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Where is Pinnacles National Park,Paicines, California?

Written and Fact-checked by | Updated On: March 13, 2026, 13:58 ET

Pinnacles National Park is located in California, USA. It lies between Monterey and San Jose and is situated in the central California Coast Ranges. It is famous for its unique rock formations, caves, and hiking and rock climbing opportunities.

Pinnacles National Park Location Map,Paicines, California

Top Attractions Inside Pinnacles National Park

  • Bear Gulch Cave – Talus caves with unique rock formations and seasonal bat sightings.
  • High Peaks Trail – Challenging hike with panoramic views, rock spires, and cliffside paths.
  • Balconies Cave – Scenic cave offering easy exploration and wildlife spotting.
  • Condor Observation – Opportunities to see California condors soaring above the cliffs.
  • Old Pinnacles Trail – Historic hiking trail showcasing dramatic rock formations and diverse flora.
  • Chaparral & Wildflower Viewing – Trails through native chaparral and seasonal wildflower displays.
  • Picnic & Campgrounds – Designated areas for camping, picnicking, and enjoying the natural landscape.

Pinnacles National Park Facts

Official NamePinnacles National Park
LocationPaicines, San Benito County, California, USA — Gabilan Mountains, Central Coast region
Latitude & Longitude36.4906° N, 121.1822° W
Total AreaApprox. 26,606 acres (≈107.7 km²)
Established / OpenedJanuary 10, 2013 (as National Park; originally Pinnacles National Monument in 1908)
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionCentral California / Gabilan Mountains / California Coast Range
AddressPinnacles National Park, 5000 Hwy 146, Paicines, CA 95043, USA
Zip Code95043
Area Code831
CurrencyUnited States Dollar (USD, $)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving
Theme / ConceptRock formations, spires, talus caves, hiking, rock climbing, wildlife (California condor), scenic landscapes, nature exploration
Main Sections / AreasEast Entrance (Paicines), West Entrance (Soledad), High Peaks area, Balconies caves, Bear Gulch Reservoir, talus caves and hiking trails
Famous AttractionsBalconies Cave, High Peaks Trail, Bear Gulch Reservoir, rock climbing routes, California condor sightings, scenic overlooks, wildflower blooms
Annual VisitorsApprox. 200,000–250,000 visitors
Entry Fee TypePaid Admission – Vehicle or individual entrance fee
Ticket Price RangeVehicle day pass: $30; individual/foot/bicycle: $15; annual pass: $55
Ticket OptionsVehicle day pass, individual admission, annual park pass, guided hikes and ranger programs, rock climbing permits
Best Time to VisitSpring (March–May) for wildflowers, mild temperatures; Fall (September–November) for hiking and fewer crowds; summer can be hot
Nearby AirportSan Jose International Airport (SJC) – 90 miles (145 km); Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) – 70 miles (113 km)
TransportationCar via State Route 146, hiking trails, climbing access, shuttle or guided tours (seasonal), walking paths and picnic areas
Official Websitehttps://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm

Distances from Pinnacles National Park to Nearby Landmarks

  • Pinnacles Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • High Peaks Trail – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Balconies Cave – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Condor Gulch – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Pinnacles East Entrance – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Pinnacles Campground – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Bear Gulch Reservoir – 3 km (1.9 mi)
  • Chaparral Trail – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Salinas, CA – 60 km (37.3 mi)
  • King City, CA – 40 km (24.9 mi)
  • Hollister, CA – 50 km (31 mi)
  • Monterey Bay – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Big Sur – 100 km (62.1 mi)
  • Los Padres National Forest – 30 km (18.6 mi)
  • Soledad, CA – 55 km (34.2 mi)
  • San Benito County – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Chalone Peak – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Ridge Trail – 6 km (3.7 mi)
  • Pine Canyon – 7 km (4.3 mi)
  • Bear Gulch Cave Trail – 3 km (1.9 mi)

Top Places to Visit in California

Explore the most popular tourist places in California. The list below includes famous beaches, national parks, historic sites, and scenic attractions across the state, along with map locations.

Places (A -J)Places (J - P)Places (P - Z)
Alcatraz IslandJoshua Tree VillagePebble Beach 17-Mile Drive
Angel Island State ParkKings Canyon National ParkPebble Beach
Anza-Borrego Desert State ParkLa Jolla CovePfeiffer Beach
Badwater BasinLaguna BeachPinnacles National Park
Balboa IslandLake Shasta CavernsPoint Lobos State Natural Reserve
Balboa ParkLake Tahoe Scenic DrivePoint Reyes National Seashore
Bixby BridgeLassen Volcanic National ParkRedwood National and State Parks
Big Sur CoastlineMalibu BeachSan Diego Zoo
Big SurMalibu Creek State ParkSan Francisco Cable Car System
Bodie State Historic ParkMalibu Lagoon State BeachSanta Barbara Mission
Burney FallsMammoth Lakes BasinSanta Monica Pier
Carlsbad BeachMission DoloresSanta Monica State Beach
Channel Islands National ParkMission San Antonio de PaduaSequoia National Park California
Coronado BeachMission San Carlos BorromeoSonoma County
Crissy FieldMission San Juan CapistranoSonoma Wine Country
Crystal Cove State ParkMission San Luis Obispo de TolosaTahoe National Forest
Death Valley National ParkMission Santa BarbaraThe Broad Museum
Disneyland ParkMono Lake Tufa State Natural ReserveThe Exploratorium
Donner Memorial State ParkMonterey Bay AquariumThe Getty Center
Emerald Bay State ParkMount Lassen Peak TrailHenry W. Coe State Park
Fort Point National Historic SiteMount ShastaJ. Paul Getty Villa
Golden Gate BridgeMount Tamalpais State ParkThe Presidio
Golden Gate ParkMount WhitneyUSS Midway Museum
Griffith ObservatoryMount Whitney TrailThe Wave Organ
Griffith ParkMuir Woods National MonumentTorrey Pines State Natural Reserve
Hollywood SignNapa Valley Wine CountryTransamerica Pyramid
Hollywood Walk of FameNewport BeachUniversal Studios Hollywood
Joshua Tree National ParkPalace of Fine ArtsYosemite National Park
Joshua Tree Scenic Drive

Explore the complete list of places to visit in the United States, including national parks, cities, landmarks, and famous attractions.