Spire like rock formations 500 to 1,200 feet high, with caves and a variety of volcanic features, rise above the smooth contours of the surrounding countryside. The Monument contains 16,265 acres of which 12,952 are designated wilderness.

VISITATION:
        Highest in March, April, May; lowest in December and January.

LOCATION:
        Paicines, CA

ADDRESS:
        Pinnacles National Monument
        5000 Highway 146
        Paicines, CA 95043

TELEPHONE:
        (831)-389-4485

OPERATING HOURS, SEASONS:

The monument is open to day-use activities all year long. Spring/Summer  hours are
7:30 a.m. to 9:00 p.m. effective April 1st.  Many facilities were damaged by the February, 1998 floods. Due to limited parking, visitors are encouraged to visit the monument on weekdays when possible. Weekend visitors will find the park filled to capacity often well before noon on the busier spring and some fall weekends.
 

CLIMATE, RECOMMENDED CLOTHING:

The Pinnacles area is one of low rainfall (15 inches, occurring primarily during winter and spring), hot, dry summers (100 F+) and cool (50 F average), moist winters. When hiking, always carry plenty of water and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear.
 

DIRECTIONS:

Pinnacles National Monument consists of two districts—east and west. The West District is accessible from Highway 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The East District entrance is reached via Highway 25, south of the city of Hollister, then west on Highway 146. The districts are NOT connected by a road. It is not possible to drive through the Monument from one side to the other.
 

TRANSPORTATION:

To Park: there is no public transportation available. Greyhound Bus lines stop at King City which is located 32 miles south.

Bicycles and vehicles may be used only on paved roads within the Monument.
 

FEES, COSTS, RATES:

There is a five dollar entrance fee per vehicle, valid for seven days.

Visitor Center/Exhibits:
        East District:   Bear Gulch Visitor Center
        West District:  Chaparral Ranger Station.

Trails, Roads:

Bear Gulch Road across the Chalone Creek temporary bridge is restricted to only normal-sized passenger vehicles (without trailers):  Trucks, R.V.'s and vehicles towing trailers cannot negotiate the turn at the west end of the bridge.

High Peaks and Old Pinnacles trail systems are all open.
Bear Gulch Caves are closed to protect a maternal colony of Townsend's Big-eared Bats.
Balconies Caves are open except during periods of high water.
North Wilderness Trail experienced significant damage and should be attempted by only more experienced hikers.
South Wilderness Trail had extensive damage and is not recommended.
Bench Trail from Pinnacles Campground, Inc. connecting with the Bear Gulch Trail system has been temporarily repaired and is in service.
 

Programs/Activities:

Campfire programs on Friday and Saturday nights during the spring.
 

Lodging and camping facilities:

There are no camping or lodging facilities available inside the monument. A  large privately operated campground, Pinnacles Campground, Inc is located adjacent to the east entrance from State Highway 25 on Route 146. The east entrance is served by motels in Hollister (33 miles north) and King City  (35 miles south). The west entrance is served by motels in Soledad. (12 miles west).
 

Food/supplies:

There are no food vendors within the monument. The Pinnacles Campground, Inc. (east entrance) maintains basic supplies with primarily weekend hours of operation. Principle supply points include Hollister and King City accessing the east entrance , Soledad, King City, and Salinas accessing the west entrance.
 

Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and Opportunities:

Books and other educational materials are sold at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center, and the Chaparral Ranger Station by Southwest Parks and Monuments Association.
 

Accessibility:

The Bear Gulch Visitor Center and the Chaparral Ranger Station are wheelchair accessible.
 

Special Notice:

The entrance road to the West District is a narrow, winding, single-lane road, and is not recommended for large recreation vehicles.

A temporary bridge has been constructed across Chalone Creek.  There is no bus access to the Bear Gulch Visitor Center area and the bridge is also restricted for RV's. and trailers.
 

RECOMMENDED ACTIVITIES/PARK USE:

The primary importance of Pinnacles National Monument is that of a natural preserve and recreational area. The main visitor uses of the park are hiking, technical rock climbing, and as a place to study and observe the natural ecology of central California. Pinnacles has a rich flora and fauna and a complex and spectacular geology. Birding, wild flower walks and the study of volcanic and plate tectonics are popular activities.
 

RESERVATIONS/PERMITS:

For information concerning special-use permits call (831)-389-4485
 

BASIC VISIT RECOMMENDATIONS:

Before hiking, please stop by the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or Chaparral Ranger Station for trail information.  Check trailhead information before hiking into sensitive raptor nesting areas.

NEWS RELEASES

   
Updated: Thursday, 08-July-99 14:30
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/