Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is one of the least visited national parks in the USA, a surprising fact, given its small size and convenient location near San Francisco and several other popular parks. But don’t let that fool you. Pinnacles National Park is an absolute joy to visit.
We loved this park, with its thrilling hiking trails, talus caves, and chance to see California Condors soaring overhead. The park’s small size makes it very quick and easy to visit, and one day is really all you need to see the highlights.
Pinnacles National Park Stats
Founded: January 10, 2013
Annual Visitors: 350,000 visitors in 2024
Size: 27,000 acres
Location: California
Entrance Fee: $30 per vehicle, valid for 7 days
Top Experiences in Pinnacles National Park
Best of Pinnacles: 5 Thrilling Things to Do in Pinnacles National Park
In this guide, we cover the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park, plus essential things to know to have the best experience.
Bear Gulch Reservoir. This beautiful reservoir is one of the park’s most photographed, iconic spots. To get here, it’s a short, scenic hike, either through Bear Gulch Caves or on the lovely Moses Spring Trail.
Bear Gulch Caves. These talus caves were formed from a rockfall. Scrambling through these dark caves is one of the most unique experiences in the park.
Hike the High Peaks. Hike amongst the massive pinnacles of rock on the highest mountaintops of the park. The views are incredible and the trails are lots of fun, with a bit of rock scrambling and climbing up and down ladders carved from the rock.
Spot a California Condor. California Condors soar over the High Peaks of Pinnacles National Park. Hiking the High Peaks Trail is the best way to get an up close view of these endangered birds.
Balconies Cave. The Balconies Cave are similar to Bear Gulch Caves, in that you get to rock scramble through a dark, somewhat mysterious cave. Rock scrambling through this cave is more challenging and adventurous than the Bear Gulch Caves (but still doable for most people), so if you like caving, put this on your to-do list.
Rock Climbing. With its rocky pinnacles and spires, Pinnacles National Park is one of the best national parks to go rock climbing.
Hike to Chalone Peak. This challenging trail takes hikers to the highest peak in the park, rewarding those who make it here with 360° views over this part of California.
High Peaks Trail Loop
High Peaks Trail Loop: The Best Hike in Pinnacles NP
In our opinion, this hike is the #1 experience in Pinnacles National Park. This loop is 5.6 miles (9.1 km) long, takes about 3 to 5 hours, and is moderate to strenuous in difficulty. This one hike covers most of the must-see sights in the park, including Bear Gulch Caves and Reservoir, the amazing High Peaks, and a chance to see California Condors.
Did You Know?
Pinnacles National Park is located very close to the San Andreas Fault. The geology of this park is characterized by massive pinnacles of rock and talus caves. The pinnacles of rock were created by the eruption of the Neenach Volcano. The caves were formed from earthquakes and these caves are now the nesting sites of multiple species of bats.
The High Peaks area of the park is part of a California Condor reestablishment program, where Condors are released into the wild after being hatched in captivity.
How Many Days Should You Spend in Pinnacles?
With one day, you can see the highlights of Pinnacles National Park. By hiking the High Peaks Trail Loop, you get to see the High Peaks, California Condors, Bear Gulch Reservoir, and hike through Bear Gulch Caves (if they are open). Those with more energy can add on the hike to Balconies Cave, but that does make for a big day of hiking. With another day or two, go rock climbing or hike to Chalone Peak.
How to Plan the Perfect Pinnacles National Park Itinerary
How to plan your time in Pinnacles National Park, with suggestions on how to spend a half day, one day, and two or more days in the park.
When To Visit Pinnacles National Park
Spring (March through May) and fall (October and November) are the best times to visit Pinnacles National Park. The weather is pleasant and there is a good chance that the Bear Gulch Caves will be open.
During the summer months, temperatures can soar, which makes hiking dangerous.
The winter months are the wettest months of the year with cooler temperatures (the high is still roughly 60°F, which is rather pleasant for a national park in the winter). Our visit was the first week of May and we had sunny skies and cool to warm temperatures.
Pinnacles National Park appears in our Best US National Parks Month-By-Month series as a great park to visit in March, April, and November.
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Pinnacles National Park Map
Pinnacles Gallery
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