At a glance
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors.
Things to do: Astronomy · Stargazing · Biking · Road Biking · Camping · Car or Front Country Camping · Group Camping · RV Camping · Caving · Climbing · Rock Climbing · Food · Picnicking · Hands-On
ParkAtlas, maintained by Stellaroos, combines its park and trail dataset with public information from the National Park Service. NPS data snapshot retrieved . Fees, access, and conditions can change; verify current details with NPS before traveling.
Popular trails
Curated routes with approximate round-trip distance. Tap one to log it in the app.In the app, tap one to log it.
Camping
Approximately 134 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reservations are strongly recommended in peak season (February – May, Oct – Nov).
Best time to visit
Peak season: February – May, Oct – Nov. The park is open year-round, though some roads and facilities close or run reduced hours in winter.
Pinnacles National Park has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters with moderate precipitation. The park is several miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. A wider variation in seasonal temperatures can be expected in the local area. Summers are hot with temperatures above 100 degrees. Winters are cooler with highs in the 60s.
Big swings in temperature occur between day and night, year round.
Pack for Pinnacles
Four things worth having for desert heat and long exposed miles. From the full gear list; links support ParkAtlas.
Outdoor Research Echo sun hoodie
Sun protection without the sunscreen-on-your-arms routine. Dries in minutes.
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LMNT electrolytes
Water alone isn't enough on a hot day. One packet per bottle.
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Sun Bum sunscreen
High elevation sun is not the sun you're used to. Reapply at lunch.
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YETI Rambler bottle
Ice at the trailhead is still ice back at the car.
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Entrance fees
- Entrance - Private Vehicle — This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle up to 15 passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.$30
- Entrance - Motorcycle — Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles with up to 4 total passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.$25
- Entrance - Per Person — This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.$15
- Entrance - Non-commercial Groups — Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of 16 passengers or more pay $15 per person up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($40 or $100). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.$15
- Commercial Entrance - Sedan — The charge for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $30. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.$30
Annual Entrance - Park: $55. An America the Beautiful pass ($80/yr) covers every national park.
Getting there
Nearest city: San Jose, CA. Park center: 36.490°, -121.160°.
Pinnacles National Park is accessible through highway 101 for the West entrance, and highway 25 for the East entrance. From highway 101 you must pass through the City of Soledad to find highway 146 which will lead to West side of Pinnacles. To enter East Pinnacles you must find highway 25 through the City of Hollister coming from the North, and King City through Bitter Water Road (G-13) when coming from the South.
NOTE: There is no through road between the east and west entrance.
Coming from a big city? See every park near San Francisco or Sacramento.
Common questions
How much does it cost to visit Pinnacles National Park?
Entrance - Private Vehicle: $30. Entrance - Motorcycle: $25. Entrance - Per Person: $15.
When is the best time to visit Pinnacles?
Peak season is February – May, Oct – Nov. The park is open year-round, with some roads and facilities on reduced winter schedules. Pinnacles National Park has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters with moderate precipitation. The park is several miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. A wider variation in seasonal temperatures can be expected in the local area. Summers are hot with temperatures above 100 degrees. Winters are cooler with highs in the 60s.
Can you camp in Pinnacles National Park?
Yes — about 134 campsites across the park's campgrounds. Reserve ahead in peak season.
What is the closest city to Pinnacles National Park?
San Jose, CA is the nearest major city. Pinnacles National Park is accessible through highway 101 for the West entrance, and highway 25 for the East entrance. From highway 101 you must pass through the City of Soledad to find highway 146 which will lead to West side of Pinnacles. To enter East Pinnacles you must find highway 25 through the City of Hollister coming from the North, and King City through Bitter Water Road (G-13) when coming from the South.
What are the best hikes in Pinnacles?
Popular trails include High Peaks Trail (5.5 mi), Bear Gulch Cave Trail (2.4 mi), Balconies Cave Trail (2.4 mi), Condor Gulch Trail (4.8 mi). The park has roughly 30 named trails.
Plan your trip
The practical bits, so more of the weekend goes to the trail.