Near Paicines in San Benito County, California — The American West (Pacific Coastal)

Climbing at Pinnacles National Monument

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2007

1. Climbing at Pinnacles National Monument Marker

Inscription. Pinnacles has seen the birth and growth of modern rock climbing over the past 80 years. The early accents of the rock spires, often done with basketball sneakers and braided hemp rope, were dangerous and intensely challenging. The crackless faces of loose, crumbly rock at Pinnacles required a non-traditional means of protecting climbers against a fall. Four climbers, including David Brower, who later became the first Director of the Sierra Club, established what is believed to be the first climbing route in the United States to use solely bolts for protection. These pioneers led the way for climbers today. Since those first ascents in 1933, climbing has become a popular sport that draws thousands to Pinnacles each year. The climbing community and National Park Service are working together to promote safe, responsible climbing. The climbers that visit Pinnacles today use low-impact techniques, setting the standard for balancing recreation and preservation. Just as we look at the historic first ascents at Pinnacles, future generations will look back at today’s climbers as pioneers of responsible climbing.

Erected by National

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Park Service-United States Department of the Interior.

Topics. This historical marker and monument is listed in this topic list: Sports. A significant historical year for this entry is 1933.

Location. 36° 29.523′ N, 121° 12.596′ W. Marker is near Paicines, California, in San Benito County. It is on California Route 146. The marker is near the Chaparral Ranger Station at Pinnacles National Monument and the Juniper Canyon Trail. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: Paicines CA 95043, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Regionally, this marker and monument is on the Central Coast

and on the Coast Ranges.

It is also on the American Pacific Coast.

Globally, it is in North America,

on the Ring of Fire,

in the Pacific Rim,

in the Western Hemisphere,

in the Western World,

and in the Anglosphere.

Historically, it finds itself in what was once New Spain

and also Mexico’s Alta California.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within 10 miles of this marker, measured as the crow flies: Return to Condor Crags (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); One Voice Murals Project (approx. 8

Climbing at Pinnacles National Monument image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2007

2. Climbing at Pinnacles National Monument

miles away); Cesar Chavez Park (approx. 8 miles away); Railroad Station Site (approx. 8 miles away); Mission Nuestra Señora Dolorosísima de la Soledad (approx. 10 miles away); Padre Florencio Ibanez (approx. 10.1 miles away); Jose Joaquin de Arrillaga (approx. 10.1 miles away); The De Anza Expedition in Soledad (approx. 10.1 miles away).

Another marker is no longer nearby. Los Coches Rancho (was approx. 8.6 miles away but has been confirmed missing).

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2007

3. Climbing at Pinnacles National Monument

Sign at the entrance to the Park image. Click for full size.

Photographed by Don Morfe, September 28, 2007

4. Sign at the entrance to the Park

Credits. This page was last revised on June 16, 2016. It was originally submitted on August 25, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. This page has been viewed 487 times since then and 16 times this year. Photos: 1, 2, 3, 4. submitted on August 25, 2015, by Don Morfe of Baltimore, Maryland. • Andrew Ruppenstein was the editor who published this page.