Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is one of California’s most underrated nature destinations. Featuring amazing hiking trails, towering peaks, caves, and a diverse landscape, it is one of California’s best-kept secrets.

When you visit, make sure to follow this adventure guide to maximize your time at Pinnacles National Park.

Recommended Duration of Visit

2 days (ideal), 1 day (doable)

Recommendations: Before Arriving

Download an offline map of the entire region, check the weather, prepare all your gear, and finalize nearby lodging (if you are planning to visit more than 1 day).
Unless you plan to visit the entire park, decide on which half to visit (more details in the Planning section).

Recommendations: Adventure Gear

Weather-appropriate clothing, sun protection, sunglasses, and comfortable hiking shoes, among others.
Bring plenty of water. If visiting during the summer, 1 bottle of water per hour of hiking is recommended.

Click for some interesting facts about Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is the least-visited national park in California.
Pinnacles National Park sits on the San Andreas Fault.
Pinnacles National Park is California’s newest national park (gaining its official status in 2013).

PEAK SEASONS

Spring (March to June) to early Fall (September) are the peak seasons. Summer (June to September) is quite popular as well to a lesser extent (because it’s so hot).

PINNACLES’S STORY

Named after the remains of a volcano that vanished long ago.

ATTRACTIONS

Bear Gulch Reservoir, Condor Gulch Overlook, Caves

Ace and Fai on Sign, Pinnacles National Park, California, United States

LANDSCAPE

41.6 miles² (107.7 kilometers²) of hiking trails, massive monoliths, and towering peaks alongside several caves.

SPECIAL EVENTS

N/A.

PLANNING

Ideally, decide which half of Pinnacles you want to visit (unless you are planning to visit both the western and eastern sides). For more information, refer to the map on the official Pinnacles National Park website.

If you’re lucky, you might find affordable lodging in nearby Soledad. Usually, your more affordable options are in Salinas (toward the north) or King City (toward the south).

PINNACLES’S STORY

Named after the remains of a volcano that vanished long ago.

PEAK SEASONS

Spring (March to June) to early Fall (September) are the peak seasons. Summer (June to September) is quite popular as well to a lesser extent (because it’s so hot).

LANDSCAPE

41.6 miles² (107.7 kilometers²) of hiking trails, massive monoliths, and towering peaks alongside several caves.

ATTRACTIONS

Bear Gulch Reservoir, Condor Gulch Overlook, Caves

PLANNING

If you’re lucky, you might find affordable lodging in nearby Soledad. Usually, your more affordable options are in Salinas (toward the north) or King City (toward the south).

SPECIAL EVENTS

N/A.

Attractions and Activities

Attractions Overview

West or East: Pinnacles National Park can be accessed via the western or eastern entrances. The Juniper Trail is in the western half while the Condor Gulch Trail and most of the other major attractions are in the eastern half. The west entrance is about an hour’s drive from the east entrance. For more information, refer to the map on the official Pinnacles National Park website.
Brighten Up Your Day: You will be taking photos against a picturesque landscape. Depending on the focus of your camera, the background or your profile might be dark, especially in caves. I recommend focusing on the background and using a flash. The flash will brighten your image, and the focus will capture the background adequately.

Attractions Overview

West or East: Pinnacles National Park can be accessed via the western or eastern entrances. The Juniper Trail is in the western half while the Condor Gulch Trail and most of the other major attractions are in the eastern half. The west entrance is about an hour’s drive from the east entrance.
Brighten Up Your Day: You will be taking photos against a picturesque landscape. Depending on the focus of your camera, the background or your profile might be dark, especially in caves. I recommend focusing on the background and using a flash. The flash will brighten your image, and the focus will capture the background adequately. Naturally, you can skip the flash if your objective is to draw more attention to the scenery.

Juniper Canyon Trail: Juniper Canyon Trail is a scenic and moderately trafficked trail near the western entrance of Pinnacles National Park. And while the trail is approximately 1.8 miles (2.9 kilometers) one way, adventurous hikers have the option to extend the journey significantly by continuing on the Tunnel Trail or High Peaks Trail. In theory, hikers can start at the trail and follow a massive loop through the best parts of the park. For more information, refer to the official Pinnacles National Park website.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 6 hours (depending on how many additional trails you want to traverse).

Caves: Caves are arguably the most unique attractions in Pinnacles National Park.

The main caves—Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave—are located on the opposite sides of the park (i.e. western and eastern entrance).

As a bonus, there are several smaller caves scattered throughout the park and on various hiking trails as well.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: While the hike time to the caves is variable, it usually doesn’t take more than 30 minutes to explore a cave.

There are numerous off-beaten paths that should be avoided unless you are a very strong hiker. In general, stick to the clearly marked routes.

Due to unforeseen circumstances and bat activity, certain caves could be closed throughout the year. Refer to the official Pinnacles National Park website for more information.

Peaks View: Peaks View is one of the first attractions on the eastern entrance.

While not grand by any means, this area has a parking lot and picnic tables, making it an ideal rest stop.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes.

Bear Gulch Nature Center: As the last major center in this region, it is an essential stop (when it’s open) before embarking on the numerous hiking trails in this region.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 15 – 30 minutes

For more up-to-date information on the park and various closures, dropping by the Pinnacles Visitor Center (on the way to Peaks View) would be ideal.

The Bear Gulch Nature Center parking lot is the most reliable parking spot in the eastern entrance. So, while it's possible park further south, that parking area is often full.

Condor Gulch: The Condor Gulch Trail is one of the most popular and heavily trafficked trails in Pinnacles National Pak. Leading to the incredibly scenic Condor Gulch Overlook, it is a winding and steep trail that features some of the best of what Pinnacles National Park has to offer.

And while the trail itself is approximately 1.7 miles (2.7 kilometers) one way, it eventually connects to the High Peaks Trail, allowing visitors to greatly extend the duration of their hike.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 2 – 3 hours.

High Peaks: As one of the more rewarding and difficult hikes in Pinnacles National Park, the High Peaks Trail features scenic nature, beautiful flowers, and one of the highest viewing points in all of Pinnacles National Park.

This trail is a natural (and more difficult extension) of the Condor Gulch Trail, so hikers must prepare for it well in advance because it is incredibly long and difficult.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 4 – 6 hours.

Condor Gulch Trail has very little shade, so make sure to bring plenty of sun protection and water.

Similar to Condor Gulch Trail, High Peaks Trail offers little shade for long stretches.

Moses Spring Trail: Moses Spring Trail is arguably the most popular trail in Pinnacles National Park. Offering plenty of shade, caves, and a constantly changing landscape, this trail offers the most fun with the least amount of work. It is generally an easier and shorter trail as well.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 1 – 2 hours.

Bear Gulch Reservoir: Bear Gulch Reservoir is one of the most popular and picturesque spots in all of Pinnacles.

The area features a stone bridge and numerous places to simply hang around and enjoy the view.

Cost: Free to visit. Recommended Duration of Visit: 30 – 60 minutes.

There is a small parking lot right next to the trailhead, but this lot is usually full unless you arrive early.

To be completely honest, this photo of Bear Gulch Reservoir is an artistic edit, so it looks less impressive in person.