Mike Brake
Pinnacles Reservoir
Pinnacles National Park: Where Fire, Stone, and Sky Collide
Tucked in California’s Central Coast Range, Pinnacles National Park is one of the state’s best-kept secrets. Formed from volcanic activity millions of years ago, this rugged landscape of towering rock spires, hidden caves, and soaring condors offers a wildly different experience than more famous national parks like Yosemite or Joshua Tree. It’s a place where geology, wildlife, and adventure combine into something uniquely Californian—and uniquely unforgettable.
A Park Forged by Fire
The origins of Pinnacles are explosive—literally. Around 23 million years ago, volcanic eruptions along the San Andreas Fault birthed the park’s signature rock formations. Over time, tectonic shifts moved half of the original volcano 200 miles north to its current location. What remains today are the jagged remnants: “pinnacles” of eroded lava flows, dramatic cliffs, and massive boulder piles that form natural labyrinths.
Home of the California Condor
Pinnacles isn’t just about rocks—it’s a haven for wildlife. The park is one of the few release sites for the endangered California condor, a species brought back from the brink of extinction. With wingspans up to 10 feet, these majestic birds can often be seen soaring over the High Peaks, a sight both rare and humbling. Keep your binoculars ready!
Top Things to Do at Pinnacles
Whether you’re a casual hiker or an intrepid adventurer, Pinnacles has something for you:
Hike the High Peaks TrailA moderately strenuous loop that rewards you with panoramic views and close encounters with the spiny rock formations. If you’re lucky, a condor will glide right overhead.
Explore Bear Gulch and Balconies CavesThese talus caves, formed by falling boulders wedged in narrow canyons, are thrilling to navigate. Bring a flashlight and prepare to crouch, duck, and scramble through cool, dark tunnels.
Stargazing and CampingWith minimal light pollution, the eastern campground is ideal for night sky watching. Pitch a tent and enjoy the serene beauty of California’s backcountry.
Rock ClimbingPinnacles is a top destination for climbers seeking unique volcanic rock routes. Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned climber, there are routes for all skill levels.East vs. West: Two Very Different Entrances
Pinnacles is split into two distinct sides—East and West—and there is no road connecting them through the park:
East Entrance (near Hollister)This side has the only campground and more trail access, including Bear Gulch and the High Peaks.
West Entrance (near Soledad)This side is less crowded and offers quick access to the Balconies Cave and beautiful views of the Pinnacles formations.
Choose your entrance based on what you want to see—or come back twice to explore both!
Did You Know?
Pinnacles became a national monument in 1908 and was upgraded to national park status in 2013.
It’s one of the newest national parks in the U.S.
Over 400 species of bees—more than anywhere else on Earth—have been documented here.
Final Thoughts: Wild, Quiet, Underrated
Pinnacles is often overshadowed by California’s better-known parks, but that’s part of its charm. Here, you’ll find solitude instead of crowds, craggy beauty instead of postcard-perfect scenes, and a connection to nature that feels more personal than performative. Whether you’re hiking among the rocks, spotting a condor, or simply sitting under a starlit sky, Pinnacles will leave you changed—just like the land itself was, all those millions of years ago.