Pinnacles National Park protects a spectacular landscape forged 23 million years ago by volcanic eruptions, featuring towering rock pinnacles, rare caves, and diverse wildlife. The park offers hiking, climbing, camping, and a chance to see endangered condors up close.

Overview

• The park was formed by volcanic eruptions about 23 million years ago. Erosion and tectonic forces have since shaped the dramatic pinnacles and unique cave systems.
• Pinnacles is known for its diverse habitats, including grasslands, chaparral, oak woodland, and riparian areas.
• The park is a sanctuary for wildlife, including a successful California condor recovery program and species like the red-legged frog and western pond turtle.

Plan Your Visit

Park Entrances & Visitor Centers

• East Entrance: Open 24 hours (no overnight parking except campground). Access via CA-25. Pinnacles Campground is near this entrance.
• West Entrance: Open 7:30 am to 8 pm. Access via CA-146 from Soledad (steep and narrow; large vehicles advised to avoid).
• Pinnacles Visitor Center (East side): Offers exhibits, trip planning, and ranger information.
• Bear Gulch Nature Center: Features exhibits, a film, and trailhead access; open seasonally.
• West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station: Provides information, a film, and a bookstore; open year-round.

Scenic Hiking Trails

East Side Trails

• Balconies Cave Loop (2.4 mi): Cross through the Balconies Cave (flashlight required). Wading may be needed in winter. Starts from Old Pinnacles Trailhead or Chaparral.
• Old Pinnacles to Balconies Cave (5.3 mi): Sunny hike leading to towering formations like Machete Ridge and Balconies Cliffs.
• Juniper Canyon Loop (4.3 mi): Strenuous switchbacks climb into High Peaks, featuring steep and narrow sections.
• North Wilderness Loop (9.3 mi): Rugged, unmaintained, with ridge climbs and cairn-marked descent through Chalone Creek.
• High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop (8.4 mi): Steep climb to High Peaks, then downhill back through or over the cave. Flashlight required.
• Chalone Peak Trail (9 mi): Climb to North Chalone Peak for expansive views. Option to extend to South Chalone Peak.

West Side Trails

• Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop (2.4 mi): Crosses Balconies Cave with rock scrambling. Flashlight required.
• Pinnacles Visitor Center to Bear Gulch (2.3 mi): Moderate trail along Chalone and Bear creeks.
• Bear Gulch Reservoir to Rim Trail Loop (2.2 mi): Features rock formations, talus caves, and a reservoir. Good for kids.
• Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop (5.3 mi): Strenuous hike through iconic rock formations; extendable via Rim and Moses Spring.
• High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop (6.7 mi): Steep climb to High Peaks with a shaded return along Bench and Bear Gulch trails.
• Condor Gulch Trail (1.7 mi): Scenic route to High Peaks, with spectacular pinnacle views.
• Prewett Point Trail (0.9 mi): Easy trail with great views of the High Peaks.
• Jawbone Trail (1.2 mi): Connects Prewett Point to Chaparral and Jawbone parking areas.

Camping

• Pinnacles Campground: Open year-round near the East Entrance. Offers tent, RV, group sites, tent cabins, hookups, and showers. Reserve at Recreation.gov. Backpacking is not allowed.

Climbing

• Pinnacles is world-renowned for rock climbing with hundreds of routes ranging from easy to extremely difficult. Climbing safety and route info are available on the park website.
• Climbing is seasonal in some areas to protect wildlife and for safety.

Cave Exploration

• The park’s talus caves, including Balconies and Bear Gulch, offer unique exploration. Flashlights or headlamps are required.
• Bear Gulch Cave closes seasonally for bat protection. Check current closures before visiting.
• Be prepared for low ceilings, uneven footing, and rock scrambling.

Additional Activities

• Birding: Over 180 species, including California condors, peregrine falcons, and prairie falcons.
• Ranger Programs: Seasonal schedules available at visitor centers and online.
• Store: Camp store (near campground) and park store (West Pinnacles) offer books, souvenirs, and essentials.
• Accessibility: Efforts are made to provide accessible facilities and programs. Inquire at visitor centers or with rangers for details.

Geology and Caves

• The talus caves formed as large boulders fell into deep rock-walled canyons, creating rare cave systems that are only accessible by scrambling or wading through them.
• These caves are geologically distinct and provide unique microhabitats for species like bats and the endangered Townsend’s big-eared bat.
• The park’s terrain includes steep cliffs, narrow canyons, and distinctive rock formations such as the Balconies and Machete Ridges.

Wildlife and Ecology

• The California condor recovery program is a highlight, with condors often seen soaring above the High Peaks area.
• The park protects populations of the threatened red-legged frog and western pond turtle, especially in its caves and reservoirs.
• Over 180 bird species have been recorded, including peregrine and prairie falcons.
• Habitats range from sunlit grasslands and chaparral to cool, shaded riparian zones and caves, supporting diverse flora and fauna.

Management and History

• Pinnacles was first designated as a National Monument in 1908 through the efforts of President Theodore Roosevelt and was later redesignated as a National Park in 2013.
• The park is managed by the National Park Service with a focus on preserving its unique geology, diverse ecosystems, and cultural resources.
• Ongoing scientific research and conservation efforts aim to protect its rare species and maintain the health of its ecosystems.

Additional Resources

• Pinnacles National Park – NPS
• Plan Your Visit | Pinnacles National Park
• Pinnacles National Park – Camping
• Pinnacles National Park – Climbing
• Pinnacles National Park – Trails
• Reserve Pinnacles Campground
• Pinnacles Condor Program
• Cave & Karst Systems at Pinnacles
• Current Conditions & Alerts
• Park Maps

Links

• Website
• Map