Pinnacles National Park is a stunning park located in Soledad, California. The park is best known for its rocky spires, rare talus caves, and more natural wonders.
Pinnacles National Park is a great destination for camping, hiking, and wildlife viewing. The park is home to the endangered California condor, so be sure to bring your binoculars!
There are several different camping options available, including RV and tent sites as well as cabins. The Pinnacles Campground even includes a swimming pool!
You’ll find plenty of activities to keep you busy while you’re camping, from ranger-led programs to bird watching and hiking.
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Pinnacles National Park Overview
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, or $15 per person/cyclist (valid for 7 days)
Established: January 16, 1908 (as Pinnacles National Monument)
Location: California
Nearby Communities: Hollister, Soledad, King City
Park Size: 26,606 acres
Reservations: No reservations are required to enter the park.
Visitor Centers: There are two visitor centers at Pinnacles, one on the east side and one on the west side.
Unique Things to Do at Pinnacles National Park
Bring your binoculars so you can get a close look at the endangered California condor.
Pinnacles National Park is a well-known destination for rock climbing. Let’s face it, those rock spires are begging to be traversed!
Go for a swim in one of the only national park swimming pools! It’s located in Pinnacles Campground on the east side.
Instead of rock climbing, you can use iron rungs and precarious steps to hike and climb your way to the rock spires on the High Peaks Trail.
Plan Your Trip to Pinnacles National Park
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How to Get to Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is split into two areas, an east side and a west side. While the park encompasses the land in between, they are not connected by a road.
The west side of Pinnacles is accessed from Highway 146 off Highway 101.
The east side of Pinnacles can be reached on Highway 146 off Highway 25.
The closest airport to Pinnacles National Park is in San Jose. You can also fly to San Francisco, Fresno, or Los Angeles, which are the closest cities.
Where to Stay Near Pinnacles National Park
Camping in the park: Pinnacles Campground is the only campground in the park. It offers tent camping, RV camping, group camping, and eco tents.
Camping near the park: San Benito RV & Camping Resort, Yanks RV Resort, Laguna Mountain Campground, Arroyo Seco, Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park, Mercey Hot Springs, Hollister Hills SVRA, China Camp Campground, San Lorenzo County Park
Lodging near the park: Quality Inn (King City), Keefer’s Inn (King City), Motel 6 (Soledad), Hollister Inn (Hollister), Casa de Fruta Inn (Hollister), SureStay Hotel (Hollister), Fairfield Inn (Hollister)
There are no lodges within Pinnacles National Park.
Best Time to Visit Pinnacles National Park
Spring: This is definitely one of the best times to visit. Temperatures are mild and the winter rainy season has ended.
Summer: Temperatures in the summer often exceed 100 degrees Fahrenheit. If you visit during this time, prepare for hot and dry weather. Drink plenty of water.
Fall: Like spring, this is a great time to visit to enjoy cooler weather.
Winter: Nighttime temperatures in the winter are often below freezing. During the day, the cool weather is perfect for hiking. Rain should be expected in the winter.
No matter when you visit, expect crowds on weekends and holidays. Arrive early to avoid parking issues.
Pinnacles National Park Map
Pinnacles National Park Weather
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