Pinnacles National Park Hikes and Itinerary

Pinnacles is a real hidden treasure—a beautiful park that is not too far from civilization but not too crowded. Many thanks to Barack Obama for turning it from a National Monument to a National Park back in 2013, making it the youngest of all the parks in the country!

Favorite Thing

I loved watching the California Condor, an enormous bird, flying in circles above the high peaks of Pinnacles National Park. It was just very quiet and beautiful. The park’s serene atmosphere makes it ideal for connecting with nature.

Where to Stay Near Pinnacles National Park

I recommend staying in Salinas where there are a couple of hotel options. Soledad is technically closer but a much smaller place with less options. In Salinas, you can also visit the National Steinbeck Center, so there’s a bit more to see. Alternatively, if you book far enough in advance you can stay at the Pinnacles Campground inside the park.

Where to Eat Near Pinnacles National Park

Despite Soledad’s sleepiness, it had the best Mexican food I have ever had. Make sure you stop at Restaurant Plaza Garibaldi. This hole-in-the-wall restaurant, with a Spanish-only menu, had killer fish tacos, veggie fajitas, guacamole, and incredible salsas.

Getting to Pinnacles National Park:

Pinnacles National Park is a little over 2 hours’ drive (124 miles) from San Francisco. Traveling by car is highly recommended as public transit is limited. You can rent a car at San Jose International airport or San Francisco International airport.

What’s the Weather in Pinnacles National Park Like?

The weather in Pinnacles National Park varies seasonally. Summers are typically hot and dry, with temperatures often exceeding 90 degrees Fahrenheit. Winters are mild, making it a great time for hiking. Spring and fall are ideal, offering pleasant temperatures and beautiful wildflower displays. Be sure to check the weather forecast before your visit to ensure you’re prepared.

What to Do While Visiting:

Pinnacles is a small but mighty National Park. You can see the highlights in a day, but two days would allow you to explore both sides of the park. We only explored the West side of the park on this trip, but I hope to go back and do the rest! Of note, the park is wilderness through the center, so there is a west entrance and east entrance that are not connected. You can hike through the middle, but there is no other way of getting from one end to the other besides driving one hour all the way around the mountains.

We decided to explore the West side of the park since it had the most diversity for a short day trip. We parked at the Chaparral parking lot, which was full, but there was plenty of overflow parking. We hiked about 2 miles of the Jupiter Canyon Loop before turning around. The views along the hike were incredible—views of the Pinnacles (High Peaks) above and forest in the distance. This trail is one of the best hikes in Pinnacles National Park for short visits. I would like to go back and do one of the cross-park hikes, such as the Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop, for a more immersive hiking experience.

Hiking along the Jupiter Canyon Loop.

 After our small jaunt into the High Peaks, we ventured back down and tried the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop. We only went part of the way into the caves as the sun was setting (the problem with exploring in late November). However, the hike to the caves was beautiful, with more views of the High Peaks, as well as access points to tons of rock climbing. The cave has a metal gate in front of it so you’ll know it when you see it. Within the cave, there are many rocks hanging at precarious angles, and you need a flashlight or headlamp to explore. Hiking in Pinnacles National Park is unique because of these fascinating Talus caves, home to one of the largest colonies of big-eared bats. I didn’t see any, but definitely check the website before going as the park closes access to the caves certain times of the year to allow the bats to raise their young.

Best Hikes in Pinnacles National Park for Every Skill Level:

• Jupiter Canyon Loop: Great for beginners, with stunning views of the High Peaks.
• Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop: A challenging hike with rewarding views from the top.
• Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop: Ideal for cave explorers and rock climbers alike.

For more options, try exploring Alltrails to discover more complex hikes as well as recent reviews.

Views from the Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop.

Final Observations:

Pinnacles National Park is a gem of a day trip from the Bay Area for a quick adventure. There are lots of different kinds of hikes, rock climbing, cave exploring, bird watching, and views for miles. You could also tack it onto a trip to Monterey Bay, the Gilroy Outlets, or San Juan Bautista. I can’t wait to go back sometime soon to try out some new hikes!

FAQs

What is the best time to visit Pinnacles National Park?

Spring and fall offer the most pleasant weather, ideal for hiking and wildlife viewing.

What are the best hikes in Pinnacles National Park for beginners?

The Jupiter Canyon Loop is a fantastic option for beginners, offering scenic views without too much elevation gain.

Is there rock climbing available at Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, Pinnacles is a popular spot for rock climbing, with numerous routes available throughout the park.