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Located east of the Salinas Valley between Hollister and King City, Pinnacles is California’s newest national park. Formed by an ancient volcanic eruption, the extruded magma was further sculpted over time by the wind and rain. Today these pinnacle-like geological features seem to magically rise out of the chaparral-covered ground. A healthy chunk of backcountry occupies the center section of the park, and serves as a divider between the more developed east and west sections. Wildlife – including everything from the common black-tailed dear to the endangered California condor – thrives in this rural location. And you just can’t beat the night skies, as the park is located miles away from the light pollution of the metropolitan cities.

Insider Tips

• Pinnacles National Park is a prime site to spot some of the still endangered California condors. One location they seem to favor is the ridge just southeast of the campground. The best times to look for them are in the early mornings and late afternoons when they like to catch the thermals, or in the evenings when they come in to roost in the trees. And if you’d like a closer look at them, there’s an accessible viewing scope just across the street from the East Pinnacles Visitor Center.
• The longest accessible trail in the park — the Prewitt Point Trail — is located on the West Side. This one-mile loop begins off the patio of the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station, and winds along the hillside and offers excellent mountain views. There’s about a 70-foot elevation gain along the way, with level spots to rest after each uphill stint. This hard-packed dirt trail passes the trailhead to the Jawbone Trail, then continues on to the Pinnacles Overlook, before it winds back down to the start. It’s best to take this trail in the morning though, as there’s precious little shade along the way.
• Pinnacles Campground boasts 10 accessible tent cabins in loop B. They all have a ramped entry, as well as steps up to the wide front door. There’s level access over the thresholds and all of the tent cabins include two singles and a queen-sized bed, with ample room to maneuver a wheelchair inside. The solar powered units also include a fan and a light. Outside there are two Adirondack chairs, an accessible picnic table, a grill and a bear box at each site. And although the cabins contain beds with mattresses, guests must provide their own bedding.

Pinnacles National Park Road Trip Resources

Nearby National Parks

Yosemite National Park
Kings Canyon National Park

More About Pinnacles National Park