11 Local Things To Do In Pinnacles National Park

Though it’s one of the smaller national parks, Pinnacles National Park offers an extraordinary blend of natural beauty and adventure. From its striking rock formations to its diverse wildlife, this park offers a unique experience that few other places can match.

Pinnacles National Park is one of the more remote natural parks in the California National Parks system. Located in San Benito County and with an elevation of 3,304 feet, you’re surrounded by rugged brown landscapes that are as beautiful as they are daunting.

Here are 11 reasons why Pinnacles National Park is worth the visit.

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1. Bear Gulch Cave

While there are a lot of things to do in Pinnacles National Park, the most popular one is Bear Gulch Cave. The cave is dark, damp and eerie, but it’s also intriguing — a twisting cave with uneven floors and some pretty steep inclines and declines.

There are also stalagmites that look like huge hands reaching up toward the sky. And the cave has a little stream running through it. To access the cave, you’ll have to hike the Bear Gulch Cave Trail.

The entire hike including the cave can take up to 2 hours. The Bear Gulch Cave is seasonally open due to the habitation of Townsend’s big-eared bats. But they aren’t the only species – there have been a total of 16 species of bats detected in this cave.

The cave has an upper section and a lower section. The lower section is the main part of the cave that’s open most of the year. The upper section is open for a couple of weeks annually due to the habitat of the bats.

The entire cave is closed from mid-May through mid-July for the bats’ pupping season. The entire cave is open for a few days or weeks (depending on the bats) in March and October. You can check the current status of the Bear Gulch Cave here. 

Flashlights are required when exploring the Bear Gulch Cave. Use this flashlight when hiking in the cave.

2. Bear Gulch Reservoir

While the Bear Gulch Cave might seem like the destination, the final destination is the Bear Gulch Reservoir. It is beautiful to see this body of water among the pinnacles and dry landscape.

This is a man-made reservoir that was created to prevent downstream flooding. This is the perfect place to sit down on the rocks and have lunch. Bring a small cooler and enjoy the views with a cold drink in hand.

You can also watch the sunset here but make sure you have adequate flashlights (& batteries) to hike back in the dark.

If you’re hiking to the Bear Gulch Reservoir when the Bear Gulch Cave is closed,  you’ll have to hike on Moses Spring trail to and back. Plan to spend at least 2 hours for the entire hike.

If the cave is open and you plan to hike through the cave to access the reservoir, plan to spend at least 3-4 hours for the entire hike. 

3. Balconies Cave

While the Bear Gulch Cave and the Bear Gulch Reservoir are located on the east side of the park, the Balconies Cave is located on the west end of the park. To access the Balconies Cave, hike through the Balconies Cave Trail and loop around via the Balconies Cliffs Trail.

With an elevation gain of up to 100 feet, the 2.4-mile loop hike is considered moderate and takes up to 2 hours. The cave passages may be narrow so scrambling is required when exploring the cave.

If it rains, the cave gets a bit flooded so wading would be needed. You can check the current status of the Balconies Cave here. 

Flashlights are required when exploring the Balconies Cave. Use this flashlight when hiking in the cave.

4. Rock Formations

Experience the unique rock formations in this park! So how were these pinnacle formations created? These pinnacles were formed through the combination of the movement of tectonic plates and volcanic eruptions.

23 million years ago, Pinnacles was a part of a volcanic field. The San Andreas Fault, that borders the North American tectonic plate and the Pacific tectonic plate, divided the volcanic field. The Pacific plate moved upward with the pinnacle rocks and through wind and water, the pinnacle rock formations were formed.

You’ll see rock formations all around the park but if you’re looking for some massive formations, head to Machete Ridge or Balconies Cliffs. 

5. Wildflowers

Wildflowers bloom at different times of the year depending on elevation and moisture levels. But as the weather gets warmer and the hillsides turn green, you are treated to an explosion of color throughout the park.

And within just a few days after a good rain, you will see pretty displays of baby blue eyes, poppies, lupines, and more. If you’re here to see the wildflowers, visit between March and May when over 80% of the blooming happens.

But if there’s more rain or it gets warmer, you can start seeing wildflowers from January onward up to July (if it’s still rainy). When visiting in the spring, keep in mind that weekends at Pinnacles National Park are crowded.

It’s best to visit during a weekdays during springtime. The best way to enjoy these blooms is on a hike. There are plenty of great trails to check out the wildflowers: Balconies Trail, Juniper Canyon Trail, and High Peaks Loop.

With flowers blooming, you’ll also find bees in the park. But did you know that there are around 400 species of bees here; more than anywhere per unit area on Earth! 

We recommend using this camera and lens to zoom in and get close-up shots of gorgeous wildflowers blooming around the park.

6. Bird Watching

With over 160 species of birds at Pinnacles, one of the most popular activities to do in Pinnacles National Park is birdwatching. Bird watchers will see many bird species including some endangered species.

Try to spot the endangered California Condor, peregrine falcons, prairie falcons, golden eagles, hawks, and turkey vultures. The California Condor is the largest bird (that can fly) in the North American continent.

Since Pinnacles has a diverse environment, you can spot birds year-round. But if you’re trying to spot yellow-breasted chats, wrens, black phoebes, yellow warblers, visit during the spring or summer.

You’ll find them near riparian areas with low sunlight. Year-round, you might find belted kingfishers and mallards near water bodies. It takes time and patience to spot birds. But here are five areas you’re likely to spot birds soaring above:

Pinnacles Visitor Center & Campground Area: This would be the best spot to see birds due to the nearby water bodies (water fountain and the swimming pool) and nearby oak trees, pine trees, and chaparral.

Watch for the California Quail near the roads or campground sites during dawn. We saw and heard “Nuttall’s woodpeckers” and noticed the trees they pecked!

Year-round, you can spot the California thrasher, California towhee, and more! You might be able to spot some migratory birds including kingbirds and flycatchers. 

Moses Spring Trail: On your hike, you might see Bewick’s wren, American bushtit, canyon wren, or a spotted towhee. 

Bear Gulch Reservoir: You will see raptors (birds of prey) circling around the reservoir. Try to spot the American kestrel, especially near the southern part of the reservoir. You’ll also see them flying above the Bear Gulch Day Use Area and the Bear Gulch Nature Center. 

Balconies Trail: Look for white-throated swifts, golden eagles, California condors, oak titmouse while looking out at the Balconies Cliffs and the Machete Ridge. Make sure to head out before 8 pm since the entrance gate for the west side of the park closes by 8 pm.  

High Peaks: If you’re here early morning, you can see gray pines, turkey vultures, and California condors flying above the High Peaks. You will also see raptors like the prairie falcon and peregrine falcon and migratory birds like the warblers and blue-gray gnatcatchers above the High Peaks trail and High Peaks area.

Looking for binoculars? These binoculars have a 7–10 power range – observe birds from a distance with these binoculars.

7. Stargazing

Pinnacles National Park is one of the best places to stargaze in California. Not only are you surrounded by beautiful mountains, but the skies are also clean and clear without any light pollution – making it a great spot to see the stars and the Milky Way!

There are a couple of parking and picnic areas to watch for stars. Head to these areas:

• Peaks View picnic area
• Jawbone trail & parking lot
• the Bacon Ranch
• the Day Use Area behind the Campground and Park Store
• Chaparral parking area on the west side of the park

Check the National Park Service site for any upcoming night hikes or stargazing activities.

8. Rock Climbing

The park is home to a number of volcanic rock formations with climbing crags towering thousands of feet above the land. This makes for a truly epic rock climbing experience.

There are areas for all skill levels, from beginners to experts, and different types of climbing routes; from top-rope climbing to multi-rope climbing along Machete Ridge.

Please be aware of rocks breaking while climbing. Check out the National Park Service’s site for safety tips including looking out for raptors.

The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park for rock climbing is during springtime or early fall when temperatures are mild and crowds are small. 

Best Hikes In Pinnacles National Park

Hiking is one of the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park. There are over 30 miles of hiking trails with different intensity levels. The hikes around the park vary from rocky to leveled environments.

And you’ll see all sorts of wild animals, birds, natural rock formations, and scenery. Apart from day hikes to the caves and reservoir, there are 3 hiking trails to check out before exiting the park: 

9. Prewett Point Trail

The Prewett Point Trail is an easy hike with a minimal elevation of 70 feet. It provides scenic views of Balconies Cliffs, Hain Wilderness, and High Peaks. This trail is located on the west side of the park.

The entire hike is 0.9 miles and takes up to an hour. Since there is minimal shade, avoid hiking here on a hot and sunny afternoon. But plan to hike here during sunset for views of the sun setting on the Pinnacle formations. 

10. Moses Spring-Rim Trail Loop

The Moses Spring – Rim Trail Loop is a moderate hike with an elevation of 500 feet. The main attractions of this hike are the Bear Gulch Cave and the Bear Gulch Reservoir.

The entire hike is 2.2 miles and can take around 2-3 hours including exploring the cave and reservoir. It’s located on the east side of the park.

If you’re looking for restrooms before this trail, you can find them at the Bear Gulch Day Use parking area and the Moses Spring parking area (located closer to the Moses Spring – Rim Trail). This is the best day hike in Pinnacles National Park!

Pro Tip: If you’ve got only a few hours to explore Pinnacles National Park, choose this hike. The Moses Spring – Rim Trail is the most popular trail in the park as it takes you through all that Pinnacles offers – small caves, talus caves, rock formations, a reservoir and more. 

11. Condor Gulch Trail

The Condor Gulch Trail is a moderate hike with an elevation of 1100 feet. You can get to the Condor Gulch Overlook if you hike 1 more mile.

It provides beautiful views of the High Peaks, Condor Gulch, and interesting rock formations. You can also spot California condors here.

The entire hike is 3.4 miles and can take up to 1.5 hours. It’s located on the east side of the park. 

Frequently Asked Questions

An absolutely gorgeous place to visit, Pinnacles National Park is a popular destination for all ages. Whether you’re hiking, camping, or just wandering around the park, it’s important to know what to expect. Here are all the answers to the most commonly asked questions about things to do in Pinnacles National Park.

Is Pinnacles National Park Worth Visiting?

If you’re looking for a vacation that’s less crowded with tourists and is surrounded by unique rock formations, the Pinnacles National Park is definitely worth visiting.

These volcanic rock spires and its unique landscape draw visitors from around the globe to experience its rugged beauty. Plus it’s the closest in the Bay Area to see California’s dry desert landscape.

Originally inhabited by Native Americans before the 18th century, the park was then colonized by Europeans. In recent decades, the park was first designated as the Pinnacles National Monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in the 1908.

It was then re-evaluated to be a national park by President Barack Obama in 2013 – making it one of the newest national parks in the United States.

Pinnacles National Park also attracts people who want to get away from the Bay Area landscape but not drive too far from home. Apart from the pinnacles, you’ll also see wildlife (such as mountain lions!), birds, wildflowers on your hikes around the park. 

How Much Time Do You Need At Pinnacles National Park?

It’s possible to spend just 1 day at Pinnacles but the better option is to spend 2-3 days to fully experience the park. The Pinnacles National Park has an interesting layout and can be confusing to navigate, especially if it’s your first time visiting.

There are two sides of the park – the west side and the east side – that they don’t connect each other by road. They only connect via a hiking trail; otherwise you would have to drive around the park to access one side from the other.

If you’ve only got a few hours to a day to spend at Pinnacles, here’s what we recommend: 

How To Spend One Day At Pinnacles National Park

East Pinnacles

• Pinnacles National Park Visitor Center
• Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
• Bear Gulch Cave
• Bear Gulch Reservoir: Picnic Break
• Hike back, look for birds and wildlife
• Stargazing at night

West Pinnacles

• Hike on Balconies Cave Trail
• Explore Balconies Cave
• Hike around the loop via Balconies Cliff Trail
• Hike the Prewett Point Trail for sunset 

Can You Swim At Pinnacles National Park?

The park has a swimming pool that’s open between April and September. It’s located in the Pinnacles Campground. It’s rare to see swimming pools inside national parks so if you’re camping here, make sure to use it!

What Time Is This National Park Open?

The park is open 24 hours on the east side and from 7:30 am to 8 pm on the west side. Overnight parking isn’t allowed on the east side.

But if you plan to visit during the springtime, plan to arrive before 8 am as parking fills up fast. If you plan to enter the park between 9 am and 3 pm, you’ll expect to see crowds, especially during holidays and weekends. 

How Do You Get To Pinnacles National Park?

Located in central California and east of the Salinas Valley, Pinnacles National Park is a 1.5 hour drive from San Jose and a 2-hour drive from San Francisco.

By car, you can enter the west entrance in Soledad through Hwy 101 then Hwy 146 and the east entrance in Paicines through Hwy 25 then Hwy 146.

Make sure to have enough gas when driving to the park. The nearest town is Soledad and you’ll find many gas stations there before turning on to Hwy 146.

If you’re traveling from Southern California, you can reach Pinnacles either through CA-25 via Bitterwater or Hwy 101 N via King City.

If you’re flying in, the nearest airport is Monterey Regional Airport about an 1-hour drive from the park. But since the park isn’t too far from the Bay Area, you can fly in from the San Jose International Airport. 

Driving Tip: As there is no road that connects the east side and the west side, you’ll have to drive around the park (or hike 5 miles one way). The shortest route is via Bitterwater Road to drive from one side to the other. You might be navigated to use La Gloria Road but do not use that. It is a dirt private road and you’ll see a “No Trespassing” sign. 

Best Time To Visit Pinnacles National Park

The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is during the spring or fall. During the spring, you’ll see tons of colorful wildflowers and more greenery. During fall, you’ll see fall foliage with the air being crispy cool.

Winter is also a good time to visit but there is less scenery (no wildflowers and fall colors). Also if you plan to explore the entire Bear Gulch Cave, plan to visit either in March or October when the cave is fully open during the last weeks of those months (and sometimes earlier depending on the bats).

Plus summers at Pinnacles gets very hot – sometimes above 100F! That makes it uneasy to do outdoor activities such as hiking or rock climbing during the summer months.

It can also be unsafe to hike in intense heat without having adequate materials. And campfires aren’t allowed due to fire danger being very high during the summer. 

Where To Stay Near Pinnacles National Park

While Pinnacles National Park is a popular destination for hikers, rock climbers and campers, there aren’t many nearby lodging options. We recommend these 3 options:

Budget-Friendly Option: Fairfield Inn & Suites by Marriott Hollister

Mid-Priced Option: Posada de San Juan

Lux Option: Holiday Inn Express & Suites – Hollister, an IHG Hotel

If you would like to go camping near Pinnacles National Park, you can reserve a spot at Pinnacles Campground via Recreation.gov.

The campground has RV sites, electrical hookups, picnic tables and other amenities. Spend a few nights at the park looking up at the stars!

If you’re looking for B&Bs near Pinnacles National Park, there are some great ones on the Central Coast.

What Should I Pack For Pinnacles?

When planning for a trip to Pinnacles National Park, you’re thinking “What should I pack?“. Everyone has different needs and preferences. For example, if you’re camping, you will be packing more than if you’re staying in a hotel room.

But no matter where you’re staying, here are the essentials you need to take when you visit the park:

Flashlight: The caves are dark and you’ll need it when exploring the cave. 

Binoculars in the 7–10 Power Range: Birdwatch 160+ species of birds. 

Reusable Water Bottle: Make sure to take a bottle of water per person when hiking. Drink plenty of water while exploring the park.

Camera and lens: Zoom in on the beautiful colors of the park. 

Hiking Shoes: Make sure that your shoes are water proof since the caves got puddles.

Final Thoughts

Pinnacles National Park is a relatively small park that stays relatively hidden from the rest of California. But it’s an amazing geological wonder with an interesting history of wildlife habitation and miles of trails to hike on.

Pinnacles National Park protects one of California’s most unusual landscapes and it’s definitely worth visiting! Try out these 11 top things to do in Pinnacles National Park when you visit! 

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