Best trails in Pinnacles National Park
Comprised of impressive rocks, caves, cliffs, and peaks, Pinnacles National Park showcases the results of ancient volcanic activity on landscape. The park provides spectacular heights that attract many rock climbers. The park has an abundance of hiking, in fact, the two sides of the park are only connected by foot; there is no road connecting the two sides. Please note the park is often very hot in the summer months.
Top trails
- (8959)•Hard•5.3 miThe Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop is one of the best hikes in Pinnacles National Park. The trail head is located by the Bear Gulch Visitor Center and is best reached from the east entrance of the park. The High Peaks Trail at Pinnacles National Monument threads its way through the wreckage of a volcano destroyed by the San Andreas Fault millions of years ago. The Monument, about 100 miles south of San Jose, California, celebrates the strange assortment of rock formations...
- (4056)•Moderate•2.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis loop offers an array of interesting scenery. You'll travel past rock formations, talus caves, and the reservoir. This route is a great choice for families visiting Pinnacles National Park. Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally, you can check conditions and updates here: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/cavestatus.htm It is recommended to bring a flashlight for exploring inside Bear Gulch Cave.
- (2063)•Moderate•5.3 mi•Est. 2–2.5 hrThe Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves can periodically be closed due to bat activity and dangerous conditions such as high waters during or after a storm. The caves can be exciting and beautiful to explore. It is a good idea to bring a headlamp for exploring the caves. Cell service can cut out when you are inside or near the large rock formations of the caves, so it is a good idea to download your map ahead of time.
- (2096)•Moderate•2.6 miThis loop takes you alongside some interesting rock formations before descending into some interesting caves. A headlamp is essential for the cave portion of this route. Water levels in the cave can be knee-deep during the spring, so be prepared the get your feet wet. Water shoes are recommended. Enjoy many interesting geologic formations as you explore the caves. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen.
- (1146)•Moderate•1.2 mi•Est. 0.5–1 hrThis trail packs a variety of scenery into a short hike. There are interesting rock formations, a reservoir, and a cave to explore. The trail is well-marked and well-shaded. This a great hike to do at sunset. Bring a headlamp if you wish to explore the cave. There is limited parking at the trailhead, so plan to arrive early or visit during the week.
- (1628)•Hard•4.2 mi•Est. 2.5–3 hrThis trail is beautifully shaded by the surrounding trees and chaparral for most of the hike, but it can get very hot very quickly. The route quickly gains difficulty as you gain elevation. It's a good idea to bring plenty of water and sun protection in the warmer months. Keep your eye out for abundant blackberry bushes and poison oak along the side of the trail.
- (1409)•Hard•8.4 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrHike the highs and lows of Pinnacles National Monument, one of the best parks in central California. The striking terrain of the Pinnacles National Monument might make you feel like you're at least a couple of state borders away from the San Francisco Bay Area, but in truth this national park is less than a hundred miles south of San Jose. Our recommended route combines two of the most popular trails in the park - boasting caves, some tight squeezes in high places and to top it all off,...
- (1027)•Hard•7.4 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrThe Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves can periodically be closed due to bat activity and dangerous conditions such as high waters during or after a storm. Please check for current cave conditions here: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/cavestatus.htm Hike the whole length of the High Peaks Trail to find out why it's the most popular Pinnacles trail. High Peaks Trail is a rugged route through the remarkable rock features of Pinnacles National Monument, which was formed millions of years...
- (1073)•Moderate•2.0 mi•Est. 1–1.5 hrThis is a beautiful hike up to the Condor Overlook. The trail is short but steep. The scenery is lush green hills juxtaposed with arid mountains. At the top, there are a lot of places to explore. Keep an eye out for condors at the overlook. This trail gets hot during the summer, so come prepared with sun protection and plenty of water.
- (1072)•Hard•9.3 mi•Est. 4.5–5 hrNestled in the mountains of central California, Pinnacles National Park is home to a range of unique rock formations, talus caves, and a series of beautiful peaks and valleys. It's also an excellent place to view wildlife and is the nation's premier spot to view the endangered California condor. The park is lined with a network of trails that access both caves and peaks. No one trail is overly long, and it's possible to complete a number of them with an extended, beautiful day of hiking....
Visitor info
School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.
This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling on a motorcycle, scooter, or similar motorized vehicle to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of 16 passengers or more pay $15 per person up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($40 or $100). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.
This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single vehicle to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
This pass is valid for 12 months from the month of purchase. It covers the entrance fee to Pinnacles National Park for the pass signee and accompanying passengers entering in a single, non-commercial vehicle. Pinnacles Annual Passes are available at park entrance stations.
Join millions of people who enjoy our National Parks with the "America the Beautiful" National Park & Federal Recreational Lands Pass, otherwise known as the Interagency Annual Pass. The pass is valid for a year's worth of visits from the month of purchase at more than 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country.
No entrance pass required on these days:
Monday, January 20 — Birthday of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Saturday, April 19 — First day of National Park Week
Thursday, June 19 — Juneteenth National Independence Day
Monday, August 4 — Anniversary of the Great American Outdoors Act
Saturday, September 27 — National Public Lands Day
Tuesday, November 11 — Veterans Day
The Interagency Access Pass is accepted here.
Both visitor centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.
Audio-described and text-only park brochure formats are available.
Additional information about accessibility at Pinnacles National Park can be found on their website: https://www.nps.gov/pinn/planyourvisit/accessibility.htm.
Both visitor centers are accessible to visitors using mobility equipment or strollers and have wheelchair accessible restrooms.
The picnic areas are wheelchair accessible with assistance and have packed, level paths and surfaces.
There are fully accessible restrooms at the West Pinnacles Contact Station.
Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.
