Pinnacles National Park


 * For the Western Australian national park, see Nambung National Park



Pinnacles National Park is a national park that protects a wilderness area containing the remains of half of a long-extinct volcano. It offers rugged, difficult hiking trails over high rock formations and through talus caves. Rock climbing is allowed in some places but is dangerous and requires some experience. Unlike most national parks, there are few options for people with mobility limitations.

It is approximately two hours (by car) south of San Jose in California's Central Coast region, and is remote enough to avoid massive throngs of visitors, but close enough to the Bay Area to be a good day-trip option.

History
The first of Pinnacles National Monument were set aside in 1908 by President Theodore Roosevelt to preserve the unusual rock formations and the talus caves found in the park. The Civilian Conservation Corps began developing some of the trails and facilities in the park between 1933 and 1942, including the distinctive tunnel that is found on the tunnel trail. In 2012 the monument was elevated to national park status, and today the park has been expanded to contain and attracts over 200,000 visitors annually.

Landscape
The pinnacles for which the park is named are the remains of a 23 million year old volcano. Located along the San Andreas fault, half of the volcano was pulled to the northeast as the tectonic plate on which it sits shifted. The current rocky outcroppings have been eroded to approximately one-third of the volcano's original height, but still offer a challenging opportunity for hikers and rock climbers. When you reach the top of the trail, you find sweeping vistas.

Flora and fauna


The park is home to 149 species of birds, 49 mammals, 22 reptiles, 6 amphibians, 68 butterflies, 36 dragonflies and damselflies, nearly 400 bees, and many thousands of other invertebrates.

The endangered California condor, the largest flying land bird in North America, has been re-introduced into the park and can occasionally be seen gliding on updrafts near the rocky cliffs. Turkey vultures are commonly seen, and the park is also home to golden eagles, prairie falcons, Cooper's hawks, and sharp-shinned hawks. Mammals in the park include black-tailed deer, bobcat, gray fox, raccoon, jackrabbit, brush rabbit, ground squirrel, chipmunk, and several kinds of bats.

This is not a dog-friendly park. Because of the wildlife, dogs and other pets are allowed only in the picnic areas, in the campground on the eastern side, in the parking lots, and on paved roads, and must be kept on a short leash (maximum length of ). You can't bring pets on any of the hiking trails, and you can't leave them unsupervised while you're hiking.

Climate
The climate of Pinnacles is typical of the Mediterranean climates of California, with cool wet winters and hot dry summers. Summer temperatures of over are common, but coastal fog will often come into the valleys at night. Nighttime summer temperatures of are common, making for enormous daily temperature swings.

Winter climate is akin to the California deserts, with mild days and nights often dropping into the low s. The average precipitation is approximately 16 inches (400 mm) per year. Nearly all of the precipitation is in the form of rainfall, with the majority occurring from December to March. Snowfall is rare, but does occur in significant amounts about every 10 years.

Visitor information

 * Park website



By automobile
An automobile is the only practical means to reach Pinnacles National Park. Park entrances on the east and west sides are not connected to each other by a through-road. The west entrance, which opens at 7:30AM, can be reached via U.S. Route 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along California Route 146 to the Chaparral area. The east entrance is reached via California Route 25, south from the city of Hollister or north from the town of King City, then west on California Route 146.

A foot trail system connects both sides of the park. For those wanting to visit a talus cave, the west side trail heads are closest to the Balconies Cave Loop. For views of the High Peaks without leaving your car, the rock formations are also visible from the west parking area. However, the road to the west side of the park is winding and narrow, and may not be the best option for those travelling in a motor home or similarly large vehicle.

Fees and permits
All private vehicles entering the park must pay a $30 entrance fee that is valid for seven days. For individuals traveling by motorcycle the fee is $25, and by foot or bicycle $15, also valid for seven days. The Pinnacles Annual Pass, which costs $80, waives all entrance fees.

By car
The park has two entrances, Pinnacles East and Pinnacles West, which are not connected by roads. Parking areas just inside the park entrance often fill during peak times (e.g., spring wildflower season or holiday weekends), and it is therefore advisable to try to arrive before 8AM. On some weekends a park shuttle may be available on the east side of the park to take visitors from overflow parking areas to trailheads and the visitor center.

Because parking is limited, one strategy is to reserve a campsite, which usually includes parking spaces for two vehicles. If you stay the night in the park, you can also rest at the campsite during the heat of the day, and hike in the cooler parts of the day.

By foot
The park offers of hiking trails, easily accessible from the parking areas inside of both entrances and ranging in difficulty from moderately easy two-mile loops to trails leading across high cliffs and over rocky outcroppings. Most of the trails are not wheelchair accessible.

By bicycle
Bicycles are allowed only on paved roads within the park. Bicycles and motorcycles are not allowed on trails.

Hiking
The trails are unpaved, rocky, and often difficult, steep, and uneven. Trail areas closest to the two entrances are generally the most accessible to people with mobility limitations. If you have concerns or any special needs (especially claustrophobia, fear of heights, or bad knees) in your group, ask the park rangers to suggest a trail. Wear good shoes, preferably hiking boots.

From the east side:



From the west side:

Bird watching
As of 2021, 181 species of birds have been documented in the park, but for the average visitor the most interesting will be the California condor, the largest flying bird in North America. Nearly extinct, condors were reintroduced to the park in 2003. These giant birds can live as many as sixty years and are often confused with turkey vultures, but can be distinguished by their bald, pink heads and small patch of white feathers on the leading edge underside of their wings. Other notable birds likely to be seen by casual birders include the prairie falcons that nest on the high cliffs, as well as golden eagles and red-tailed hawks. Consider bringing a pair of binoculars. If you're trying to expand your life list, then search for the yellow-billed magpie, the greater roadrunner, the canyon wren, and the California thrasher as well.

Rock climbing
The rock in Pinnacles is volcanic in origin, and may pose difficulty for climbers used to granite. Park regulations are as follows:


 * 1) Climbing is not allowed on routes where rock fall or dropped gear might injure people using established hiking trails. This ban includes, but is not limited to routes 58 through 68 and 339a (as numbered in the Climber's Guide). This does not apply to routes above climber access or social trails.
 * 2) No power drills may be used for bolting.
 * 3) Some formations may be closed from January through July in order to protect nesting falcons and eagles. Check with a Park Ranger for information on specific routes, or check the climbing information boards at the East and West trailheads. While the closures are officially considered voluntary, climbers or hikers who disturb nesting birds or other wildlife will be fined.
 * 4) It is highly recommended that climbers use brown or gray webbing for anchors to reduce the scenic damage caused by webbing left behind on climbs. Also, the use of "chalk balls", instead of loose chalk, is recommended to minimize the amount of chalk left on hand holds.

Buy
The visitor centers sell postcards and books of local interest, and the camp store sells things that campers might have forgotten, but otherwise there are no items for sale within the park. Nearby towns have grocery stores and can provide any needed supplies.

Eat
Although the Pinnacles Campground Store sells some food, you will probably be happier bringing your own. There are four picnic areas: the picnic tables by the Chaparral parking lot on the west side, and three more picnic areas along the paved road on the east side of the park. Although there are no tables, another popular option is to hike up to the Bear Gulch Reservoir for a picnic overlooking the beautiful water. Drinking water is available at visitor centers and some parking areas.

Nearby towns have restaurants, bars, and grocery stores.

Lodging
There is no lodging within the park borders, but there is one B&B outside of the park. Otherwise, head about north to Hollister on the east side, or  south to King City on the west side for the nearest options. Many people use Monterey as a base, and visit as a day trip.



Backcountry
Overnight camping is not allowed in the backcountry of Pinnacles National Park, although the east side of the park is now open 24 hours a day for hiking.

Stay safe
The park is a relatively safe place, but there are a few issues to be aware of. For one, when hiking through Balconies Cave or Bear Gulch Cave, bring a flashlight; a headlamp is recommended to leave your hands free. The caves are dark, footing is uneven, the rock may be slippery, and ceilings can be low. Avoid unnecessary noise in the cave which can be disturbing to wildlife and visitors.

During the summer and early fall temperatures may exceed, making sun protection and adequate water absolute necessities. Drinking water is only available in the developed areas—there is no water available on any of the trails. In addition, hikers should wear proper footwear to avoid slipping or twisting an ankle.

Rock climbers should remain alert for rocks that may become dislodged or equipment that may be dropped onto unwary hikers below. Existing protection hardware is not maintained by the park and should be tested before using. Clean-climbing practices means removing slings, etc. after use. Be aware of advisories concerning cliff-nesting birds.

Dangers from the local flora and fauna are limited. Poison oak can cause a nasty rash; wetter areas may have thick stands of this shrub, while hotter, drier areas tend to be devoid of this noxious native species. Stay on trails to avoid encounters with this plant, and learn to recognize it ("Leaves of three, let it be"). Stinging nettle is another annoyance. Touching the plant will cause a burning sensation with all leaf hairs sticking to the skin. Watch for this tall plant in moist areas such as cave entrances and along stream edges. The only poisonous snake in the park is the Pacific rattlesnake; keep to trails, avoid heavy brush, and watch where hands and feet are placed in rocky terrain to avoid this snake. Rattlesnake bites require prompt first aid, so keep an eye and ear out for these animals. The last rattlesnake bite was in 1995, and the animal is protected in the park.

There is no cell phone service in this park. If possible, avoid hiking alone, so that if one of you runs into difficulties, the other can go for help.

Go next

 * Soledad - west of the park on Highway 101, Soledad is the park's western gateway and also home to Mission Soledad, one of 21 historic Spanish missions in California.  The town is also home to several wineries, with tasting rooms that offer magnificent views over the Santa Lucia Highlands and the Salinas Valley.