Pinnacles is the remains of an ancient volcano that has travelled some 200 miles north along the San Andreas Fault. What is left is a jumble of red rock spires above oak-covered hills, with talus caves formed by boulders wedged in narrow gorges — and, overhead, some of the rarest birds in the world: California condors, reintroduced here. It became a national park in 2013 and is still overlooked by most travellers driving Highway 1 or US-101.
Best things to do in Pinnacles
High Peaks Trail
The best of the park: a loop from Bear Gulch up Condor Gulch to the High Peaks, where a steep, narrow section has steps cut into the rock and handrails. Condors often soar at eye level.
2Bear Gulch Cave
A talus cave on the east side, with a stream, stairs and squeezes in the dark: bring a flashlight. Parts close seasonally to protect a colony of bats; check the park’s cave status.
3Balconies Cave
On the west side (or reached from the east by a longer hike), a scramble through boulders below the Balconies cliffs. Flashlight essential.
4Bear Gulch Reservoir
A small lake above the cave, enclosed by rock towers: a good turnaround point for an easy hike.
5Condor watching
California condors were reintroduced at Pinnacles; look for huge dark birds with white underwing patches over the High Peaks, especially in the morning.
Why go: a volcano that moved
Pinnacles has no grand vista and no famous postcard, which is why most people never stop. Instead it offers caves, rock scrambles and condors in a single day hike — and it is an easy inland detour from Monterey or the Highway 1 road trip. Rock climbers know it well; hardly anyone else does.
Pinnacles entrance fees and reservations
| Ticket | Price |
|---|---|
| Private vehicle, 7 days | $30 |
| On foot or by bike, per person | $15 |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US residents $80 · non-residents $250 — covers the whole car and the $100 fee |
No cash accepted, and little or no phone signal: buy and save your pass before you arrive.
- No timed entry.
East or west entrance?
| East entrance | West entrance | |
|---|---|---|
| Access | Via Hollister and Highway 25 | Via Soledad, off US-101 |
| Highlights | Bear Gulch Cave, reservoir, High Peaks | Balconies Cave, High Peaks from the west |
| Facilities | Visitor center, campground, store | Small visitor contact station |
| Getting from one to the other | No road through the park: about an hour around it by car | Same, or on foot over the High Peaks |
When to go
March to May brings green hills and wildflowers; October–November is mild and quiet. Summer often passes 100°F (38°C) in the canyons: hike at dawn. Winter is cool and green, with occasional rain. Weekends in spring are busy and parking at Bear Gulch fills: arrive early.
Where to stay in Pinnacles
The only lodging in the park is the campground on the east side, with tent cabins. Otherwise, sleep in the nearby towns or on the coast.
Pinnacles Campground
$$$$Best for: early starts and stars
Tent sites, RV sites and tent cabins, reserved on recreation.gov, on the east side.
Hotels in Pinnacles Campground partner linkSoledad & the Salinas Valley
$$$$Best for: the west entrance
Simple motels along US-101, plus wineries in the Santa Lucia Highlands.
Hotels in Soledad & the Salinas Valley partner linkMonterey
$$$$Best for: combining with the coast
About 1 h 15 from the west entrance, for a day trip from the coast.
Hotels in Monterey partner linkPinnacles: your questions
Which entrance is better at Pinnacles?
The east entrance has more facilities, Bear Gulch Cave and the campground. The west is quicker from US-101. Pick one: there is no road between them.
Do you need a flashlight for the Pinnacles caves?
Yes. Both talus caves are dark, with uneven footing and low passages.
Can you see condors at Pinnacles?
Often, especially around the High Peaks. Bring binoculars.
Does Pinnacles accept cash?
No. Buy your pass online beforehand and save it on your phone — there is little or no signal in the park.
Written by Kylian Dev · Last reviewed October 21, 2026. Prices are in US dollars, before sales tax.