What Is Pinnacles National Park?
Pinnacles National Park is a spectacular collection of monoliths and spires produced by volcanic activity and the San Andreas Fault. Did you know it is constantly moving north?
What Makes It Beautiful?
The park is surrounded by incredible, golden, rolling oak hills that give way to thick conifer forest. In the early morning light, the pinnacles along the High Peaks Trail are perfectly otherworldly. This isn’t a high-traffic park, so the tranquility here in the autumn is next to none!
How Can I #HelpTheHelpers?
- Pay the entrance fee to help maintain trails, signs, structures, and other visitor services!
- Volunteer with the Pinnacles National Park Foundation!
- Donate to the Pinnacles National Park Foundation!
- Be a responsible visitor! Remember the old adages: Pack out what you pack in! Take nothing but pictures and leave nothing but footprints!
How Do I Get There?
The West Entrance is about 14mi (23km) east of Soledad on CA-146.
The East Entrance is about 29mi (47km) northeast of King City. To get there, take Bitterwater Road for 13.8mi (22km), turn left onto CA-25 for 14.2mi (23km), and enter the park by turning left onto CA-146.
(Take Me There!)
When Should I Visit the Park?
I discovered Pinnacles back when it was a National Monument, so I don’t know if its new Park status has increased its traffic or not. However, I will say that there were very few people, and the temperatures were pleasant in October. Oh, and the stars were incredible at night!