Outdoors

Pinnacles National Park (East Entrance)

Visit on your scheduleEast side: 24-hour access to trails (no overnight parking outside the campground). West side gate 7:30 am–8:00 pm, day use only. East Pinnacles Park Store daily 9 am–4 pm (closed noon–1 pm).

Pinnacles National Park, East Entrance5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043Directions

All ages; easy family trails and strenuous hikes

PaidStandard entrance pass $15.00–$30.00; annual pass $55; America the Beautiful passes accepted

Plan your visit on the official site

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About this adventure

Pinnacles National Park, in San Benito County south of Hollister, protects a landscape of rocky spires and deep canyons left by volcanic eruptions some 23 million years ago, with rare talus caves (Bear Gulch and Balconies) and a condor program. Trails range from short, easy walks for the whole family to strenuous climbs; the popular Moses Spring, Balconies, Condor Gulch and High Peaks trails start from the east side's Bear Gulch area. The Bear Gulch Nature Center has exhibits on the park's wildlife, geology and history (open intermittently due to staffing), and the East Pinnacles Park Store sells books and educational materials. The park is extremely busy on weekends, holidays and in spring, with long lines between 10 a.m. and 3 p.m.; to hike the main trails, arrive before 8 a.m. The seasonal east-side shuttle has ended for the season. Bring water and check the park's directions page first: the east and west entrances are not connected by road.

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