Pinnacles National Park Guide
Located in the Salinas Valley of Central California, Pinnacles National Park is California’s newest National Park, established in 2013. Often overlooked in a state full of incredible State and National Parks, Pinnacles National Park takes you on a walk back in time as you explore the stunning remains of an extinct volcano.
While Pinnacles National Park is far smaller than many of its neighboring parks, it is an awe-inspiring landscape that is a must-see destination for any outdoor enthusiast!
Park Information
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Salinas Valley, CA (San Benito and Monterey County)
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26,600 acre
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275,000
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$30
Map of Pinnacles National Park (courtesy of npmaps.com)
Seemingly close to California’s Central Coast, yet located in the highly remote Salinas Valley, Pinnacles National Park offers solitude and an escape from the urban sprawl of San Francisco, San Jose, and Monterey. From it’s thriving California Condor population to it’s many hiking and climbing routes, Pinnacles National Park offers something for everyone! So, how many days should you spend in Pinnacles National Park? Well, it all depends on how much you want to see of this rugged mountain wonderland!
How Many Days Do I Need In Pinnacles National Park
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Explore West Pinnacles (near Soledad, CA) and hike the incredible Balconies Cave Trail
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1 Day Itinerary plus: Head to East Pinnacle (near Paicines, CA) and hike the Moses Spring trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir
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2 Day Itinerary plus: Explore the High Peaks Trail to Juniper Canyon for panoramic views of the park
While many visitors will spend a single day in Pinnacles National Park, 2-3 days will truly provide you with the opportunity to explore both the East and West regions of the park, as well as hike into the higher elevations of the park! It should be noted that no roads go directly through the park from the East to the West region, so be sure to add that driving time into your plans as you explore Pinnacles National Park.
With a hot Mediterranean climate, Pinnacles National Park is typically hot and dry. Blocked by the San Lucia Mountains, Pinnacles National Park does not experience the typical coastal cooling patterns of many areas which lie this close to the coast, which can lead to incredibly hot summer temperatures. The hot, dry climate combined with minimal shade can lead to rapid dehydration as you explore the park, so be prepared with plenty of water so you can adventure responsibily!
While East Pinnacles is open 24 hours a day, West Pinnacles is available for day use only from 7:30 am - 8:00 pm. Also be aware that parking is extremely limited throughout Pinnacles National Park, so do your best to get to the trailheads early in the day to ensure you have a parking spot!
When To Visit Pinnacles National Park
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Warm temperatures (55-80 F), dry weather, lower crowds
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Hot weather (80-100+F) with minimal rain, high weekend crowds, and full sun exposure
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Warmer weather (50-70F) with minimal rain, lower crowds
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Cooler weather (20-50F) with a moderate chance of snow, and minimal crowds
Pinnacles National Park does not offer any lodging within the park aside from the Pinnacles Campground which lies in East Pinnacles. Most other lodging options can be found at the centrally located King City, CA, which sits approximately 40 minutes south of both the East and West Pinnacles. Any other lodging, eating, and other forms of creature comforts can be found in Soledad, CA (West Pinnacles), or Hollister, CA (East Pinnacles).
Where To Stay At Pinnacles National Park
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Soledad, CA sits about 20 minutes outside the West Pinnacles entrance, but is approximately 1.5 hrs to East Pinnacles
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Hollister, CA is approximately 35 minutes from East Pinnacles, but is approximately 1.5 hr to West Pinnacles
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Hollister, CA and Prunedale, CA both lie north of East and West Pinnacles
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King City, CA is the ideal location for Pinnacles National Park, sitting approximately 35 minutes from both the East and West Pinnacles entrance
California’s newest National Park is by far one of its best! Pinnacles National Park lets you walk where the California Condor soars, climb its majestic volcanic rock, and hike through the ancient talus caves that make this park one-of-a-kind. Small yet mighty, Pinnacles National Park is an incredible landscape full of history, wonder, and adventure!
