Entrance, Parking, and Camping

There are two entrances to the park: East and West. We recommend entering on the east side for the most hiking and parking options. It’s also where the Bear Gulch Visitors Center, bookstore, and sole campground are located. If you want to check out the west entrance, you’ll need to leave the park and reenter on the west side, as there’s no road directly connecting the two entrances.

Regardless of the entrance you choose, you can enter the park 24 hours a day, year-round. The cost per vehicle is $30 a day, and parking is extremely limited. There are 400 parking spaces between both entrances, so we recommend arriving early in the morning or planning to visit on a weekday.

If you’re camping, you can park your car overnight at your campground. We definitely recommend this if you have the time to spare. Pinnacles Recreation Co. is the authorized concessionaire that manages the campground. They also offer “tent cabins” if you prefer glamping.

The campgrounds are a comfortable base for your Pinnacles adventure. Equipped with fire rings, wifi, a swimming pool, hot showers, and a camp store, you'll have everything you need for a relaxing night before a morning hike. You can reserve your campsite up to six months in advance here and find info on additional amenities on the Pinnacle Recreation Co. website.

See the Condors Soar on the Condor Gulch Trail

One of the most famous sights at Pinnacles (after the Pinnacles) is the California Condors that soar overhead. These massive vultures, successfully reintroduced to the wild, live in the park but are most prevalent along the Condor Gulch Trail. If the thought of vultures flying overhead doesn’t intimidate you, we highly recommend the Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop.

This challenging 5.6-mile hike generally takes 3.5 hours to complete. The trail winds through the breathtaking dry mountain landscape, past a natural lake, and up a rock spire. We recommend packing plenty of water and taking your time on this hike. The scenery is stunning, and there are challenging portions, such as a narrow mountain ridge and steep steps carved into the pinnacles.

Explore Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir

One of the most popular destinations in the park is the Bear Gulch Reservoir, which resulted from the dam built by the Civilian Conservation Corps in 1935. Originally built to prevent flooding downstream, the dam and reservoir have become a beautiful spot for picnic lunches and sunset views.

To get to the reservoir, you can take the Bear Gulch Trail through the lower Bear Gulch Caves. This easy two-mile out-and-back hike is a great way to experience the talus caves before relaxing at the reservoir. When you go, bring a flashlight and water-resistant shoes or sandals. Parts of the caves are pitch black, and, depending on the time of year and rainfall, there’s a foot or so of water to wade through in the cave. Be sure to check the National Park Service website before venturing to the caves, as sometimes they are closed due to high water or bat activity.

Watch the Sunset at the Overlook

If you’re up for one last hike, the Condor Gulch Trail to Overlook is a fantastic 2.0-mile out-and-back trail. From the top, you’ll see the incredible condors flying and get some amazing mountain views. This hike is particularly stunning at sunset. Plus, the mile back is a quick downhill hike, so you can catch the sunset and get back to the trailhead before dark.

Pinnacles is becoming busier each year as more and more people discover this unique national park. Whether you love wildlife, caving, or relaxing around the campfire, Pinnacles is a great way to experience California’s unique inland landscape. If you’ve considered going, we hope you hit the trail and explore Pinnacles!