Sierra Expedition - YMCA Adventure Guides

General Pinnacles Information

No wood fires are allowed. You may use Duraflame manufactured logs at the campsites since they don't give off sparks. Charcoal can be used in the BBQ units provided at each campsite or in any personal BBQ units you transport to the campsite. Propane stoves are also allowed for cooking. Upon leaving, please dispose of leftover ash and potentially "warm" charcoal in the campground BBQ units. Any fire must be contained within a proper receptacle.
Consumption of alcohol is not expressly prohibited. The Sierra Expedition recognizes individual choice and freedoms, but we ask that it never be allowed to interfere with the ceremony or detract from the spirit in which this expedition was founded. Please limit any consumption to the campsites; practice and extend the same courtesies, good judgment and consideration to other campers, expedition members or otherwise.
Quiet hours are 10pm to 8am.
No amplified music or radios of any sort.
Park and drive only in designated areas.
No pets.
No tents may be set up in the creek bed area, no matter how tempting. There will be craft tables in the flat, dry creek areas (shaded) and these tables must be broken down at the end of the activity.
Keep trash in receptacles and out of the creek area, e.g., soda cans and chip bags.

General Tips

Check IN and OUT time is 3:00 PM Sun thru Fri. and 11:00 AM on Sat. Please check in at the store upon arrival.

A swimming pool is available at the campground headquarters and showers are available next door- but not at the Sierra campsites. Bring swimsuits and sunscreen.

Remember to bring bug spray! Do not purchase 100% Deet! The closest emergency room that can treat overexposure to Deet (the effects can be similar to the phases of extreme intoxication) is back in San Jose. Twenty or thirty percent Deet is plenty. Spray it on clothes, primarily. Don't “bathe” your skin or saturate your clothes with it.

Each campsite has: two concrete picnic tables, one BBQ unit and one bonfire ring. Most campsites have running water at a faucet - but yours will not. You are reminded to purchase Duraflame logs before you leave San Jose.

There is a “General Store” at the campground headquarters, so Skittles are available. So are sodas, some toiletries and lots of other candies and power bars. Store Hours: weekdays 4 PM to 5 PM, weekends 9 AM to 5 PM.

Pinnacles National Monument is adjacent to the campground. There is great hiking, but the younger girls might get bored. There is a $5 vehicle entry fee.