Planning a Pinnacles National Park day trip takes a little forethought, especially if you’re visiting in spring or autumn – the high season for this northern California national park. This is not the day trip you head off on, on a whim after waking up at 10am in San Francisco. You won’t find parking, and you’ll probably be stopped at the entrance and turned back. If you’re anything like me, you definitely do not want to embark on this two hour drive, only to be turned back at the last hurdle.
So do yourself a favour and plan your Pinnacles National Park day trip in advance, to give you enough time for exploring the park, it’s caves and views. You’ll find everything you need to know right here, to ensure you don’t get turned away and have to go home disappointed.
PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK DAY TRIP
If you’re travelling from San Francisco, Pinnacles is an easy day trip that will get you well away from the city and suburban surrounds out into nature. With the added joy of not having to find overnight accommodation. It’s about a two hour drive south of San Francisco, or an hour and 25 minutes from San Jose, which is the perfect length of driving time so that you’re not too tired on the way there or driving home.
Should I use the east or west entrance to Pinnacles National Park?
The east entrance to Pinnacles National Park is always open. It is also the most popular.
You’ll need to make a decision between exploring Pinnacles National Park from the east or west side. Both have paved road entrances, but never the twain shall meet (thank you Kipling). The most popular entrance is to the east (as show on on the map above), probably because of its access to Bear Gulch Cave and the Reservoir – both big draw cards for hikers and nature lovers. It is regularly packed though, so for those making a pit stop on a California road trip on Highway 1, or wanting a less-crowded option, the west entrance is your best bet.
Related: California Coast Road Trip Itinerary
Both sides of the park are beautiful, it just depends where you are and what you want to see. The east entrance begins off Highway 25, about 30 miles away from Hollister. If you’re running short on petrol (gas), be sure to stop at Hollister on your way through, because there aren’t any gas stations after that, or any in the park itself. The visitor’s center, Bear Gulch nature center, campground and park headquarters are all situated on the east side.
The highway leading to Pinnacles National Park is flanked by farmland.
If you’re arriving from the west, you’ll come off highway 101 at Soledad, which is your last stop for petrol and groceries.There is a visitor contact station on the west side of the park. The road from the west side is especially winding and narrow, and is not suitable for large RV’s and buses to traverse safely. Keep this in mind when planning your road trip.
I visited the east side of Pinnacles, because I’d heard good things about Bear Gulch and the Reservoir, so this post will encompass that point of view.
Why is it called Pinnacles National Park?
The volcanic rock formations are what give Pinnacles National Park its name.
The area occupied by Pinnacles National Park is an ancient volcanic field, which led to the creation of rugged red rocks and the jutted landscape you’ll see at the Northern Californian site today. It is the result of millions of years of volcanic activity, combined with the tectonic plate movement that California is famous for. You can read more about the faults and volcanic activity here. The volcanic formations are thought to be around 23 million years old and sit atop a “granitic basement” of Santa Lucia Granite and Granodiorite, which were formed when molten lava slowly cooled while rising through the earth’s crust.
Related: 5 great San Francisco hikes
When is the best time to visit Pinnacles National Park?
The wildflowers that pop up in the spring months and are a draw card.
You’ll experience the park in all of its beauty during the months of March, April and May. Especially if those months have been preceded by a good, rainy winter. Wildflowers spring up all over the park and you’ll see pops of purple, yellow, and red sway in the light spring breeze during these months. Keep in mind, though that these are also the most popular months for exploring Pinnacles National Park. Those who enjoy a little more solitude might enjoy an autumn visit more.
Summertime visits to Pinnacles National Park are usually discouraged, as the hiking trails can be quite strenuous and temperatures average 34°C (93°f) during the summer months. Not comfortable hiking weather at all. While there are parts of the trails that have sufficient tree cover as to block out a fair bit of sun, there is also a good portion of trail that is open-to-the-sky.
What should I bring on a Pinnacles National Park day trip?
You’lll encounter water over part of the trail inside Bear Gulch Cave so bring an extra pair of socks.
Regardless of whether you’re visiting in spring or autumn, you need to bring plenty of water with you. As mentioned previously, the hikes can get a little strenuous and even in spring, the mercury is known to soar. Do not be caught without water while you’re out on the trail. Obviously a hat and sunscreen are big must-haves. It’s also advisable to bring the correct change for your entry fee. If you have hiking boots, it’s a good idea to use them, since parts of the trails (especially through Bear Gulch Cave) can be under water and slippery. Otherwise bring sturdy shoes with good grip. If you plan on hiking through Bear Gulch Cave you will need a torch or headlamp as it is very dark in some spots, and there are quite a few narrow spaces to squeeze through. Don’t forget a snack or picnic lunch, a map and your sense of adventure!
TL;DR list of things to bring:
- Sunscreen
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Torch (flashlight) or headlamp
- Sturdy shoes or hiking boots
- Spare pair of socks
- Correct change (in cash) for entry fee
- Ample water supply
- Snacks or lunch
- Camera
Related: Muir Woods National Monument tour
When is the best time to arrive at Pinnacles National Park?
The National Park website for Pinnacles advises visitors to arrive before 10am if they want to find a parking space close to Bear Gulch trail head, or any parking space at all. I thought leaving home at 7am and arriving just before 9am would give me plenty of time to stop at the visitor’s center, pay for parking, and head over to Bear Gulch for a parking space in early April. I was so wrong. By the time I arrived, all the spaces were taken, but I managed to nab a spot about 1.6km (one mile) away in an overflow parking lot. From there it was about a mile hike to the Bear Gulch nature center – the trail doesn’t follow the road so it’s a little longer (and yes it is steep).
The hike from the Bench Trail overflow parking to the Bear Gulch Reservoir trailhead.
If you don’t make it in time for prime parking, there are spaces behind the visitor’s center that you can take advantage of. A shuttle runs to take people from the visitor’s center to the trailheads that you can also take advantage of. However, I would not arrive any later than 9am if you would like to guarantee that you won’t be turned away.
Hiking Bear Gulch Cave Reservoir
The trail isn’t devoid of inclines, but if you take it slow it’s not too difficult.
Without the hike to the trailhead from the overflow parking area, the Bear Gulch Reservoir hike comes out to 4.5km (2.8 miles) but it is a little strenuous and there are parts where you have to channel your inner contortionist to shimmy through tight spaces. This might not be the best trail for claustrophobics to take, but it gives you astounding views of rock formations and the reservoir if you’re brave.
Pinnacles National Park is also a draw card for rock climbers.
Follow the signs marked Reservoir, Caves, and High Peaks as you trundle off from the trail head. As the trail inclines, look to your right for stunning red rock formations, and you might just catch a glimpse of climbers scaling the formations early in the day. Once you hit a junction you can decide whether to fork right to the Reservoir first, and then come around to the Bear Gulch Caves, or hit the caves first. I went with the later, and I think that it was probably the easier way to do the hike. It felt like I was travelling downhill more than uphill.
On to Bear Gulch Cave
Head into Bear Gulch Cave through a small gap in the towering rock faces around you.
Follow the trail through a few rocky twists and turns, and throw narrow passageways until you hit the ultimate warning sign: “Caution: Flashlights required, low ceilings, slippery when wet”. Whip out that headlamp or torch (flashlight) if you brought them, otherwise I wish you luck using the flashlight option on your smartphone. I don’t recommend using your phone because you’re coming up to a stretch of rock hopping through water, where I’d advise you to put your phone away.
Squeeze through the opening to the left of the caution sign and carry on through a low-ceilinged enclosure formed by rocks that have wedged themselves together over time. You’ll catch glimpses of the sun here and there before happening upon a pathway set out in rocks, surrounded by water. Do your best impression of a rock hopper, and carry on up a flight of stairs. Listen to the water rushing below you if it has been raining lately. There are still more spots to squeeze through until it seems like you’ve hit a dead end, with a locked gate. Don’t panic!
Head back a little and you’ll see a metal-grated walk way under some very low-hanging rocks. You’ll have to crouch low to get out of the cave and into the open air again.
Townsend’s Big-Eared Bats
A stock photo of Townsend’s big eared bat that are protected within Bear Gulch Cave.
The reason for that locked gate at what you think is the end of Bear Gulch Cave is because of one of the largest colonies of Townsend’s big-eared bats between San Francisco and Mexico. The cave is completely closed between mid-May and mid-July to allow the endangered species to roost. It’s especially important to give the bats space because they are more likely to hang out on walls and ceilings of the caves’ larger rooms, as opposed to in crevices hidden away from people.
The lower portion of the cave is open during the other parts of the year, when the bats aren’t in the middle of maternity season. For more information about cave closures, see this table. Overall, there are 14 different species of bats throughout Pinnacles National Park, and while most live in cracks in cave walls, some roost in trees. They live on either fruit or insects and spiders.
Hike to Pinnacles National Park Reservoir
Don’t forget to stop and look around while you’re hiking. There are beautiful views everywhere.
The trail seems to fork a little, but it doesn’t seem to matter which you take because from here, they both lead to the reservoir in a round-about way. I veered right instead of left, and ended up seeing a lot more beautiful rock formations, but also squeezing through more tight spots and sliding down two steep inclines. Take from my experience what you will. I did enjoy going this way because I got to hit the hanging rock stairway from an awesome angle.
The trail will take you beneath this boulder that is wedged between two rock faces.
Hold your breath and walk under this rock if you’re scared…. or if you couldn’t care less, and head up the staircase. You’ll find yourself at the Reservoir in no time. I have no doubt that you’ll want to spend some time here. It’s a perfect spot to sit down and eat your lunch, rest your legs, and just take it all in. The water was as calm as glass when I visited, despite a tiny breeze. And it’s all surrounded by that red, volcanic rock we were talking about earlier. There are trees and shrubs to break up the stark red and green-blue of the water, but the real awe-inspiring sights are the rock formations jutting up all around you.
The Reservoir is one of the prettiest spots within the park.
Hike the Rim Trail for valley views
The valley views from the Rim Trail are also pretty astounding.
You’ve made it this far, don’t turn around and go back or be daunted by the uphill climb that leads to the Rim Trail. You’ll be missing out on the stunning views of the valley below if you give up now. You’ll pass the Monolith, a sheer cliff face which is a favourite among rock climbers, more wildflowers, and even more rock climbers on your way back down to that first fork in the trail where you took a left. You’ll take another left to return to the Bear Gulch trail head and car park. If you’re not still smiling right now, I’m very surprised.
How much does it cost to enter Pinnacles National Park?
Vehicle entrance fees are good for seven days, and can be paid at the visitor’s center on the east side of the park, or through the cash envelope system on the west side of the park. Fees are as follows:
- Vehicles: $30 each
- Motorcycle: $25 each
- Walk in or bikes: $15 each
There is also the option to purchase an annual pass if you think you’ll be back within 365 days – it’s well worth the investment at $55.
Where can I stop for food before or after my hike?
I’m glad you asked! On my way to the park, I passed through the little town of Tes Pinos, which reminded me of one of those ye olde western towns with big buildings that line the main street (in this case the Airline Highway). I caught a glimpse of Flapjacks Breakfast & Grill and kicked myself for not stopping for some breakfast. So I didn’t make the same mistake on my way home to San Francisco.
I lucked out because despite getting there at around 12.30pm, they were serving all-day breakfast, which is my favourite meal ever. And it was a tough choice, since they have everything from flapjacks (pancakes), scrambles and omelettes, and an array of Mexican breakfast meals. I couldn’t go past the eggs benedict though. I was obviously post-hike carb loading since I stupidly went out on an empty stomach. The portions are generous to say the very least – I was surrounded by people asking for boxes to take leftovers home. If I lived closer, I’d be at Flapjacks most weekends, and I can’t give it any higher praise than that. The service was great, and it was cheap compared to what I’m used to paying closer to San Francisco.
Address: 6881 Airline Highway, Tres Pinos.
Hours: Daily, 7am-2pm.
Online: https://flapjackstrespinos.com/
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**Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. If you purchase something through one of these links you don’t pay a cent more, but I receive a small commission, that is put towards the running of this blog.
National Parks are some of our favorite trips. I’ve never heard of Pinnacles NP but it looks so cool! #wanderfulwednesday
I hadn’t heard of it either. Or at least I’d only heard of the Pinnacles National Park that’s in Western Australia, that I visited while living in Perth. That one’s pretty cool as well. But you should definitely get to the California version if you have the chance!
We visited Pinnacles a few years ago in April, and I have fond memories of our day out. I will say that it was already so hot at that time, so I can see where a summer visit would be out of the question. We had kids and grandparents with us, and everyone did pretty well. #farawayfiles
Oh wow, that would have been a little challenging with everyone in your group. And I had so many layers on, I expected it to be a little cooler. But it was such a nice day, it was great to soak up some sunshine. But you’re right, don’t even try it in summer.
Pinnacles is such an underrated park! We went when it first became a national park because we planned too late and couldn’t get campsite reservations anywhere else. I’m glad it’s getting more popular, but also know it’s harder to get spots now!
My daughter just took her 9 month old baby hiking and camping here last week! They loved it! Excellent, informative article. Thanks!
Aww, that’s awesome! I hope they had a fantastic time Shirley
I think if I big-eared bat flew my way I would certainly have a heart attack. I still have yet to discover lots of the National Parks and to be honest Pinnacles wasn’t even on my radar but it looks beautiful, so I have to check it out now!
Hahahaha, I think they’re probably more scared of us than we are of them. I definitely didn’t see any on my way through the caves.
Dying to go to Pinnacles! I’ve been to most National Parks in California but sadly not this one. Thanks for the post!
You’ll have to put it on your list for a visit one day Michelle!
First of all your photos are fantastic! Inspirational! Also I had no idea about this national park and last but not least how cute these Townsend’s big-eared bats are!! No idea about a specie like that though, I have to admit it! Overall very informative post 🙂
Awww, thank you Val! My photos don’t always turn out the way I see them in my head, but they aren’t too shabby. Glad you liked the bats and you’ll have to put Pinnacles on your list for a visit one day!
I love how many practical tips you’ve included in this post. Getting there early is very important. I suppose leaving at 6 am is smart even though I’m not a morning person at all. I also agree that that reservoir is probably the most beautiful spot in the park!
Yeah I think the other good thing about leaving so early in the morning is that you’re in the park during the cooler part of the day, which also helps with the uphill hiking.
My kids used to love camping here when we lived in California. Such a great park — glad to see you highlighting it!
I’m jealous! I really want to book a campsite next year so we can spend more time at Pinnacles!
OMG I live just south of San Francisco and had no idea this place existed. Adding to my California itinerary now!
Now you know and you can visit! 🙂 Hope you love it as much as I did!
Wow!! I can’t believe this is 2 hours away from San Fran!! It’s so beautiful, and I love the caves so much! Great tips and info, thank you!
All my friends at work have told me to visit three years in a row before I finally got out to Pinnacles. I’m glad they told me about it, otherwise I don’t think I would have come across Pinnacles on my own.
Wow! Beautiful images and thorough explanation of everything we need to know. We are moderate hikers in this family, nothing too extreme. This looks like something we would all love. Add another to my bucket list. Thank you for the information.
I am on the “beginner” side of being a moderate hiker, so if I could get through this hike, so can you and your family Jenny!
Being from LA, I had no idea Pinnacles was such a draw for people in the Bay Area! Will have to check it out next time I’m up north.
You’ll have to plan a visit next time you’re driving up from LA! It’s (kind of) on the way to San Francisco.
Pinnacles has been on my radar recently! My goal is a road trip around California to explore the National Parks there.
A friend did that same kind of road trip recently and he is still raving about how great it was!
I thought Pinnacles NP is one of the underrated NP in the US. But from what you wrote, it’s quite busy in the month of March, April, and May, and it’s not easy to find a place to park after 10 a.m. Hmm… I agree with you, the reservoir is pretty!
Lots of people told me how pretty Pinnacles NP is, but I kind of discounted it for a while because I was too lazy to drive down there. But it really is gorgeous and worth a visit. Just not in the height of summer!
I love the rockscapes! I really need to make it out to California. I honestly haven’t heard much about Pinnacles NP before your article I am really glad you are bringing attention to it!
It honestly reminded me of going bushwalking west of Sydney in Australia!
Really helpful article! I think I’ve heard of Pinnacles before but I didn’t even know it was in California or what to see there! Looks very beautiful.
There’s also one in Western Australia. And since I’ve been to both, I feel qualified to say that I like the California one better.
Oh wow, what a beautiful place! I can’t believe I haven’t heard more about Pinnacles – though I think I’d be a bit scared walking under that rock! 😛
I probably would have been more worried if I walked under that rock on a windy day Nicky!
I remember visiting this National Park as a kid, but your article is making me want to go back as an adult. I’m sure I could appreciate it a bit differently now 🙂 Great tips!
I highly recommend visiting again Katie! It’d be interesting to see what looks familiar to you, and whether you have a better time as an adult.
I really want to go to Pinnacles..it’s on my list. However, some of those hikes sound a little scary. I am claustrophobic. Argh! I’m still going to do it. The area looks gorgeous.
There are only a few claustrophobic-unfriendly bits and they tend to be short, so maybe having that in mind will help Corinne.
I really enjoy hiking and Pinnacles sounds like so much fun. It is a park that I would love to visit. Will try to plan a trip to California and add this to the itinerary. Great article
That’s awesome Polly, I hope you get to experience Pinnacles one day soon!
I live in SoCal, so I will have to remember Pinnacles National Park next time I take a road trip north. I love visiting National Parks and Pinnacles looks gorgeous! I would like to hike to the reservoir.
Ooh, I’ve been to SoCal a couple of times (to LA), but I really want to make a trip to San Diego.
Hopefully you can fit Pinnacles into your next road trip Francesca!
This looks like a photographer’s dream—I’m so glad you told me about Pinnacles National Park! I love the wildflowers, the farmland, and the beautiful rock formations and water features. And I would definitely want to make a stop at Flapjacks. I visit my daughter every year in Southern California and we will plan a day trip. Thanks for the great idea!
That’s awesome Jackie, I hope you do get to visit with your daughter. I’d love to hear what you think!
What breathtaking scenery. That breakfast was richly deserved after all your adventuring!
SSG xxx
I’ve not inhaled a post-midday breakfast like that in a long time!
I’m glad you included so many tips about Pinnacles National Park that are often missing from park information guides. Knowing what entrance to use at the park is helpful. It seems like spring or fall would be really nice, summer sounds very toasty!
I hate it when I get excited about doing a hike, or visiting a national park, but then realise I didn’t look up how to get to the entrance or the beginning of the trail!
So I’m glad that this was useful to you Elizabeth 🙂
The reservoir looks so pretty. What a great hiking spot.
It was a welcome site on a hot day!
Wow! Absolutely gorgeous photos. Thank you for some very good planning advice. No wonder this park gets full. Now I am wondering why, oh why didn’t I visit here when my son lived in Berkeley and I traveled there to visit him often? Oh, well. This just gives me another excuse to go back to beautiful northern California!
You can’t see everything, everywhere, right? I lived in London for a couple of years and am still finding out about things in the UK that I wish I’d known about back then!
Your posts are amazing. What a way to read and view my way through somewhere seen via your eyes. Great work on the blogging trail!!
Thank you for linking up for Life This Week. Next week’s optional prompt is Taking Stock. Using words of your own or ones from other bloggers as prompts is cool. Hope to see you there: 2 March 2020. Denyse.
Thanks Denyse! I had such a great time on my Pinnacles National Park day trip that writing this post, and editing the pictures were a dream! It was so easy.