Americas youngest National Park is also one of the oldest formations on the planet. This area was a destination on our agenda, and our visit to this little known National Park did not disappoint. Pinnacles has been a National Monument since 1908 and upgraded to National Park in 2013. It only takes one visit to this amazing place to see why it should be preserved as a national park.
What is it?
Formed from a volcanic eruption 23 million years ago these talus caves are now a year round home to a colony of Townsend big eared bats and at least 12 other species. Among the many animals that live here, Pinnacles is also a release site for captive bred California Condors. Enjoy a short family friendly hike, a challenging all day hike, or try out the hundreds of rock climbing routes.
Know before you go:
Entrance fee is $25 per carload and they accept the America the Beautiful pass and other inter-agency passes
There are visitors centers at both the West and East entrances, but you cannot access the entire park by car from either gate
The park is primarily accessible from the East entrance off of CA 25 about 20 miles south of Hollister
*Has free parking throughout the park, which fills up quickly.
*There is a big parking lot at the East Gate Visitors center with a shuttle up to the hike & caves
*Offers a Jr Ranger program for the kids to complete and earn a badge
*Bring Flashlights for the cave portions of the hikes
*There are restrooms at the visitors centers and porta potties at the trailheads
*Many rock climbing areas throughout the park
*The caves are closed periodically throughout the year for certain life cycles with the bats, so call ahead to make sure the caves are accessible
*Cell phones do not work in the park at all
*Portions of the caves are very narrow with low overhead and rocks to climb over. May trigger claustrophobia
People of all ages can enjoy exploring the talus caves, admiring the immense rock formations, and extensive wildlife viewing. Even though it is small in comparison to many other National Parks it is full of beauty and wonder.
