Pinnacles National Park

San Benito County, California

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Distance

3.5 miles

Route Type

Loop

Description

Added by Dustin Delzell

This is a newly minted National Park just about an hour south of the Bay Area here in California. It is right near Hollister, CA. The drive in is absolutely beautiful especially during spring time when everything is relatively green still. Pinnacles is family camping friendly, you can bring your RVs and trailers and has excellent hikes for the intermediate hiker but i saw a few beginners kick some butt on the trails as well. I don't have any specific info on individual camping but if you go to the Pinnacles NPS Website you can request info on anything you need.It is a hidden gem and absolutely beautiful

The only description that i can give accurately is to say that there is a beautiful system of caves you can climb/walk through. Tall guys beware, it is a pretty tight fit towards the end. I'm 6'5" and had to crawl out the end.

All the trails are relatively short but some have steep incline the whole way and switchbacks. Anybody who has hiked at the bigger national parks you'll be just fine at Pinnacles.

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Features

Rock Climbing

Camping

Photography

Backpacking

Hiking

Bathrooms

Dog Friendly

Family Friendly

Forest

Picnic Area

Scenic

Pinnacles National Park Reviews

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Leave No Trace

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Nearby

Explore Pinnacles National Park

It’s hard to believe how many people don’t know about this place, which was newly designated as a National Park in January 2013. Pinnacles National Park is hidden just south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountains, and is a short drive for anyone living in the Bay Area.With beautiful rock spires piercing the horizon, huge boulders, inviting caves, light crowds, and endangered California condors fl...

Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park

Start the hike from the Bear Gulch Trail Parking lot. While pulling in, the trail head is on the left. The Trail is marked Reservoir, Caves, and High Peaks. Continue down the trail until faced with a junction. Make sure to admire rock formations while hiking!At the junction take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. Make sure to have a flashlight or headlamp. Bear Gulch Cave can be pretty dark in pl...

Hike the High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop

This hike can begin at Old Pinnacles Trailhead (East Entrance) or Chaparral Trailhead (West Entrance) and can be hiked in either direction. This description is from Old Pinnacles Trailhead, hiking clockwise, which gets the most demanding part of the hike done first. From Old Pinnacles Trailhead walk 0.2 miles to get on the High Peaks Trail, which quickly starts switchbacking up to the High Peak...

Hike the Old Pinnacle Trail in Pinnacles National Park

Start at the Old Pinnacles Trailhead and embark on a roughly 9 mile long adventure surrounded by amazing geological rock formations and natural landscapes. Bask in the peace of nature... meander through meadows alongside the West Fork of Chalone Creek and into Old Pinnacles. Continuing on at the next junction-hang left and trek on to the Balconies Cave Trail. Adventure through the Balconies Cav...

Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP

Pinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail is accessed from the west entrance of the park. Once you pay your entrance fee you will drive a few...

Pinnacles National Park

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Pinnacles National Park Reviews

Leave No Trace

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Explore Pinnacles National Park

Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park

Hike the High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop

Hike the Old Pinnacle Trail in Pinnacles National Park

Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP

Balconies Cave Trail

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