Think of the Golden Gate Bridge as a portal to the Bay Area's cultural gold mine, whether it's wandering San Francisco's famous wharf, strolling misty beaches, perusing museums or fine dining that you consider the mother lode.
Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, is Pinnacles National Monument, protecting the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of diverse wildlands. The monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers. A rich diversity of wildlife can be observed throughout the year.
The rock formations of Pinnacles National Monument divide the park into East and West Districts which are connected by trails, but not by a vehicle road. More than 30 miles of trails access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildland communities. The Pinnacles' rock formations are a popular destination to challenge technical climbers. Pinnacles is a day-use park, with occasional full moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters.
Hours + Fees
Hours:
The monument is open for day use every day of the year. Please remember that camping is only allowed in the Pinnacles Campground on the east side of the park. Backpacking is not permitted.
East Entrance
The east side of the monument is open 24 hours a day for hiking. The Pinnacles Campground offers tent, RV, and group capsites. Reservations can be made online at www.pinncamp.com.
West Entrance
An automatic gate at the west entrance of the monument opens each morning at 7:30 and closes each night. During daylight savings time, which begins in mid-March, the gate will close at 8:00 pm. During standard time, the gate closes at 6:00 pm. Visitors will be able to leave the park after the gate is closed, but cars will not be able to enter. This will allow for late hiking and climbing. Please remember that camping is not allowed on the west side of the park.
Season:
Open year-round
Amenities
Amenities:
Modern Restrooms Visitor Center Picnic Area(s)
Details
Additional Details:
If you''re not sure which side of the monument to visit, keep in mind that there is a variety of trails that start from either side. If you''d like to visit a cave, you''ll probably want to go the west side to take the Balconies Cave Loop, which is two miles round trip. If you''d like to get views of the High Peaks without leaving your car, you can see the rock formations from the west parking area.
Map + Directions
Basic Directions
Pinnacles National Monument has two entrances: east and west. The west entrance can be reached via Highway 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The east entrance is reached via Highway 25, south of the city of Hollister and north of the town of King City, then west on Highway 146. The entrances are NOT connected by a road. It is not possible to drive through the Monument from one side to the other.
Below are the Free Visitor Guides for Big Sur Coast. More Visitor Guides are available in California. Click here to view them all!
Carmel-By-The-Sea Monterey Peninsula
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Monterey PeninsulaIn Carmel-by-the-Sea you can dine at a number of four-star restaurants or eat al fresco at the beach. You can collect art or just covet art at almost 100 galleries and antique shops and you can buy anything from trinkets to Tiffanys. Even those who travel the world are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer in one location. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have the following visitor guides in California. Click on any additional guides you would like to receive.
Temecula Valley Southern California Wine Country
Temecula Valley
Southern California Wine CountryThe vineyards of California have produced some of the best wines the world over. A sampling at a local winery in Stockton is a great way to experience what is special about this beautiful part of California. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Lake Havasu City Western Arizona
Lake Havasu City
Western ArizonaWelcome to Lake Havasu City…where you can Play Like You Mean It®! Located on the Arizona shoreline of Lake Havasu, Lake Havasu City is a destination for boaters, water sport enthusiasts, hikers, nature lovers, car enthusiasts and history buffs. It attracts 775,000 visitors a year with its calm waters, beautiful beaches and desert weather with more than 300 sunny days a year. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visalia Sequoia and King's Canyon National Parks
Visalia
Sequoia and King's Canyon National ParksIn the heart of California is one of America's most vibrant destinations—Visalia CA. The breathtaking mountain scenery is met with a friendly, warm culture and provides an ideal backdrop for inspired vacations. The area boasts a thriving arts community, diverse outdoor adventures, a fun and inviting downtown, numerous historic attractions and amazing food. To assist your members and clients in planning the perfect Visalia getaway, we offer you this introduction and overview of what to expect when you visit Visalia. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Costa Mesa Southern California
Costa Mesa
Southern CaliforniaKnown as the "City of the Arts", this area of Southern California is home to the famed Orange County Performing Artscenter as well as the South Coast Repertory. Art, theater, fine dining and the shimmering sea provide visitors with a memorable and delightful experience. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Carmel-By-The-Sea Monterey Peninsula
Carmel-By-The-Sea
Monterey PeninsulaIn Carmel-by-the-Sea you can dine at a number of four-star restaurants or eat al fresco at the beach. You can collect art or just covet art at almost 100 galleries and antique shops and you can buy anything from trinkets to Tiffanys. Even those who travel the world are unlikely to encounter another place that has so much to offer in one location. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Oceanside Southern California
Oceanside
Southern CaliforniaOceanside is a classic California beach community with its warm sandy beaches, historic wooden pier and Cape Cod-style harbor village complete with unlimited water sports and recreation. Offering a quiet escape from the hustle and bustle, visitors still experience the casual spirit that made Southern California’s beach culture legendary. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Visit Buena Park Southern California
Visit Buena Park
Southern CaliforniaWith thrilling attractions, interactive dining experiences, and plenty of shopping options, Buena Park offers fun on just about every corner. A vacation hot spot, the lively city of Buena Park is not only known for it's premier location in Orange County but for its world famous entertainment - including Knott's Berry Farm®, Soak City USA Water Park, Knott’s Independence Hall, Medieval Times, and Pirate’s Dinner Adventure. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Catalina Island Southern California
Catalina Island
Southern CaliforniaDiscover the magical island of Catalina, just off the coast of Southern California. Whether you are looking for a romantic getaway, a place to bring the entire family, or just need a few days to unwind, Catalina Island is the perfect destination. Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
Vallejo Bay Area
Vallejo
Bay AreaYour Bay Area Fun Starts Here. Explore San Francisco and the Napa/Sonoma wine country and stay in our affordable hotels. Attractions include Six Flags Discovery Kingdom, Mare Island Historic Park, Jelly Belly factory, Sonoma Raceway, world-class golf, unique shopping, a thriving downtown arts & entertainment district, and direct ferry service to and from San Francisco! Request this Free Visitor GuideRequested!You're all set! Request a few more Visitor Guides, or complete the form below to receive your guides by mail.
We also have visitor guides available in states highlighted in blue below. Click on any state to see what's available.
Alaska
Arizona
California
Canada
Colorado
Idaho
Louisiana
Michigan
Montana
Nevada
New Mexico
Ohio
Oregon
Texas
Utah
Washington
Wyoming
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