles

Pinnacles offers dramatic trails unlike anywhere else, with volcanic spires, hidden caves, and condor sightings around every turn. Whether you’re looking for a peaceful stroll or a more active hike, there’s something here for everyone.

Popular Trails to Explore:

  • Bear Gulch Cave Trail (Easy to Moderate) – A family favorite! This fun hike winds through oak woodlands and leads into the Bear Gulch talus caves.

    • Want to explore the caves? Bring a headlamp and be ready for uneven footing. Most areas are wide enough for people of all body sizes, but the trail includes stairs, low ceilings (some crouching required), and narrow passages that may be challenging for those who are uncomfortable in enclosed spaces or need step-free access.

    • Prefer to skip the caves? There’s an alternate route that goes around them—so everyone can enjoy the trail in a way that works for them!

  • Condor Gulch Trail to Overlook (Moderate) – A scenic out-and-back trail with sweeping canyon views and a good chance of spotting a California condor.

  • High Peaks Trail (via Condor Gulch Loop) (Strenuous) – For experienced hikers looking for a challenge, this loop features breathtaking vistas, steep switchbacks, and narrow ridgeline stairs.

  • Bench Trail (Easy) – An easy, mostly flat trail accessible from the campground—great for a relaxed walk or kid-friendly nature time.

Trail Tips:

  • Most trails are exposed, so bring plenty of water, sunscreen, and sturdy shoes.

  • Flashlights or headlamps are helpful (especially for caves).