Pinnacles National Park Things to Do
Bear Gulch Reservoir
One of Pinnacle's most iconic sights, the dam creating Bear Gulch Reservoir was completed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Created for its aesthetic value, the reservoir is still a highlight for visitors, surrounded by Pinnacle's rock formations. The reservoir is home to the red legged frog, a threatened species in California.
Pinnacles Amphitheater
East Side, Campground
Peaks View Parking Area
East Side, Day Use Area, parking
Overflow Parking
East Side, Day Use Area, parking
Old Pinnacles Parking Area
East Side, parking
Moses Spring Parking Area
East Side, parking
Moses Spring
This is a spot on the Moses Spring Trail at stop 11 where water comes directly out of the rock wall. As appealing as it looks please do not drink the water as it may contain naturally occurring contaminants.
Manzanita Parking Area
East Side, parking area
Jawbone Parking Area
West Side, Parking Area
Chaparral Parking Area
West Side, Parking Area
Bear Gulch Day Use Area
East Side, Day Use Area, parking
West Visitor Contact Station Parking
West Side, Parking Area
Pinnacles West Entrance Station
The West Entrance Station is accessible from HWY 101 to CA 146. This entrance into the park is open for Day Use only and open from 7:30AM to 8PM. Upon entry you will get a brochure and park information. At this established fee area you will need to pay the entrance fee or provide a park pass, you may also purchase a park pass upon entering. See our fees and passes page for more information. Sometimes the fee booth is closed, you may be asked to show your pass or pay the entrance fee on the way out.
Pinnacles East Entrance Station
The East Entrance Station is accessible from CA HWY 25 to East Entrance Road. This entrance into the park is open 24 hours and is the entrance for the Pinnacles Campground. Upon entry you will get a brochure and park information. At this established fee area you will need to pay the entrance fee or provide a park pass, you may also purchase a park pass upon entering. See our fees and passes page for more information. Sometimes the fee booth is closed, you may be asked to show your pass or pay the entrance fee on the way out.
Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park
junior ranger programs
Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike
Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
Hike Jawbone Trail
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop
West Side Trails, Stenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail
East Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Bicycle and pet friendly
Biking in Pinnacles National Park
biking, road biking
Birdwatching in Pinnacles National Park
birds, birdwatching
Night Sky Viewing At Pinnacles National Park
night sky, stargazing
Rock Climbing the West Side of Pinnacles National Park
rock climbing
Rock Climbing the East Side of Pinnacles National Park
rock climbing
Wildlife viewing in Pinnacles National Park
wildlife, wildlife viewing
Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Prewett Point Trail
West Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Accessible Trail
Hike Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike
Hike North Wilderness Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Condor Gulch Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hike to Viewpoint, Strenuous Hikes
Hike Chalone Peak Trail
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Highest Peak
Hike High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Balconies Cliffs Trail to Balconies Cave Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
Picnicking in Pinnacles National Park
East and West side, picnic areas