Pinnacles National Park

The first 2,060 acres (830 hectares) of Pinnacles National Monument were set aside in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve the unusual rock formations and the talus caves found in the park. The Civilian Conservation Corps began developing some of the trails and facilities in the park between 1933 and 1942, including the distinctive tunnel that is found on the tunnel trail. In 2012 the monument was elevated to national park status, and today the park has been expanded to contain 24,265 acres (9,820 hectares) and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.

The pinnacles for which the park is named are the remains of a 23 million year old volcano. Located along the San Andreas fault, half of the volcano was pulled 195 mi (314 km) to the northeast as the tectonic plate on which it sits shifted. The current rocky outcroppings have been eroded to approximately one-third of the volcano's original height, but still offer a challenging opportunity for hikers and rock climbers. When you reach the top of the trail, you find sweeping vistas.

The park is home to 149 species of birds, 49 mammals, 22 reptiles, 6 amphibians, 68 butterflies, 36 dragonflies and damselflies, nearly 400 bees, and many thousands of other invertebrates.

The endangered California condor, the largest flying land bird in North America, has been re-introduced into the park and can occasionally be seen gliding on updrafts near the rocky cliffs. Turkey vultures are commonly seen, and the park is also home to golden eagles, prairie falcons, Cooper's hawks, and sharp-shinned hawks. Mammals in the park include black-tailed deer, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, jackrabbit, brush rabbit, ground squirrel, chipmunk, and several kinds of bats.

This is not a dog-friendly park. Because of the wildlife, dogs and other pets are allowed only in the picnic areas, in the campground on the eastern side, in the parking lots, and on paved roads, and must be kept on a short leash (maximum length of 6 ft (1.8 m)). You can't bring pets on any of the hiking trails, and you can't leave them unsupervised while you're hiking.

The climate of Pinnacles is typical of the Mediterranean climates of California, with cool wet winters and hot dry summers. Summer temperatures of over 100 °F (38 °C) are common, but coastal fog will often come into the valleys at night. Nighttime summer temperatures of 50 °F (10 °C) are common, making for enormous daily temperature swings.

Winter climate is akin to the California deserts, with mild days and nights often dropping into the low 20 °F (−7 °C)s. The average precipitation is approximately 16 inches (400 mm) per year. Nearly all of the precipitation is in the form of rainfall, with the majority occurring from December to March. Snowfall is rare, but does occur in significant amounts about every 10 years.

• Park website
• 🌍 East Visitor Center (off of Highway 25, 30 mi (48 km) south of Hollister, California.). 9:30AM - 5PM daily. (updated Jun 2020)

• 🌍 West Pinnacles Contact Station (on Highway 146 approximately 20 minutes from Soledad, California). The West Pinnacles Contact Station serves as the primary facility on the West Side of the park. Stop by to pay entrance fees, get hiking suggestions, and learn more about the park. It is open intermittently. Wheelchair accessible restrooms and drinking water available. (updated May 2021)

An automobile is the only practical means to reach Pinnacles National Park. Park entrances on the east and west sides are not connected to each other by a through-road. The west entrance, which opens at 7:30AM, can be reached via U.S. Route 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along California Route 146 to the Chaparral area. The east entrance is reached via California Route 25, south from the city of Hollister or north from the town of King City, then west on California Route 146.

A foot trail system connects both sides of the park. For those wanting to visit a talus cave, the west side trail heads are closest to the Balconies Cave Loop. For views of the High Peaks without leaving your car, the rock formations are also visible from the west parking area. However, the road to the west side of the park is winding and narrow, and may not be the best option for those travelling in a motor home or similarly large vehicle.

The park has two entrances, Pinnacles East and Pinnacles West, which are not connected by roads. Parking areas just inside the park entrance often fill during peak times (e.g., spring wildflower season or holiday weekends), and it is therefore advisable to try to arrive before 8AM. On some weekends a park shuttle may be available on the east side of the park to take visitors from overflow parking areas to trailheads and the visitor center.

Because parking is limited, one strategy is to reserve a campsite, which usually includes parking spaces for two vehicles. If you stay the night in the park, you can also rest at the campsite during the heat of the day, and hike in the cooler parts of the day.

The park offers 30 mi (48 km) of hiking trails, easily accessible from the parking areas inside of both entrances and ranging in difficulty from moderately easy two-mile loops to trails leading across high cliffs and over rocky outcroppings. Most of the trails are not wheelchair accessible.

Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads within the park. Bicycles and motorcycles are not allowed on trails.

• High Peaks. The remnants of a volcano, the high peaks are a series of interesting rocky pinnacles that dominate the landscape and gave the park its name. 
• 🌍 Balconies Cave. A talus cave, formed from falling boulders creating a "roof" over a narrow canyon. This cave is one of the most popular in the park, and can be visited from either side of the park by following the Balconies Cave trail. A flashlight is required through the cave. The cave is dark, wet, and some scrambling over rocks is required. 
• 🌍 Bear Gulch Cave. Portions of Bear Gulch Cave are closed throughout the year in order to protect a colony of Townsend's Big-eared bats; the cave is closed entirely from mid-May through July. A flashlight is required through the cave. 

The trails are unpaved, rocky, and often difficult, steep, and uneven. Trail areas closest to the two entrances are generally the most accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you have concerns or any special needs (especially claustrophobia, fear of heights, or bad knees) in your group, ask the park rangers to suggest a trail. Wear good shoes, preferably hiking boots.

From the east side:

• Moses Springs–Rim Trail Loop (2.2 mi (3.5 km) loop). A moderate hike that gains 500 ft (150 m) of elevation and offers picturesque views. The rangers often suggest this one for families hiking with kids. The trailhead is on the east side of the park near the Visitor Center. Hike through Bear Gulch to Reservoir, Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally (bring flashlights and headlamps), then along the rim of the gulch with panoramic views; also connects with High Peaks Trail. Trail guide available at Visitor Center. (updated Feb 2022)
• Bear Gulch and Old Pinnacles Trails. This trail follows the canyon bottom and a seasonal stream. Take the Bear Gulch Trail from the east side visitor center and connect to the Bench Trail at the canyon bottom. Be prepared to crawl through part of Bear Gulch Cave on your hands and knees. The Balconies Cave trail may be joined on the return trip.
  Note: The Bear Gulch Caves are open seasonally. The caves are open year round, except from approximately mid-May through mid-July, when parts are closed due to Townsend's Big-Eared Bat roosting activity. Actual closure dates depend on arrival and departure of the bats. Check the official National Park Service web site for current status. (updated Feb 2022)
• Chalone Peaks Trail (8.6 mi (13.8 km) round trip). Starting at the reservoir on the east side, this trail gains 2,040 ft (620 m) as it climbs gradually to North Chalone Peak, the highest point in the park. The last mile is on a dirt road. For a longer hike, an unmaintained trail continues 1.6 mi (2.6 km) farther to South Chalone Peak, with a unique vista from the southern end of the Gabilan Range. 
• Bench Trail. The Bench trail can be combined with Balconies Cave to create an interesting loop. The trail begins near Pinnacles Campground and provides a sunny hike along Chalone Creek. Connects with Bear Gulch Trail to Visitor Center. Preferred way to access the park from the campground. 
• South Wilderness Trail (6.5 mi (10.5 km) round trip). A moderately difficult hike that leads through valley oaks along the fire road for first half a mile. Turn to the right at the South Wilderness marker, and then follow the trail and/or creek to park's south boundary. Opportunity for more solitude and wildlife viewing than on the popular trails. Begins on the Bench Trail in the east side of the park; hike from the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or the Pinnacles Campground. The beginning of this route is one of the few trails accessible to visitors using wheelchairs and strollers. (updated Feb 2022)
• Condor Gulch Trail (1.7 mi (2.7 km) one way). A moderately difficult hike to an overlook (1 mi (1.6 km)), and more strenuous beyond; good views of High Peaks on the way to the overlook where they tower overhead, even better from close to the junction with High Peaks Trail; geology trail guide available. 

From the west side:

• Balconies Cliffs Loop (2.4 mi (3.9 km) loop, 90 minutes). A moderately easy hike that gains 300 ft (91 m) of elevation, this trail offers excellent views and passes through Balconies Cave, a talus cave formed from boulders filling in a "roof" over a narrow stream canyon. A flashlight is required through the cave; a head lamp is recommended to leave your hands free. Some areas are narrow and may require scrambling to pass through. Portions of the trail may require wading during the winter and spring; cave may be closed during periods of heavy rainfall to prevent accidental deaths by drowning. The trailhead is near the west entrance parking lot, and the trail may be combined with loops that lead to the High Peaks area. (updated Feb 2022)
• Juniper Canyon (4.1 mi (6.6 km) loop). A strenuous hike that gains 1,600 ft (490 m) of elevation during its climb from the west entrance parking lot up to the High Peaks. Excellent views, and it can be combined with the tunnel trail and the "Steep and Narrow" section of the High Peaks Trail to make a spectacular loop. 
• North Wilderness Trail (9.7 mi (15.6 km) loop). A strenuous hike. Due to construction on the east side of the park, this loop should be started from the main parking area on the west side. Much of this trail follows the Chalone Creek bed and is marked by rock cairns. Makes a loop by combining with the Old Pinnacles and Balconies Trails. 
• High Peaks Trail. Numerous trails join with the High Peaks Trail, a strenuous trail through the rock formations. Some parts of this trail are narrow and require climbing steep rock stairs and is not suitable for those who are afraid of heights. For all others, the view and the geology are incredible. (updated Feb 2022)
• Prewitt Point Trail (0.9 mi (1.4 km)). The easiest hike in the park, a half-hour uphill walk will give you great views, with an overlook a little more than halfway. The trail is less dusty than some, but narrows to 3 feet (1 m) past the overlook. This trail has no shade and should be avoided from late morning to mid-afternoon. (updated Feb 2022)

As of 2021, 181 species of birds have been documented in the park, but for the average visitor the most interesting will be the California condor, the largest flying bird in North America. Nearly extinct, condors were reintroduced to the park in 2003. These giant birds can live as many as sixty years and are often confused with turkey vultures, but can be distinguished by their bald, pink heads and small patch of white feathers on the leading edge underside of their wings. Other notable birds likely to be seen by casual birders include the prairie falcons that nest on the high cliffs, as well as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. Consider bringing a pair of binoculars. If you're trying to expand your life list, then search for the yellow-billed magpie, the greater roadrunner, the canyon wren, and the California thrasher as well.

The rock in Pinnacles is volcanic in origin, and may pose difficulty for climbers used to granite. Park regulations are as follows:

1. Climbing is not allowed on routes where rock fall or dropped gear might injure people using established hiking trails. This ban includes, but is not limited to routes 58 through 68 and 339a (as numbered in the Climber's Guide). This does not apply to routes above climber access or social trails.
2. No power drills may be used for bolting.
3. Some formations may be closed from January through July in order to protect nesting falcons and eagles. Check with a Park Ranger for information on specific routes, or check the climbing information boards at the East and West trailheads. While the closures are officially considered voluntary, climbers or hikers who disturb nesting birds or other wildlife will be fined.
4. It is highly recommended that climbers use brown or gray webbing for anchors to reduce the scenic damage caused by webbing left behind on climbs. Also, the use of "chalk balls", instead of loose chalk, is recommended to minimize the amount of chalk left on hand holds.

There is no lodging within the park borders, but there is one B&B outside of the park. Otherwise, head about 30 mi (48 km) north to Hollister on the east side, or 30 mi (48 km) south to King City on the west side for the nearest options. Many people use Monterey as a base, and visit as a day trip.

• 🌍 Inn at the Pinnacles, 32025 Stonewall Canyon Rd (4 mi (6.4 km) from West Pinnacles), ☏ +1 831-678-2400. The closest lodging is the Inn at Pinnacles, a luxury bed and breakfast with six rooms. Amenities include gourmet breakfast, bathtubs, gas fireplaces, robes & slippers, private patios, and gas barbecues. $300 per night. (updated May 2021)

• 🌍 Pinnacles Campground. 134 sites, 12 group sites, and 30 RV sites with electrical hookups. There are also 10 tent cabins with beds available for rent. All sites can be reserved in advance. Pinnacles Campground is just outside of East Pinnacles on California Route 146, and is operated by a concessionaire for the National Park Service. It can be accessed only from the east side of the Park as there are no connecting roads between the two entrances of Pinnacles. The campground offers tent and group camping, along with RV sites. Amenities include electrical hookups, flush toilets, water, showers (extra fee), a dump station, and there is a swimming pool that is open from April through September. Most RV sites have electrical hookups and share community tables and barbecue pits. Sites can be reserved up to six months in advance. $23 Tent Site, $36 Recreational Vehicle (RV) (2020 rates). (updated Jun 2020)

Overnight camping is not allowed in the backcountry of Pinnacles National Park, although the east side of the park is now open 24 hours a day for hiking.