Pinnacles National Park
Location:
California
Size:
26,685 acres
Peak Season:
Spring & Fall
Closest Airport:
San Jose International Airport (SJC) – 1.5 hrs
Topography:
Rock Formations, Mountain
Recreational Opportunities:
Hiking – Top trails include High Peaks, Balconies Cave, and Bear Gulch Cave.
Rock Climbing – Home to some of the best climbing routes in California.
Cave Exploration – Unique talus caves with bat colonies.
Wildlife Viewing – One of the best places to see the endangered California condor.
Camping – Quiet campgrounds with stunning views of rock formations.
Points Of Interest:
Pinnacles: The park’s distinctive rock formations, which were formed by volcanic activity, offering dramatic landscapes and opportunities for rock climbing.
Bear Gulch Cave: A seasonal cave system that provides a cool retreat during the summer months, home to a variety of wildlife.
High Peaks Trail: A challenging trail that takes visitors to the highest points in the park, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area.
Chalone Peak: The highest point in the park, providing stunning views of the rugged landscape and the surrounding Monterey County.
Top 5 Hikes:
High Peaks Trail
Bear Gulch Cave Trail
Balconies Cave Trail
Condor Gulch Trail
Pinnacles Loop Trail
Camping:
Pinnacles Campground – The park’s only developed campground, located on the east side, offers tent and RV sites, group camping, potable water, picnic tables, fire rings, and a seasonal swimming pool; reservations recommended.
Backcountry Camping – Not permitted anywhere within the park.