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Pinnacles National Park

Chaparral Drive, Soledad, California

Description

Pinnacles National Park is a mountainous area with distinctive natural eroded features owing to its volcanic origins. It is located inland from California's Central Coast and is essentially divided in 2 sections: the West and East Divisions separated by rock formations. Most of the infrastructure and trails are located on the eastern side. Interestingly, the park sits on the western half of an extinct volcano that has moved over 300km from its origin along the San Andrea Fault (known for being earthquake prone) across geological times (literally).

Access & Transport

The western entrance is 8km east of Salinas and 80km from Monterey (US-101 / CA-146) The eastern entrance is 120km from Monterey and 130km southeast of San Jose (US-101 / CA-25) It is possible to hike between the East and the West side but there are no through-roads

Instructions & Recommendations

There are various trails taking anywhere from 2h to 5h. See details here: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/trails.htm Many sections are relatively technical so best to wear hiking or trail running footwear and carry plenty of water with you as well as sun protection

Meta review

The park is very popular regionally, but not well known outside California. The majority of reviewers really enjoy the trails and scenery, and many are returning visitors but there are a few that were disappointed by the views on the eastern side and thought the western section was more rewarding although with less overnight options nearby. Plenty of tips gathered from online reviews: come before 10h during peak season to avoid queues and parking issues, bring on your binoculars or telephoto lens on camera to see condors, and count on 1h drive between East and West.

Environmental & Social

Green activity and all entrance fees are used for projects directly related to visitor experience, resource protection, and safety.

Conclusion

Some good hiking with striking scenery but for most visitors it would not be worth a long detour, especially if you prefer green / forested environments. Best tackled intra-state or as part of a regional road-trip.

Key positive

Some impressive natural features

Trails for all levels of fitness

Key negative

Eastern side potentially busy during weekends and holidays

Weather can be very hot

Suitability

Shorter trails are suitable for families. The trails are not accessible for visitors with reduced mobility

About this Rating

TYPE

Desktop

RESEARCHED IN

Updated in July 2023

PROVIDER

Koreval

Included Items
None
Timing
Duration of visit
East side is open 24h/day but the West Side entry gate only from 7h30 to 20h00

av. transport time:1h 30m

est. visit time:4h

Sunlight based

Sunrise / early morningNo

MorningOk

Lunch timeOk

AfternoonOk

Sunset / eveningOk

Night – bef. midnightOk

Night – aft. midnightNo

Pricing
$15 for walk-in / bicycle and $30 per car (including all passengers)

Max number of travellers:

Min. Child age:3

Max. child age:11

Traveller #
Adult
Child
1
US$15
US$15
2
US$15
US$15
3+
US$0
US$0

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