Ready to see some caves and learn about some condors? Look no further than Pinnacles National Park. Although this park is newer to the national park scene (officially added in 2013), Pinnacles has a different flavor than many of the other California parks. It’s rugged peaks, caves and arid topography differ drastically from the lush trees of the redwoods further east.
Pinnacles is divided into two halves: East & West. Unfortunately, there is no interior park road that connects the two sides. So plan to drive an extra hour and a half around the parks exterior if you plan to visit both sides, or get ready for a good long hike!
To make planning your travels easier, I’ve split up my tips below into East & West sites. If you only have one day, decided which side is closer to your route and focus on that specific side. Both sides offer unique opportunities but if time is limited, I think the eastern side might have a bit more to offer.
East Side Sites:
Pinnacles Visitor Center: Great starting spot to map our your tour of Pinnacles! Make sure to get that National Park Passport Stamp if you’ve got one of those fancy blue books 😉
Bear Gulch Cave Trail: Talk about cave beauty! This trail is remarkable for seeing some incredible rock formations and boulders. To get there, drive to the Moses Spring Parking Area
Balconies Cliff/Cave Trail/Old Pinnacles Trail: This trail connects the East & West sides of Pinnacles (and turns into the Old Pinnacles Trail closer to the East side). The BEAUTY of this trail is incredible, but make sure you plan your route and that you’re ready for a strenuous hike.
West Side Sites:
Prewitt Point Trail: This is a great easy trail that is stroller friendly! Whooo! It leaves right from the West Visitors Contact Station and is a .9 mile scenic loop that gives you a great taste for the park.
Balconies Cliff/Cave Trail/Old Pinnacles Trail: This trail connects the East & West sides of Pinnacles (and turns into the Old Pinnacles Trail closer to the East side). The BEAUTY of this trail is incredible, but make sure you plan your route and that you’re ready for a strenuous hike or just turn around whenever you feel the urge. Head to the Chapparal Parking Area to start this hike.
Juniper Canyon Trail: A more moderate trail, this one will give you some sweeping panoramic views of rock formations and mountains. Head to the Chapparal Parking Area to start this hike.
High Peaks Trail: Get ready to do some serious climbing! This strenuous but rewarding hike that gives you some of the best views in the park! Do your research and make sure you’re ready to embark on this one! Head to the Chapparal Parking Area (from the west) or the Moses Spring Parking Area (from the east) to start this hike.
Things to Note:
Since COVID, this parks services have been more limited, so make sure to keep up to date on the parks current conditions via the NPS website.
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Lodging:
Lodging is also very limited within the park. There is a campground on the eastern side of the park, but think rustic! There are RV sites, canvas tent cabins and rustic tent sites but that’s about all. There are no campgrounds on the western side of the park, so my advice would be to stay in the town of Soledad. There are some FABULOUS Mexican restaurants there to sample. Keep reading and I’ll tell you where 😉
Food:
On the west side I HIGHLY recommend Taqueria Pacheco in Soledad. Wow, I’m still salivating thinking of the amazing tacos there. This restaurant is within a grocery store, so don’t be surprised when your GPS directs you there.
East Pinnacles does have a campground store with some good food options, but otherwise you will probably have to drive north towards Hollister.
I hope you take the time and effort to visit Pinnacles National Park! Although it may be smaller, it is definitely worth it. There are over 30 miles of trails, scenic vistas, solitude and neat caves. Something for everyone to explore and enjoy!
