Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park

Location: California 95043, United States
Features: Hiking trails, rock climbing, talus caves, trails, bird watching

About the Pinnacles National Park

It is an American national park protecting a mountainous area located east of the Salinas Valley in Central California, The park’s namesakes are the eroded leftovers of the western half of an extinct volcano that has moved 200 miles (320 km) from its original location on the San Andreas Fault, embedded in a portion of the California Pacific Coast Ranges. Pinnacles is managed by the National Park Service and the majority of the park is protected as wilderness.

The national park is divided by the rock formations into East and West Divisions, connected only by foot trails. The east side has shade and water, the west has high walls. The rock formations provide for spectacular pinnacles that attract rock climbers. The park features unusual talus caves that house at least 13 species of bats. It is most often visited in spring or fall because of the intense heat during the summer. 

Trails at the Pinnacle National Park

Pinnacles National Park has more than 30 miles of trails that showcase the beauty of the park up close and personal. Hikes range from easy to moderate to strenuous trails from flat stretches of grasslands to uphill climbs through talus caves onward to the rocky spires that Pinnacles is famous for.

Related: 9 Critical Day Hike Essentials

Top 3 Adventure Hacks

1) Advanced Rock Climbing

Pinnacle National Park is popular with advanced rock climbers due to the many difficult and challenging climbs. The park is home to a variety of bouldering, single-pitch, and multi-pitch routes. Rock quality, volcanic breccia, can break while climbing. Most routes here involve steep, bolt protected face climbing. Get to know the rock before you push your luck on a hard route. Anticipate that climbs will take much longer than expected and test holds and bolts before you trust them. 

2) Extensive Hiking Opportunities

This is unique landscape and doesn’t feel like California. Hikers trek through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers can also enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.

No matter the adventure, always bring the necessary outdoor gear with you. Use coupon code, “hack10” for 10% off your entire order.

3) Prepare For Warm Dry Weather

It is best to check the current weather before planning a visit, Weather at Pinnacles National Park is classified as Mediterranean climate with hot and dry summers, mild winters with moderate precipitation. A wider variation in seasonal temperatures can be expected in the local area. During month of July or August, daytime temperatures over 100° F are not uncommon, while overnight subfreezing winter temperatures are not uncommon.

Spring and fall are typically the most pleasant weather for hiking and visiting the park.

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