California’s newest National Park, Pinnacles National Park, is an absolute hidden gem for adventure lovers. Although often overshadowed by California’s eight other beautiful national parks, the stunning views and hikes at Pinnacles National Park are definitely worth a visit.

This park is a perfect spot for a weekend getaway in central California. It’s rock pillars, reservoirs, and wildlife are absolutely beautiful and it has so many amazing trails that are easily explored in a few days. If you’re wanting to visit Pinnacles for a short weekend, you’ve come to the right place. Here we’ll help inform you on the best hikes in the area, where to camp, and any extra information you might need to know about the park.

About Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park, located in central California, is a unique and fascinating destination for hikers, rock climbers, and nature enthusiasts alike. The park is named after the beautiful towering spires of rock called Pinnacles that rise up from the landscape, providing stunning vistas and a challenging environment to explore. The park is located in the Gabilan Mountains and covers more than 26,000 acres, including a range of diverse habitats, from oak woodlands to chaparral to caves and rock formations.

Pinnacles National Park has an abundance of wildlife, including the rare and endangered California condor. In the park you can explore miles of hiking trails, ranging from easy walks through valleys to strenuous ascents to the top of high peaks. Rock climbers can conquer the park’s challenging terrain, which includes steep canyons, vertical rock faces, and caves.

The park also provides opportunities for camping, stargazing, and learning about the rich history of the area, including the indigenous peoples who have lived here for thousands of years. Pinnacles National Park is truly a magical destination, offering the chance to experience the wonders of nature. In our opinion, this park is just like a smaller and greener version of Joshua Tree.

Things to Know Before Visiting Pinnacles National Park

Before visiting Pinnacles National Park, it’s important to know a few things to ensure a safe and pleasant experience.

• Due to the park being small, the parking lots fill up quickly so make sure you get there early.
• The park has two entrances, one on the east side and one on the west side, and the two areas are only connected by hiking trails. We recommend choosing the entrance based on your planned activities.
• The park is known for its rock formations and the caves formed by them. However, all cave areas require a permit and have restricted access due to the protection of the bat population.
• Prepare for hiking and steep climbs. The park offers a range of trails from easy walks to strenuous hikes, and it’s important to bring proper gear and enough water to stay hydrated. 
• If you choose to come in the summer months, be aware that the park’s weather can be extreme. With scorching heat in the day and sudden drops in temperature at night, it’s essential to dress in layers and use sun protection.
• Respect the wildlife in the park. This includes the California condors, which are endangered.

Pinnacles National Park offers a unique and stunning landscape that is well worth the visit, and understanding these tips beforehand will make for a smooth trip.

Best Time to Visit Pinnacles National Park

While the park is open year-round, certain times of the year are better suited for specific activities or interests.

One of the best times to visit Pinnacles National Park is during the spring months of March through May, when the weather is mild, and the park’s floral displays are in full bloom. Spring also offers you the opportunity to witness the park’s iconic bird population up close as they nest and care for their young.

Another ideal time to visit is during the fall months of September and October when the weather is cooler, and the summer crowds have dissipated. This is an excellent season for hiking and rock climbing, as the cooler temperatures make it easier to tackle the park’s more challenging trails.

Overall, the best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is entirely dependent on your interests and preferences.

Where to stay in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers several camping options that cater to different preferences and needs. The park provides rustic tent sites, RV sites, group campsites, and backcountry campsites that vary in amenities, location, and accessibility. The majority of campgrounds are located on the east side of the park, and all are managed by the park and offer potable water, flush toilets, picnic tables, and fire rings.

The park’s largest and most popular campground is the Pinnacles Campground, with 134 sites spread over three loops. This campground is perfect for car campers and families, as it has an accessible playground, ranger-led programs, and nearby trailheads. The campground’s Juniper Loop is open year-round, while the other loops are open seasonally.

Secluded Campsites

For more secluded camping options, you can choose from one of the park’s eight backcountry campsites, which require a wilderness permit to access. These primitive sites offer no potable water or restrooms, but they do provide a true wilderness experience.

Group Campsites

The park offers two group campsites, which are set aside for organized groups of up to 40 people. These sites require a reservation, and both have picnic tables, pet-friendly areas, and access to potable water.

Overall, there are so many different campsite options. It’s important to plan and reserve your campsite in advance, as many sites fill up quickly, especially during peak season.

Best Trails to Explore in Pinnacles National Park

Here are a few of the most popular trails in the park. Some are short and some are pretty long. If you’re feeling ambitious, you can try and do all the activities during your weekend visit. But we mainly just wanted to give lots of different options to choose from based on your own personal interests. You really can’t go wrong with any of these hikes/activities.

Watch Sunrise at Bear Gulch Reservoir

Hiking the Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park is an awe-inspiring experience. The trail, which stretches 1.2 miles out and back, leads you through breathtaking natural scenery, including towering rock formations and lush trees.

Along the way, you can take in stunning views of the surrounding landscape and habitat, including the rugged Pinnacles themselves. The Moses Spring Trail is also home to a ton of wildlife. Be sure to keep your eyes peeled for lots of different creatures. The hike is moderately challenging in areas. This is due to inclines and uneven terrain, but the views and natural wonders make it well worth the effort.

As you approach Bear Gulch Reservoir, you’ll come across a pristine body of water surrounded by towering rocks and vegetation. This stunning destination is a popular spot for picnicking, fishing, and taking in the natural beauty of the area. It’s also an excellent spot for birdwatching, as a variety of shorebirds and waterfowl frequent the area. We highly suggest this hike for sunrise as the trail is empty and the views are amazing.

Challenge Yourself on the High Peaks Trail

Hiking the High Peaks Trail is an unforgettable experience for any outdoor enthusiast. The trail is known for its challenging terrain, amazing rock formations, and stunning views. The trail consists of a loop that winds its way through the rocky peaks of the park. At 6.4 miles, this trail takes you up 1,840 feet in elevation and is very challenging.

The hike starts off easy, but soon you’ll encounter the Steep and Narrow section. Personally, the Steep and Narrow section of this trail is our absolute favorite. We love that you get to overlook the rolling mountains and all the pinnacles. Since this park lies on a fault line, this part of the trail shows the volcanic rock on one side and the sedimentary rock on the other. It’s such a beautiful view. There is railing and steps for this section, but we wouldn’t recommend it to anyone who is afraid of heights. If you want to avoid the Steep and Narrow part of the trail, you can just head back down the way you came up on the High Peaks Trail and not do the full loop.

The trail is well-marked and maintained, but it’s not for everyone. The hike requires good balance, agility, and endurance. Proper hiking shoes and lots of water are a must. The trail can be strenuous, but the breathtaking views make it all worth it.

Hiking the High Peaks Trail is a truly unique and rewarding experience. As you make your way through the rocky peaks, you will feel a sense of accomplishment and wonder at the beauty of nature.

Catch a Sunrise on the Condor Gulch Trail

If you’re looking for another sunrise hike, we recommend the Condor Gulch Trail. This trail lets you see a nice golden glow in the park as the sun rises up. The hike is 1.9 miles out and back and takes you up 521 feet in elevation. The first mile of the trail is relatively gentle. But as you approach the Condor Gulch Overlook, the trail becomes steeper and more challenging. We highly recommend stopping at this viewpoint to capture some photos. It’s one of our favorite spots on the trail. From this perch, you can see the entire length of the park. This includes the towering High Peaks, the Balconies Cliffs, and the sweeping expanse of the Salinas Valley.

As you hike on, you’ll encounter the distinct habitat of the California Condor. These magnificent birds were once nearly extinct, but thanks to conservation efforts, there are now more than 400 in existence. These majestic birds soar effortlessly above as you hike, reminding you of how important it is to protect our wilderness.

Hiking the Condor Gulch Trail in Pinnacles National Park is an excellent way to enjoy stunning views and experience the unique wildlife that inhabit the region. Whether you are an experienced hiker or a beginner, this trail will provide an unforgettable experience.

Hike the Old Pinnacles Trail Loop

If you want to hike the entire Old Pinnacles Trail Loop, it’s 9.5 miles. On the trail you’ll get to experience the many rock formations Pinnacles has to offer. This moderate trail takes you through a diverse landscape of towering rock formations, rugged canyons, and lush valleys. The trail starts at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. From here it follows a gradual incline, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape along the way.

The trail leads to the base of the park’s signature rock formation, the Balconies Cliffs. Here you can witness the awe-inspiring beauty of the towering rock walls up close. From there, the trail takes you through narrow canyons and over streams, making for a refreshing and invigorating hike. As the trail winds through the park, you’ll see views of the park’s diverse wildlife, including California condors.

Climbing Routes

Although great for hiking, this trail is also home to many climbing routes, some of the best in the park. These routes are challenging even to the most experienced climbers. The Old Pinnacles Trail Loop is divided into two distinct areas, the East Side and the West Side. Both sections contain a wealth of climbing routes for all abilities.

The East Side is characterized by the spires and pinnacles that have been carved out by centuries of erosion. The routes on this side are known for their varied terrain and breathtaking views. Some of the popular climbing routes on the East side include The Flumes, The Monolith, and The Dark Side.

The West Side of the Old Pinnacles Trail Loop features a unique geological formation called The Balconies. Here, climbers can test their skills on challenging routes like The Balconies Cave and The Balconies Wall.

With a variety of routes for all skill levels, you’re sure to find a challenge on these stunning rock formations.

Explore the Caves 

Pinnacles is home to talus caves, which are unlike most caves in the world. These caves were formed from streams eroding at the rocks and from boulders collapsing creating what we see today. There are two different areas of caves in Pinnacles, and they are the Balconies Caves and the Bear Gulch Caves. If you come during winter the caves are closed due to the bats hibernating so, plan your trip accordingly if you want to hike through the caves.

Balconies Caves

The Balconies Caves in Pinnacles National Park are a popular hiking destination. The trail is a moderate level and spans approximately 2.6 miles roundtrip. Along the way, you encounter stunning rock formations, lush vegetation, and sprawling views of the landscape. The Balconies Caves offer a thrilling exploration of the underground world with narrow passages and dark caverns. Prepared to scramble and climb through tight spaces to navigate the cave system. It’s essential to bring plenty of water, sturdy shoes, and a good flashlight. The hike to Balconies Caves is a rewarding adventure. It will leave you in awe of the unique geological formations and stunning natural scenery of Pinnacles National Park.

Bear Gulch Caves

Hiking to the Bear Gulch Caves in Pinnacles National Park is an exciting adventure. It takes you through gorgeous rock formations and stunning scenery. The trail is a moderately challenging 2.2 miles round trip hike, with some steep inclines and stairs to navigate. The Bear Gulch Caves are a series of narrow passages, and caverns that formed from water erosion. Inside the caves, you can find bats, rock formations, and water dripping down the walls, creating a mystical atmosphere. Overall, hiking to the Bear Gulch Caves is an excellent opportunity to connect with nature while getting some great exercise.

Ready for Your Weekend Visit to Pinnacles National Park?

Ultimately, Pinnacles is truly a must-see destination for all you adventurers. The unique rock formations are so mesmerizing, especially in person. We hope this blog inspired you to start planning your weekend visit to Pinnacles National Park. If you’ve already been to the park, let us know what your favorite trails or climbing routes are.