Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park by Zack Frank via Shutterstock.

Pinnacles National Park, in California, is characterized by its rocky spires and crags formed from an ancient volcano. It’s a sanctuary for wildlife and a hotspot for rock climbing.

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✅ Fast Facts

State(s): California
Area: 26,606 acres (107.67 sq km) – 58th largest national park of 63
Highest Elevation: North Chalone Peak- 3,304 ft (1,007.06 m)
Lowest Elevation: 824 ft (251.16 m)
Date Established: January 10, 2013
Annual Visitors: 275,023 visitors in 2022
Nearest Town: Soledad, California

⛰ Recommended Day Hikes

Park Tracker considers a “day hike” to be a hike under 10 miles. Below we provide our top five recommendations inside the park, along with AllTrails links to the hikes.

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🧗🏻‍♂️ Popular Activities in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is about more than just hiking. See below for some of the best non-hiking activities to do in Pinnacles National Park.

  1. Rock climbing on unique volcanic formations
  2. Birdwatching, especially for California condors
  3. Caving in the Bear Gulch and Balconies caves
  4. Photography of the park’s unique rock structures
  5. Joining evening ranger talks and programs

🛎️ Where to Stay Near Pinnacles National Park

While there are ample camping and vacation rental options near most US national parks, I personally highly prefer staying at Hilton-branded properties when traveling to national parks. As such, below are the five closest Hilton properties to Pinnacles National Park.

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🍔 What to Eat Near Pinnacles National Park

After hiking and exploring Pinnacles National Park, odds are high you’re going to be hungry. Here are five of the best restaurant options within and near the park.

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