INCH Hike: Pinnacles Middle Loop

927. Pinnacles Middle Loop (05/03/14)

Hikers (10): Adam, Alan B, Brad, Christina, David, Jim, Kirk, Nick, Peter, Sarbinder
Distance: 17 miles
Rating: 5 difficulty, 9 beauty
Park info: Pinnacles National Monument south of Hollister

Write-up by Peter and Brad

47 declines (and one no-show) -- that's gotta be a record. Well, they missed a good hike. Weather was great, and aside from the usual cuts and scrapes from the Pig Fence, a fun time was had by all!

Pig Fence stats, courtesy of Brad:

For comparison, the Sizer shortcut from Creek to Bench is 1457 feet over 1.29 miles (6811 feet) = 21.3% grade
The Fence from the bottom to the crest of Hill 3 is 1350 feet over 0.71 miles (3749 feet) = 36.0% grade [Note: that's the average grade -- some parts are steeper!]
And the whole steep run up to the crest of Hill 5 is 2107 feet over 1.59 miles (8395 feet) = 25.0% grade

So, yeah, a bit steep!