hiking
walking
views
birding
nature trips
no dogs
kid friendly
wild flowers
wildlife
rock climbing
trail running
cave
forest
Pinnacles National Monument is a protected mountainous area located east of central California's Salinas Valley. The Monument's namesakes are the eroded leftovers of half of an extinct volcano.The Monument is divided by the rock formations into East and West Divisions, connected by foot trails; there is no through road that connects the east end west entrances to the park. The east side has shade and water, the west has high walls. The rock formations provide for spectacular pinnacles that attract rock climbers. It is popular with advanced rock climbers due to the many difficult and challenging climbs. The Monument is most often visited in spring or fall because of the intense heat during the summer months.
David P. on Bear Gulch Caves and Reservoir Loop Trail
Fun My wife and I made the track, the only thing I got confused on it heading up to the lake the last turn. I am over 6 ft and had to crawl on a few spots. Still fun polls were good to have and water. I came back down the other trail not back through the caves. Fun and breath taking to see. My wife and I are staying at thousand trails so we are about 1/2 hr away. We are going back to explore we were winded but took our time lots of ages up to beyond 70 on the trail cool to see. It seemed like about 5 miles but very close hard to believe when you done.
Fantastic hike and great views!
Great hike! Perfect for hiking in winter:-)
guided trails, easy-moderate, caves
Great hike
Great hike to condors and views
This is a moderate but challenging loop from the West entrance of Pinnacles. Balconies caves is nice short /easy trail and High Peaks is longest from West side. Normally I hike Juniper Canyon/Tunnel/Condor to Moses spring to Bear Gulch caves back to High Peaks trail and this is a longer version at 11+ miles but I hiked late in the afternoon and was racing light so I cut out Moses Spring and Bear Gulch caves and ended up at 8 miles per the GPS. Great 3 hour hike if you are pushing the pace and 2,500ft of climbing means it can be challenging. It is normally warmer so bring lots of water. I used 2L of fluids and stopped for a snack at Scout Peak (2,600 ft) overlooking the West Entrance looking northwest. I love the high peaks trail (steep and narrows) and via tunnels trail this adds 1.5 mile back to West entrance but keep in mind the steep and narrow section is a lot more technical so be careful. Overall the park is in great condition and really beautiful place to hike.
Very nice
G. L. on Chalone Peak Trail
Best views in the park!