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Best trails in Pinnacles National Park

Best trails in Pinnacles National Park

4.5(35,616 reviews)

·

United States
#14 of 60 national parks

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.

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Visitor info

Hours & contact
Passes & fees
Starting at $0
Accessibility
East Side Entrance
Every day • Open 24 hours
West Side Entrance
Every day • 7:30 am–8 pm
Phone
(831) 389-4486
Entrance pass
Education/Academic Groups

School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.

$0
Motorcycle

Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles with up to 4 total passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.

$25
Purchase pass
Non-commercial Groups

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.

$15
Per Person

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.

$15
Purchase pass
Private Vehicle

This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle up to 15 passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.

$30
Purchase pass
Annual pass
Park

The Pinnacles Annual Pass is available to U.S citizens and residents only. It is valid only at Pinnacles and may be purchased online or in person. It is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits up to two motorcycles (including passengers), or up to 15 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle to Pinnacles National Park.

$55
Purchase pass
All U.S. national parks

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.

$80
Purchase pass
2026 Fee-free days

No entrance pass required for US citizens and residents on these days:

February 16 — Presidents' Day
May 25 — Memorial Day
June 14 — Flag Day
July 3 — Independence Day weekend
July 4 — Independence Day weekend
July 5 — Independence Day weekend
August 25 — National Park Service's birthday
September 17 — Constitution Day
October 27 — Theodore Roosevelt's birthday
November 11 — Veterans Day

Overview

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.

Facilities

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

Service animals must be on-leash throughout the park.

Parks

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Frequently asked questions

Where is the best place to hike in Pinnacles National Park?

According to users from AllTrails.com, the best place to hike in Pinnacles National Park is Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop, which has a 4.8 star rating from 9,540 reviews. This trail is 5.4 mi long with an elevation gain of 1,633 ft.

What is the longest trail in Pinnacles National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, the longest trail in Pinnacles National Park is North Chalone Peak, High Peaks, Balconies, and Condor Gulch. This trail is estimated to be 20.5 mi long.

How many trails are in Pinnacles National Park?

There are 33 trails in Pinnacles National Park.These trails have an average 4.5-star ratingfrom NaN AllTrails community reviews.

Which trail has the most elevation gain in Pinnacles National Park?

North Chalone Peak, High Peaks, Balconies, and Condor Gulch has the most elevation gain with 5,295 ft of total ascent. The park's runner-up is High Peaks Trail to Old Pinnacles Trail to Condor Gulch Trail Loop, which has 3,254 ft of elevation gain.

Are there camping trails available in Pinnacles National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 4 camping trails in Pinnacles National Park and the most popular is Visitor Center to Peaks View Day Use Area with an average 4.5 star rating from 778 community reviews.

Are there running trails available in Pinnacles National Park?

According to AllTrails.com, there are 9 running trails in Pinnacles National Park and the most popular is High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop with an average 4.8 star rating from 2,096 community reviews.

What are the best summer hikes in Pinnacles National Park?

What are the best fall hikes in Pinnacles National Park?

What are the best winter hikes in Pinnacles National Park?

What are the best spring hikes in Pinnacles National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic mountain peak views in Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, there are 18 trails with scenic mountain peak views in Pinnacles National Park, including Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop, Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop, High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop, Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies, and Balconies Cave Trail.

Are there any trails with cliffs in Pinnacles National Park?

Are there any trails with huts in Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, there are 3 trails with huts in Pinnacles National Park, including Visitor Center to Peaks View Day Use Area, Bench Trail, and Pinnacles Visitor Center to South Wilderness Trail.

Are there any trails with picnic areas in Pinnacles National Park?

Are there any trails with caves in Pinnacles National Park?

Are there any trails with springs in Pinnacles National Park?

Are there any trails with scenic viewpoints in Pinnacles National Park?