Why Pinnacles National Park is Definitely Worth Visiting

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Pinnacles National Park is America’s newest National Park, officially designated by the Obama Administration in 2013. It is also one of California’s least-visited National Parks, and in my opinion, one of the most underrated. Known for its stunning and unique rock formations including talus caves and the pinnacles themselves, this park is not talked about enough. Here is why Pinnacles National Park is definitely worth visiting.

Pinnacles came across my radar by happy accident. I saw a sign for it when I was driving to Carmel-By-The-Sea. When I googled it, I realized there was a whole National Park in the middle of California that I had never even heard of! I was blown away by this seemingly hidden gem.

The highlight of visiting Pinnacles was exploring its many talus caves. Talus caves are formed by fallen rock, and Pinnacles has an incredible network of cave passages because there are so many fallen boulders in the area. Unfortunately, breeding bat colonies close the longest cave tunnel for half of the year. But if you want to wander some incredible talus tunnels, hike the Moses Spring to Bear Gulch Reservoir trail. It offered plenty of cave exploration and stunning views. Plus, it connects to the High Peaks trail loop for a longer option that leads to great views of the pinnacles.

What really made Pinnacles special was its easy access to unique geology. It was mind-boggling standing next to giant rocks that look so precariously balanced. You can’t appreciate the size of these boulders until you see a human standing next to them. I’ve always been a bit jealous of rock climbers and the unbeatable access to nature that their skill brings. Pinnacles gave me a bit of that access without needing any of the training or equipment. The low boulders were very easy to scale and the High Peaks trail had an offshoot that leads straight to the top of a rock climbing boulder. Best of all I felt safe the whole time as the path to these interesting vistas was flat and wide.

Pro Tip: Bring a headlamp! You will need it if you are lucky enough to visit when Bear Gulch Cave is open. If not it will still come in handy so you can hike a bit longer without relying on the sunlight.

Another highlight of my visit was seeing so much wildlife in such a concentrated area. After passing an entire herd of deer at the entrance I also saw quails, woodpeckers, and chipmunks. When I got to Bear Gulch Reservoir I could see several condors circling the pinnacles, which are the perfect roost for the protected species. Luckily I did not see any tarantulas but I did see tons of burrows which was fine by me.

moses spring trail staircase — Moses Spring Staircase

bear gulch reservoir — Moses Spring Staircase

Pinnacles FAQs

Can you drive through Pinnacles National Park?

No. Currently, there is no vehicular connection from one end of the park to the other. You will have to decide which entrance to use ahead of time.

Which entrance to Pinnacles is best?

The east entrance is the most popular because it gives access to the most popular trailheads, including Bear Gulch and the caves. Campgrounds are only accessible from the east entrance as well.

How many days do you need in Pinnacles?

Pinnacles is doable in a day if you want to hike and get a good feel of its beauty. However the camping facilities are very nice if you want a slower visit or want to take multiple hikes.

Where should I stay when visiting Pinnacles?

You have three main options when choosing where to stay. One option is to reserve a campground inside the park. Another is to find a place in Paicines or Hollister. I heard amazing things about Bar SZ Dude Ranch. Lastly, you can make it a true day trip and stay at a more popular place on the coast like Carmel, San Luis Obispo, or San Francisco.

Does it cost money to enter Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, it costs $30 per vehicle to enter. I highly recommend the National Parks Pass if you are planning on visiting more than one park this year as it will save money in just three visits. You can also save money on shipping and purchase the pass at any National Park entry station, including at Pinnacles.

Is Pinnacles National Park worth visiting?

Absolutely!

For even more photos and trip suggestions check out my Instagram. If you ever have a question you can always DM me @cassiescompass or drop it in the comments below. What do you think, is Pinnacles National Park worth visiting?