Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park featuring tranquil scenes
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park showing wild flowers
Pinnacles National Park featuring hiking or walking and tranquil scenes
Pinnacles National Park showing wild flowers


Monumental rock spires crowd around serene pools, talus caves and boulder-speckled hiking trails in this striking parkland and unique biosphere.

Explore miles of remarkable hiking trails through canyons and grasslands and clamber into the shade of a cave in the Pinnacles National Park. The mountainous parkland protects the ridges, rock formations, oak woodlands and prairies east of the Salinas Valley. Learn about this park’s magnificent landscape, which was formed over millions of years of volcano eruptions, lava flows and tremors. Discover a dynamic environment supporting diverse wildlife.

One of the best ways to explore the park is on foot. Pick from hiking trails that cover 32 miles (51.4 kilometers) of the park. There are easy walks that traverse around some of the Pinnacles’ highlights, as well as challenging walks for a rewarding day of hiking. Stroll through grasslands studded with volcanic rock and spot bobcats, black-tailed deer, lizards and snakes. In the springtime, the landscape is adorned with a colorful show of wildflowers, including California poppies, bush lupine and mariposa lilies.

Look up into the spire-pierced skies and you might see prairie and peregrine falcons or golden eagles. The endangered California condor is also known to fly between the Pinnacles and the Big Sur coast.

Wander into caverns beneath giant boulders that rolled into ravines millennia ago and make your way into the rare talus caves. The Balconies Cave is on the western side of the park, while Bear Gulch Cave is situated to the west and has an on-site Nature Center where you can learn about the resident bats and frogs. Keen rock climbers can tackle the renowned routes, but be sure to check ahead that your route is clear of nesting falcons.

Ranger-guided walks are offered on the park’s eastern and western flanks. Check the Pinnacles Visitor Center or go online to find out what’s happening during your visit.

Pinnacles National Park is located a short distance east of Soledad. It is 80 miles (128.7 kilometers) southeast of San Jose. Park your car at the Visitor Center and ride the free shuttle bus between sites during weekends and holidays, but be aware of high visitor numbers during these periods. The fee to enter the park is valid for a week.

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Hollywood Inn Suites Hotel
Los Angeles Deluxe Suites - 2 Bedrooms & 2 Bathrooms
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Popular places to visit


Top Pinnacles National Park Hotel Deals

Motel 6 Soledad, CA

Motel 6 Soledad, CA

2.5 out of 5
1155 Front Street, Soledad, CA
Motel 6 Soledad, CA
Soledad Motel 8

Soledad Motel 8

2.5 out of 5
1013 Front St, Soledad, CA
Soledad Motel 8
Travel Inn

Travel Inn

2.5 out of 5
120 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA
Travel Inn
Motel 6 King City, CA

Motel 6 King City, CA

2 out of 5
3 Broadway Circle, King City, CA
Motel 6 King City, CA
Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett

Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett

2.5 out of 5
1190 Broadway St, King City, CA
Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett
Keefer's Inn

Keefer's Inn

2 out of 5
615 Canal Street, King City, CA
Keefer's Inn
Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort

Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort

3 out of 5
3800 Airline Highway, Hollister, CA
Ridgemark Golf Club & Resort
Quality Inn Salinas

Quality Inn Salinas

2.5 out of 5
144 Kern St, Salinas, CA
Quality Inn Salinas
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hollister by IHG

Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hollister by IHG

2.5 out of 5
391 Gateway Drive, Hollister, CA
Holiday Inn Express and Suites Hollister by IHG
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pinnacles National Park

At Pinnacles National Park, visitors can enjoy a variety of activities including hiking along scenic trails, rock climbing on striking formations, and birdwatching to spot diverse wildlife. The park offers ample opportunities for outdoor adventures, making it a perfect destination for nature enthusiasts seeking to explore its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity.

Shopping

For souvenirs, visit San Benito Bene, a charming store located 45.1km away from Pinnacles National Park, offering unique gifts and local products. If you're up for a drive, explore nearby shopping options for an even wider selection of treasures.

Recreation

Experience a round of golf at Salinas Fairways Golf Course, where you can enjoy scenic outdoor vibes while honing your skills on the greens. Alternatively, the San Juan Oaks Golf Club offers a tranquil setting for a leisurely game amidst beautiful landscapes, perfect for relaxation and recreation.

Adventure

Bear Gulch Trail, located 966m from Pinnacles National Park, offers a captivating hiking experience amidst stunning scenery. Old Pinnacles Trail, 644m away, invites adventure seekers to explore its breathtaking views. For a longer trek, the Juan Bautista de Anza National Historic Trailhead, 49.9km distant, promises an unforgettable outdoor journey.

Nightlife

The nightlife near Pinnacles National Park offers a unique blend of experiences. Visit the Fremont Peak Observatory, 41.8km away, for a celestial view, or enjoy a performance at the San Benito Stage Company, 45.1km away, which promises culture and romance for a delightful evening out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park, located in Paicines, California, offers a myriad of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts, including scenic hikes, caves, and stunning landscapes. Visitors can explore the park’s diverse natural beauty, with opportunities for adventure and relaxation alike. Don't miss the chance to discover nearby churches and additional points of interest, ensuring a memorable experience during your visit to this remarkable national park.

  • Pinnacles National Park West Entrance: The gateway to adventure, this entrance offers stunning vistas and a plethora of outdoor activities. You can immerse yourself in the natural beauty and diverse wildlife that Pinnacles has to offer, making it an ideal spot for hiking enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.
  • Bear Gulch Reservoir: A serene lake surrounded by picturesque scenery, Bear Gulch Reservoir is perfect for a romantic picnic or a leisurely stroll along the beach. Its tranquil waters provide an idyllic setting for relaxation and reflection amidst the beauty of nature.
  • Bear Gulch Caves: Explore the intriguing Bear Gulch Caves, where adventure awaits. These caves offer a unique opportunity to discover fascinating rock formations and the thrill of spelunking, making for an unforgettable outdoor experience.

Best time to go to Pinnacles National Park

The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Pinnacles National Park falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Pinnacles National Park falls in December, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May61.7°F (16.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.5°F (23.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pinnacles National Park

To save money on your trip to Pinnacles National Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices are lower, especially on Tuesdays. Avoid weekends, particularly Saturdays, for better rates. Use Expedia to filter hotels by budget and eco-certification, plus combine bookings for potential discounts on flights and activities. Additionally, take advantage of free activities in the park and explore public transport options to minimise travel costs. Always check for refundable rates and the best deals to ensure you get the most value for your money.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pinnacles National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pinnacles National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Pinnacles National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia’s search tool enables you to specify your budget, desired location, and additional preferences. You can organise your results to display prices from lowest to highest, allowing you to view the most affordable hotels first. Furthermore, you have the option to refine your choices by hotel category; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will showcase sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can potentially reduce your expenses by combining your hotel reservation at Pinnacles National Park with your flights and activities through an Expedia package.

* Savings based on package bookings compared to the price of the same components booked separately. Savings not available on all packages. Book Flight + Lodging, save up to 100% of flight price - Savings based on flight + lodging package prices as compared to the price of the same components available for booking separately before all discounts and rewards applied. Your bundled savings cover up to 100% of your flight. Savings vary based on origin/destination, length of trip, stay dates and travel suppliers. Savings not available on all flight + lodging package bookings.