Pinnacles National Park Tours

Pinnacles National Park featuring tranquil scenes
Pinnacles National Park showing wildflowers
Pinnacles National Park which includes wildflowers
Pinnacles National Park showing hiking or walking and tranquil scenes
Pinnacles National Park featuring wildflowers


Monumental rock spires crowd around serene pools, talus caves and boulder-speckled hiking trails in this striking parkland and unique biosphere.

Explore miles of remarkable hiking trails through canyons and grasslands and clamber into the shade of a cave in the Pinnacles National Park. The mountainous parkland protects the ridges, rock formations, oak woodlands and prairies east of the Salinas Valley. Learn about this park’s magnificent landscape, which was formed over millions of years of volcano eruptions, lava flows and tremors. Discover a dynamic environment supporting diverse wildlife.

One of the best ways to explore the park is on foot. Pick from hiking trails that cover 32 miles (51.4 kilometers) of the park. There are easy walks that traverse around some of the Pinnacles’ highlights, as well as challenging walks for a rewarding day of hiking. Stroll through grasslands studded with volcanic rock and spot bobcats, black-tailed deer, lizards and snakes. In the springtime, the landscape is adorned with a colorful show of wildflowers, including California poppies, bush lupine and mariposa lilies.

Look up into the spire-pierced skies and you might see prairie and peregrine falcons or golden eagles. The endangered California condor is also known to fly between the Pinnacles and the Big Sur coast.

Wander into caverns beneath giant boulders that rolled into ravines millennia ago and make your way into the rare talus caves. The Balconies Cave is on the western side of the park, while Bear Gulch Cave is situated to the west and has an on-site Nature Center where you can learn about the resident bats and frogs. Keen rock climbers can tackle the renowned routes, but be sure to check ahead that your route is clear of nesting falcons.

Ranger-guided walks are offered on the park’s eastern and western flanks. Check the Pinnacles Visitor Center or go online to find out what’s happening during your visit.

Pinnacles National Park is located a short distance east of Soledad. It is 80 miles (128.7 kilometers) southeast of San Jose. Park your car at the Visitor Center and ride the free shuttle bus between sites during weekends and holidays, but be aware of high visitor numbers during these periods. The fee to enter the park is valid for a week.

Plan a trip to see Pinnacles National Park

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Best Lodging Options Near Pinnacles National Park

Motel 6 Soledad, CA

Motel 6 Soledad, CA

2.5 out of 5
1155 Front Street, Soledad, CA
Motel 6 Soledad, CA
Soledad Motel 8

Soledad Motel 8

2.5 out of 5
1013 Front St, Soledad, CA
Soledad Motel 8
Travel Inn

Travel Inn

2.5 out of 5
120 El Camino Real, Greenfield, CA
Travel Inn
Longhorn Ranch. Views! Tiny home cabin. 2/1 /3beds Fast wifi. The pinnacles hike

Longhorn Ranch. Views! Tiny home cabin. 2/1 /3beds Fast wifi. The pinnacles hike

Hollister
Longhorn Ranch. Views! Tiny home cabin. 2/1 /3beds Fast wifi. The pinnacles hike
Motel 6 King City, CA

Motel 6 King City, CA

2 out of 5
3 Broadway Circle, King City, CA
Motel 6 King City, CA
Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett

Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett

2.5 out of 5
1190 Broadway St, King City, CA
Quality Inn Near Fort Hunter Liggett
Inn at King City

Inn at King City

2.5 out of 5
4 Broadway Circle, King City, CA
Inn at King City
Keefer's Inn

Keefer's Inn

2 out of 5
615 Canal Street, King City, CA
Keefer's Inn
Enjoy a room with private bath in a charming King City location!

Enjoy a room with private bath in a charming King City location!

King City
Enjoy a room with private bath in a charming King City location!
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers a variety of exciting activities for visitors, including hiking along scenic trails, birdwatching to spot diverse avian species, and enjoying the rich wildlife in the area. Adventure seekers can also explore sky tours for breathtaking views of the park's unique rock formations. With its stunning landscapes and vibrant ecosystems, Pinnacles National Park is a perfect destination for outdoor enthusiasts and nature lovers alike.

Shopping

If you're up for a drive, San Benito Bene is a charming store located 28 miles away from Pinnacles National Park, offering unique gifts and souvenirs that capture the spirit of the region.

Recreation

Play a round at Salinas Fairways Golf Course, just 27 miles from Pinnacles National Park, where you can enjoy outdoor vibes and stunning landscapes. Alternatively, head to San Juan Oaks Golf Club, located 28 miles away, for a beautiful golf experience surrounded by nature.

Adventure

The Bear Gulch Trail offers a scenic 0.6-mile hike through stunning rock formations and lush vegetation, perfect for adventure seekers. Meanwhile, the Old Pinnacles Trail, located 0.4 mile away, provides breathtaking views and a sense of exploration. For a longer trek, the Juan Bautista de Anza Trailhead is 31 miles distant, showcasing rich history and diverse landscapes.

Nightlife

For nightlife near Pinnacles National Park, visit Fremont Peak Observatory for stunning stargazing and a vibrant atmosphere just 26 miles away. Alternatively, enjoy a show at the San Benito Stage Company, located 28 miles away, where you can immerse yourself in culture and entertainment with family and friends.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers a variety of attractions for outdoor enthusiasts and adventure seekers. Visitors can explore scenic landscapes, caves, and the unique flora and fauna of this national park. Nearby, you can also find local churches and the Pinnacles National Monument. Whether you're hiking, rock climbing, or simply enjoying the breathtaking views, there's something for everyone to enjoy in and around Pinnacles National Park.

  • Pinnacles National Park West Entrance: This gateway to the stunning Pinnacles National Park offers adventurous hiking trails and breathtaking scenery. Experience the great outdoors as you explore unique rock formations and diverse wildlife just 3 miles away.
  • Bear Gulch Reservoir: A picturesque lake located 1 mile from the park, Bear Gulch Reservoir is perfect for a romantic picnic or a peaceful day by the water. Enjoy the serene beach vibes and beautiful surroundings while soaking in the natural beauty.
  • Mission Soledad: Located 11 miles from Pinnacles, this historic church offers a glimpse into California's rich cultural heritage. Explore the beautiful architecture and peaceful grounds of Mission Soledad, a serene spot for reflection.

Best time to go to Pinnacles National Park

The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is dependent on what kind of holiday you are seeking. July is its hottest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. December is its coolest month on average. At this time, visitor numbers are slightly low and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January49.5°F (9.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
February49.6°F (9.8°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
March52.0°F (11.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April56.5°F (13.6°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
May61.7°F (16.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
June69.6°F (20.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
July75.0°F (23.9°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
August74.5°F (23.6°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighSlightly High
September71.4°F (21.9°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
October63.9°F (17.7°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
November54.5°F (12.5°C)No RainSunnyAverageAverage
December48.4°F (9.1°C)Light RainMostly SunnySlightly LowSlightly Low

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Pinnacles National Park

To save money on your trip to Pinnacles National Park, consider visiting between December and February when accommodation prices drop. Tuesdays typically offer the best hotel rates, while Saturdays are the most expensive. Use Expedia to compare hotels by price and filter for eco-friendly options. Bundling your hotel, flights, and activities into a package deal can also lead to savings. Additionally, joining Expedia's One Key membership provides access to exclusive discounts and the opportunity to earn cash for future bookings.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Pinnacles National Park are December to February, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to June to August, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Pinnacles National Park is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Pinnacles National Park is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy to choose your budget, desired location, and other preferences. You can sort the results to display prices from lowest to highest, ensuring you find the most affordable hotels right away. Additionally, you have the option to refine your search by hotel type; for instance, selecting the Eco-certified filter will show you a selection of sustainable and environmentally-friendly hotels that you can book.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by creating a package deal through Expedia, which combines your hotel stay at Pinnacles National Park with your flights and activities.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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