Pinnacles National Park is a stunning natural wonder that offers visitors plenty of unique things to do. With its soaring peaks and rocky spires, the park is a great place for hiking and camping.
Wildlife viewing is also popular, as well as scenic drives and ranger programs. If you’re looking for an unforgettable outdoor adventure, be sure to explore these 14 things to do in Pinnacles National Park!
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An Overview of Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is located in central California’s Salinas Valley near the small communities of Hollister, Pacines, and Soledad. Pinnacles National Park is about five miles east of Soledad and 80 miles southeast of San Jose.
According to Pinnacles National Park’s foundation document, “the purpose of Pinnacles National Park is to protect the Pinnacles Volcanic Formation, talus caves, associated lands, and ecosystems for their scientific, educational, and cultural values…”.
This unique park will offer visitors the opportunity to explore talus caves and rocky volcanic formations while admiring California condors.
While it’s one of America’s newest national parks, Pinnacles first became a National Monument in 1908.
How to Get to Pinnacles National Park
The closest major airport to Pinnacles is San Jose, about 1.5 hours away. San Francisco is another option, about 2 hours away. Here is a breakdown of other nearby cities that offer airports and car rental services.
- San Jose California: 1.5 hours
- San Francisco, California: 2 hours
- Fresno, California: 2.5 hours
- Sacramento, California: 3 hours
- Los Angeles, California: 4.5 hours
- Las Vegas, Nevada: 7 hours
Things You Should Know Before Visiting Pinnacles National Park
Entrance Fee
There is a small fee to enter the park. The entrance fee to Pinnacles National Park is $30 for private vehicles. If you ride in on a motorcycle, expect a fee of $25. Pedestrians are encouraged with an even smaller fee of $15 per person. These entrance fees are valid for 7 days.
In order to save money, I would recommend purchasing a national parks pass. These cost $80 and are valid for a full calendar year (from the date of purchase) at all public lands in the United States. After you visit 3 national parks, it’ll have paid for itself. It also makes a great gift for national park enthusiasts! Learn more about park entry fees.
It’s a great tool if you’re visiting more national parks in California.
Pinnacles National Park Has Two Entrances
You can enter the park from the east entrance or from the west entrance. Although the two roads lead into the park, they do not connect. Each entrance is about an hour’s drive from the other, or could also be connected by hiking. Both sides offer fascinating things to do in Pinnacles National Park and this list includes activities from each.
Prepare for Limited Parking
Like many national parks, there is limited parking in Pinnacles. If you’re visiting over the weekend or during the holidays, expect the parking areas to fill by 8 a.m. In the summer, there is a shuttle on the east side of the park to assist with transportation and parking issues.
Pinnacles National Park is Hot!
Like most of Central California’s valleys, temperatures can be excruciatingly warm, particularly in the summer months. It’s not unusual for temperatures to exceed 100 degrees. While it’s no Death Valley, you should still be prepared. Hike early in the morning, wear sunscreen, drink and carry plenty of water, wear a hat, or visit during the cooler months in order to protect yourself.
Pets Are Not Allowed on Trails
While pets are allowed in developed areas, such as campgrounds and picnic areas, they won’t be able to join you on your hike. They are also not allowed on park shuttles or inside any buildings. When pets are in permitted areas, they must be on a leash and their owners must pick up all waste.
Pinnacles National Park is Remote!
With its remote location, Pinnacles does not offer many amenities, such as restaurants or lodging. There is also very limited cell reception in the park. Be prepared to be self-sufficient and bring everything you will need for your trip. Don’t worry; although the park is remote, there are still plenty of great things to do in Pinnacles National Park!
Where to Stay Near Pinnacles National Park
Since Pinnacles is so remote, it can be difficult to find a place to stay. The best option is camping in Pinnacles National Park at Pinnacles Campground. It’s located on the east side and is also featured on this list as one of the best things to do in Pinnacles.
If the campground is full, you’ll need to prepare for a bit of a drive. The closest communities of Soledad, Hollister, and King City can be far from your destinations within the parks. They will, however, offer more amenities than camping. Here are some lodging options:
- 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
Our Favorite Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is a beautiful place to visit and there are plenty of things to do! From hiking to camping to wildlife viewing, there is something for everyone in Pinnacles National Park.
Here’s a summary of our absolute favorite things to do in Pinnacles National Park. Keep reading for more information about each activity.
- Hike Bear Gulch Cave
- Visit the Reservoir
- Spend a Night in Pinnacles Campground
- Go for a Swim in the Pool
- Hike High Peaks
- Visit the Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Go Rock Climbing
- Attend a Ranger Program
- Hike to Condor Gulch Overlook
- Stop by the Visitor Center
- Watch for California Condors
- Crawl Through Balconies Cave
- Go Stargazing
- Take a Hike
Hike Bear Gulch Cave Trail
Easily one of the most popular things to do in Pinnacles National Park, this trail leads to one of the park’s famous talus caves.
The caves were formed a long time ago due to falling stones and boulders. If one wishes to visit the caves, they should check the park’s conditions so that they will not be inconvenienced.
The park restricts movement in the caves to protect the colonies of Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats. This results in closures from April to October with varying dates depending on the bats’ behaviors.
Bear Gulch Cave is accessible from the Bear Gulch Day Use Area on the east side. We recommend the 2.2-mile loop on Moses Spring Trail and Rim Trail. Flashlights are required to enter any talus caves in the park.
Visit the Reservoir
One of the most well-known features in Pinnacles will surely catch the eye of any hiker. Here in this remote and dry climate, one doesn’t usually expect to stumble on a large body of water.
The Bear Gulch Reservoir is created by the Bear Gulch Dam, completed in 1935. It was built to curb flooding but is now a highlight for its aesthetic value. It’s also home to one of California’s threatened species, the reg-legged frog.
The reservoir is accessible on the same 2.2-mile loop that brings you to Bear Gulch Cave. Park at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area to access the trailhead.
Spend a Night in Pinnacles Campground
One of the best ways to experience any national park is camping. This allows visitors to immerse themselves in the natural environment, making it one of the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park.
Some major benefits of camping in Pinnacles are the uninterrupted night skies and the proximity to the park’s wilderness and trails. You can walk or take the shuttle to many main attractions without worrying about moving your car or finding a parking space.
Tents and RVs are welcome. For a less rustic experience, tent cabins are also available. Reservations are required and many of the sites are reserved quickly, so try to plan ahead. Many are also unshaded, and with the heat in Pinnacles, you’ll want as much shade as you can find. Planning ahead may offer a more favorable campsite.
Go for a Swim in the Pool
As discussed, the campground is pretty basic with your typical amenities, but is also rare in that it has a swimming pool!
If you have difficulty finding a shaded campsite, take a dip in the pool to cool off. Non-campers can also enjoy this rare national park amenity after a long day hiking in the heat.
Hike the High Peaks Loop
One of The Park Expert’s favorite hikes in Pinnacles National Park is the High Peaks Trail. Combined with the Condor Gulch Trail (another favorite), this loop is about 5.3-miles roundtrip with an elevation gain of 1,300 feet, making it moderately strenuous.
If you’re interested in a thrilling hike akin to the Beehive or Precipice trails in Acadia, this is the hike for you. Most of the trail is fairly straightforward, but several sections are steep and narrow with severe dropoffs. You’ll need to hold on tight!
This loop also takes you up and over the famous rocks that Pinnacles is known for and named after. Sometimes, California condors will soar around you as you traverse this trail.
Visit the Bear Gulch Nature Center
Near the Bear Gulch Day Use Area is a Nature Center, open Saturday-Wednesday from 10 to 4. Here, you can consult rangers for advice on hiking, attend ranger programs, ask questions, or view the exhibits to learn more about the park.
Go Rock Climbing
One of many popular activities in Pinnacles National Park is rock climbing. The park’s towering spires beg to be climbed and reminded us of Joshua Tree National Park if it were painted red.
The park monitors and maintains several climbing routes. There are closures from January to July for nesting raptors, so please read the guidelines for more information before heading out.
Attend a Ranger Program
When visiting national parks, it’s always great to hear from park rangers to learn more about what makes these places special and worth protecting. That’s why attending a ranger program is one of the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park.
To learn more about programs, check the park’s calendar of events or ask about programs at the visitor centers.
Hike to Condor Gulch Overlook
If the High Peaks Trail sounded intriguing but a little daunting, the Condor Gulch Trail will give you a good taste of the same scenery without the steep dropoffs and narrow ledges.
Only one mile from Bear Gulch Day Use Area is the Condor Gulch Overlook. It provides an excellent view of the High Peaks area as well as the trail you’ve climbed from the parking lot below. It’s a good sense of accomplishment! As the name suggests, you may see the endangered California condor flying above this area.
Stop by the Visitor Center
As with any national park, it’s always a good idea to stop by the visitor center.
Rangers can give you suggestions on things to do in Pinnacles National Park based on your interests, as well as help you with trip planning. They can also provide information about closures, conditions, and alerts.
The visitor center is also a great place to learn more about the park through exhibits. There’s also a small souvenir store managed by the park partner. All proceeds benefit the National Park Service.
Pinnacles Visitor Center is located near Pinnacles Campground on the east side of the park. There’s also a visitor contact station on the west side.
Watch for California Condors
One of the greatest things to do in Pinnacles National Park is birding. The park has been known as the main area for the restoration of the California condor since 1987. Rangers at Pinnacles have done an excellent job helping this species rebound after nearly going extinct.
Individuals have to climb the highest parts of the park to have a greater view of the condors. It’s best to bring binoculars with you. Check for white feathers under the wing and below their heads. This is the best way to distinguish condors from vultures.
There are a variety of other birds that can be spotted in the park as well. These include peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and more.
Crawl Through Balconies Cave
The Balconies Cave lies on the west side of Pinnacles National Park. Going to this cave gives visitors a good hiking experience that remains unmatched. The cave is named because of the rocks that neighbor it and appear like balconies.
This cave is open all year round because although it is home to bats, they do not live in colonies. In this cave, visitors enjoy hiking in the second elevation of the cave, whereby there is an elevation drip.
The Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop is about 2.4-miles roundtrip and considered easy to moderate with only 100 feet of elevation gain. Begin this trail from the Chaparral parking area on the west side of Pinnacles National Park.
Flashlights are required to enter the cave so visitors can navigate the dark labyrinth of rocks and boulders that surround it. Precipitation can cause flooding in the cave, especially in winter, so be prepared to wade. Rock scrambling is also required.
Go Stargazing
Here’s something to do on either the east or west side of Pinnacles National Park.
This park happens to be one of the best national parks for stargazing. Individuals who wish to enjoy this experience need to stay in the park until late hours.
Because Pinnacles National Park is remote, light pollution is rare and the views of the night sky are astounding. Pick a clear night to visit with a headlamp or flashlight and some warm blankets.
Take a Hike
We’ve already discussed some of our favorite trails in Pinnacles, but there are many more. Hiking is easily one of the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park and one of the best ways to explore the park’s wilderness.
The park hosts high peaks of volcanic rocks resulting from volcanic activity. Hiking can be done from either side of the park from different trails and parking areas.
Some additional trails to choose from include Juniper Canyon Loop, Juniper Canyon Trail, Chalone Peak, and Tunnel Trail. You can also connect the east and west sides of the park by hiking. The canyon comes all along from the High Peaks of the east and loops through the park back to the Chaparral Day Use Area on the west side.
Pin The Best Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
With so many different things to do in Pinnacles National Park, visitors will never get bored. From hiking and camping to stargazing and birding, there’s something for everyone in this fantastic national park. What are you waiting for? Start planning your trip today!
This post features contributions from Sarah Duke of Momentum Adventure.
