Travel Tips

I will remember next time not to go hiking when it is over 90 degrees outside. Although the views were spectacular, the heat and lack of water could lead to a fatal mix. Pinnacles National Monument is accessible via HWY 146 from Soledad or HWY 25 from Hollister.

Our current national park site is the result of 123 million years of techtonic plates moving in a northbound direction. The Pinnacles were formed from a volcano and the other half of the park is located 195 miles south, near Los Angeles. One half happened to be on the Pacific Plate, the other on the North American Plate, right on the San Andreas Rift. The result is a park that is in stark contrast to the rolling hills of the surrounding areas.

The Pinnacles has plenty of hiking & places to see. We hiked for nearly 10 miles around the entire park - along the bottom canyon creek, strenuous peak trails, through caves, and finally, back to the visitor center. Experienced rock climbers can scale the steep cliffs, while novices can explore the caves - just remember to bring a flashlight! There is no thoroughfare between the East and West Entrances, so once you're into a trail, you either have to return the way you came or go all the way around.