I think spring is going to be busy. Please let the folks know that parking is going to be the biggest problem at the Pinnacles this year now that the YACC lot on the East Side gone. We're going to be stretched to the max on weekends, and any climbers who can do so might want to consider climbing on weekdays to make finding a parking place closer to the trail heads easier. If weekends are their only option, then arriving early in the morning is a must. We'll be using a remote lot on the Pinnacles Campground with shuttles to and from Bear Gulch and the Chalone Creek areas when parking inside the park is full. Another curveball is going to be the Chalone Creek bridge replacement project, which will commence in April or May and further reduce road access and parking.

West Side parking was also reduced by flood waters, and we'll be using portable toilets at Chaparral for the season. Final repairs to the Chaparral utilities will start in June. Again, either a weekday visit or early arrival on Sat. and Sun. are advisable.

Visiting hours in the park are 7:30am to 7:00pm after Feb. 1. They'll go to 9pm later in the spring. The only camping available is at the Pinnacles Campground.

Needless to say, this spring is going to be a challenge. We hope for patience and understanding from all as we try to cope with the lingering impacts of last winter's flood.

Climbers can call the park for raptor and condition updates at 831 (new area code) 389-4485.