Balconies Cliffs as seen from the inside of the Balconies Caves
Photo: National Park Service/Oscar Garcia
About
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors.
Location
5000 East Entrance Road
Paicines, CA 95043
Entrance Fees
Entrance - Private Vehicle$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle$25.00
Entrance - Per Person$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups$15.00
Hours
wednesdayAll Day
mondayAll Day
thursdayAll Day
sundayAll Day
tuesdayAll Day
fridayAll Day
saturdayAll Day
Activities
AstronomyStargazingBikingRoad BikingCampingCar or Front Country CampingGroup CampingRV CampingCavingClimbingRock ClimbingFoodPicnickingHands-OnCitizen ScienceVolunteer VacationHiking
Directions
Pinnacles National Park is accessible through highway 101 for the West entrance, and highway 25 for the East entrance. From highway 101 you must pass through the City of Soledad to find highway 146 which will lead to West side of Pinnacles. To enter East Pinnacles you must find highway 25 through the City of Hollister coming from the North, and King City through Bitter Water Road (G-13) when coming from the South. NOTE: There is no through road between the east and west entrance.
Get directions →Weather
Pinnacles National Park has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters with moderate precipitation. The park is several miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. A wider variation in seasonal temperatures can be expected in the local area. Summers are hot with temperatures above 100 degrees. Winters are cooler with highs in the 60s. Big swings in temperature occur between day and night, year round.