The East Pinnacles Visitor Center is open from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, while the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station is open from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM. Both are open every day, including holidays.
At Pinnacles National Park, the entrance fees are $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 per person on foot or bicycle, all valid for 7 days. An annual pass is $55, and the America the Beautiful pass grants year-round access to all national parks. Children under 16 enter free.
By Car: The most common way to reach Pinnacles is by car. The park is accessible via two entrances: the East Entrance and the West Entrance. From the east, take Highway 25, and from the west, take Highway 146. These highways connect to major routes like US‑101 and CA‑101, making it easy to access the park from various locations in California.
From Nearby Cities: Pinnacles National Park is located approximately 80 miles south of San Jose and 130 miles southeast of San Francisco. If you’re traveling from one of these cities, you can drive south on US‑101 to reach the park’s east entrance or take CA‑146 east from Soledad to reach the west entrance.
Air Travel: If you’re coming from farther away, you can fly into major airports like San Francisco International Airport (SFO) or Mineta San Jose International Airport (SJC) and then rent a car to drive to Pinnacles National Park.
At Pinnacles National Park, parking is limited with 400 spots. The Chaparral Parking Area on the west side has 43 spots, including one ADA spot, and is not suitable for RVs or large vehicles. The Bear Gulch Day Use Area on the east side has more space but no overnight parking. There is a park entrance fee, but no parking fee.
Accessibility & permits
Emergency
- Cell service availability:None
Pinnacles National Park is a breathtaking destination featuring rugged rock formations, thrilling caves like Bear Gulch and Balconies, and trails for all skill levels. Visitors can hike through wildflower-covered landscapes, stargaze under unpolluted skies, and explore unique geological wonders. To complete your trip, book a vacation home near the park for a perfect blend of comfort and proximity.
As night descends, Pinnacles transforms into a haven for stargazers, offering some of the clearest and darkest skies in California. With minimal light pollution, visitors can marvel at the Milky Way and countless stars, making for an unforgettable celestial experience.
Stay in a cozy rental offering spacious living areas, full kitchens, and amenities like hot tubs and outdoor fire pits. Located near the East and West Entrances, these properties make accessing popular attractions such as Pinnacles Caves and the High Peaks Trail effortless. Plan your next escape to this natural haven and book your stay through Lake.com today!
- Area (mi²)
- 42
- Annual visitors
- 350 000
- Established year
- 1908
Top 3 Facts about Pinnacles National Park
The park’s highest point is North Chalone Peak, which stands at 3,304 feet (1,007 meters) above sea level, offering a significant elevation change from its lowest point near the Bear Gulch area at 824 feet (251 meters). This variance creates a diverse range of habitats within a relatively small area.
Cave Systems
The park boasts more than 30 miles of hiking trails, including paths that wind through intricate cave networks. The Bear Gulch and Balconies Cave systems offer adventurous explorers a chance to delve into the park’s subterranean wonders.
Stargazing Paradise
With its remote location away from urban light pollution, Pinnacles offers unparalleled stargazing opportunities. On clear nights, visitors can witness up to 6,000 stars in the sky, along with the Milky Way stretching across the horizon.
Family programs
- Junior Ranger
- Workshops & Hands-on Activities
- Scavenger Hunts
- Family Camping & Overnight
- Volunteer & Stewardship
- Youth Conservation
- Scouting Partnerships
- Arts & Crafts
Travel Tips
Plan Ahead
Check the park’s website for the latest information on trail conditions, closures, and any alerts or advisories before you go. Consider making campground reservations in advance, especially during peak seasons.
Pack Appropriately
Trails in Pinnacles National Park can be rocky and uneven, so wear sturdy, closed-toe shoes with good traction for hiking. Proper footwear will help prevent slips and falls, especially on steep or rocky terrain.
Respect Wildlife
Pinnacles is home to a variety of wildlife, including California condors, rattlesnakes, and mountain lions. Keep a safe distance from wildlife and never approach or feed them. Be aware of your surroundings and stay on designated trails.
Stay Informed
Pinnacles can get hot, especially during the summer months, so be sure to bring plenty of water with you on your hikes. Consider carrying a hydration pack or water bottles to stay hydrated throughout the day.
Seasons
Spring is an ideal time to visit Pinnacles National Park. The weather is mild, with comfortable temperatures perfect for hiking and exploring the park’s diverse landscapes. During this season, wildflowers bloom across the hillsides, painting the park in vibrant hues. Hikers can enjoy the abundance of wildflowers along trails like the Bear Gulch and High Peaks Loop, while birdwatchers may spot migratory birds returning to the park. Additionally, springtime is a great opportunity to explore the park’s cave systems, such as Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave, when seasonal closures are lifted.
Summer brings warmer temperatures to Pinnacles National Park, making it an excellent time for camping and outdoor activities. Hikers can venture out early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid the midday heat while exploring trails like the Condor Gulch and Moses Spring Loop. Summer evenings offer fantastic stargazing opportunities due to the clear skies and longer daylight hours. Visitors can attend ranger-led astronomy programs or simply lay out a blanket and marvel at the Milky Way overhead.
Fall brings cooler temperatures and fewer crowds, making it an ideal time to visit Pinnacles National Park. The park’s foliage begins to change color, creating a picturesque backdrop for hiking and photography. Fall is also a prime time for wildlife viewing, as animals prepare for winter. Visitors may spot California condors soaring above the rugged rock formations or catch glimpses of deer and other wildlife along the trails. Hiking the High Peaks Trail or exploring the park’s caves are popular activities during this season.
Winter in Pinnacles National Park is mild compared to other parts of the country, making it a great time for outdoor adventures. Hiking trails are less crowded, offering solitude and tranquility amid the park’s stunning landscapes. Winter rains bring lush greenery to the park, enhancing the beauty of its rock formations and valleys. While some areas may experience temporary closures due to inclement weather, winter is still a fantastic time for hiking, birdwatching, and exploring the park’s caves. Visitors should come prepared with layers and be mindful of changing weather conditions.
Frequently Asked Questions
Ready to dive into what Pinnacles National Park has to offer? Let’s tackle some of the burning questions you might have as you plan your visit!
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To be close to the park, you can stay in Soledad, California, which is about 9.3 miles from the park. Another option is King City, which is approximately 20.3 miles away and equidistant to the East and West entrances. Salinas is also a viable choice, though it is farther at about 28.3 miles away.
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The Juniper Canyon Trail and the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop are highly recommended for kids. The Juniper Canyon Trail is a 2.5-mile moderate hike with epic views of the pinnacles, while the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop is an easy 2.4-mile trail that takes hikers through the Balconies Cave. Both trails offer unique experiences and are suitable for families.
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No, dogs are not allowed on any of the trails. They can only be on paved roads, in campgrounds, and at picnic areas, and must be on a six-foot leash. Service animals are an exception and can go anywhere in the park.
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Parking is not free, but there is no fee to park in the designated parking areas; however, a park entrance fee of $30 per vehicle is required.
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The most iconic sight is the Youngsholm house, a two-story home built in the 1830s that served as a stop on the Underground Railroad and was purchased by Charles Young and his wife Ada in 1907. This house recently reopened after a two-year, $3.1 million restoration to its early 1900s state. It is located near historically Black Wilberforce University and Central State University in southwest Ohio.