Pinnacles National Park
Official park boundary · National Park Service
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.
Pinnacles National Park is a national park of the United States protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, about five miles (8 km) east of Soledad and 80 miles (130 km) southeast of San Jose. The park's namesake pinnacles are the eroded leftovers of the western half of an extinct volcano that has moved 200 miles (320 km) from its original location on the San Andreas Fault, embedded in a portion of the California Pacific Coast Ranges. Pinnacles is managed by the National Park Service and the majority of the park is protected as wilderness.
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.
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.
Source: National Park Service
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.
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.
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.
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).
Per the National Park Service, as of 2026-08-04
- Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park
junior ranger programs
- Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
- Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike
- Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
- Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
- Hike Jawbone Trail
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
- Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop
West Side Trails, Stenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
- Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail
East Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Bicycle and pet friendly
Source: National Park Service
- Pinnacles Campground
- Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Pinnacles Park Store
- West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
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