Pinnacles National Monument Custom Search Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of diverse wildlands. The monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers. A rich diversity of wildlife can be observed throughout the year. Pinnacles National Monument is divided into East and West Districts that are connected by trails, but not by a vehicle road. More than 30 miles of trails access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildland communities. The Pinnacles' rock formations are a popular destination to challenge technical climbers. Pinnacles is a day-use park, but occasionally offers full moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters.     CONTACTS Email - PINN_visitor_information@nps.gov Fax- 831-389-4489 Write to 5000 Hwy. 146 Paicines, CA 95043 Phone Visitor Information - 831-389-4485 Headquarters - 831-389-4485 ext 0 TRAVEL BASICS Operating Hours, Seasons The monument is open to day use activities all year long. Winter hours are now in effect at Pinnacles. The park is open from 7:30 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. daily. Getting There CAR - Pinnacles National Monument consists of two districts: east and west. The West District is accessible from Highway 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The East District entrance is reached via Highway 25, south of the city of Hollister, then west on Highway 146. The districts are NOT connected by a road. It is not possible to drive through the Monument from one side to the other. PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - There is no public transportation available. Greyhound Bus lines stop at King City, which is located 32 miles south of the monument. Weather & Climate The Pinnacles area is one of low rainfall (15 inches, occurring primarily during winter and spring), hot, dry summers (100 F+) and cool (50 F average), moist winters. When hiking, always carry plenty of water and wear sturdy, comfortable footwear. Accessibility The Bear Gulch Visitor Center and the Chaparral Ranger Station are wheelchair accessible. Getting Around Pinnacles National Monument is primarily a hiking park. Bicycles and vehicles may be used only on paved roads within the Monument. FEES/PERMITS Entrance Fee ANNUAL PASS $15.00 for Annual This pass can be purchased at any fee collection station in the park. It is good for 12 months beginning with the purchase month. FEES PAYABLE BY CASH OR CHECK Please bring cash or a check to pay your entrance fee. Credit cards are not accepted for federal fees, though you can use them to purchase books. VEHICLE $5.00 for 7 Days This fee covers entrance to both districts of the monument for seven days. WALK-IN $2.00 for 7 Days This fee covers park entrance by foot, motorcycle, and bicycle. Children under 16 do not need to pay. Please bring cash or a check - credit cards are not accepted. CAMPING There are no campgrounds within Pinnacles National Monument. There is a private campground located just outside the park boundary on the east side of the monument. LODGING There is no lodging in Pinnacles National Monument The closest lodging is located in Soledad (12.5 miles from the west district) or Hollister (40 miles from the east district). FACILITIES Ranger Stations CHAPARRAL RANGER STATION Open All Year 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (when staffing permits) Phone - none Location - West District. Special Programs - Pinnacles Junior Ranger Program for kids 8-13 years old. Exhibits - Various natural and cultural history exhibits. Available Facilities - Restrooms. Visitor Centers BEAR GULCH VISITOR CENTER Open All Year 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Phone - (831) 389-4485 ext. 0 Location - East District. Special Programs - Pinnacles Junior Ranger Program for kids 8-13 years old. Exhibits - Seismograph, park topographical map, various natural and cultural history exhibits. Available Facilities - Restrooms.   Map Detailed Map Contact Info Phone, Email, Address, GPS coordinates Campgrounds Nearby List of Nearby Campgrounds Weather Local weather forecast These outdoors activities are available near Pinnacles National Monument.   Campgrounds Near Pinnacles National Monument: Thousand Trails San Benito, Paicines, 5 miles away Chalone Creek Campground, San Benito County, 11 miles away Chalone Annex Campground, San Benito County, 11 miles away Chaparral Campground, San Benito County, 13 miles away   Hotels Near Pinnacles National Monument: Keefers Inn, King City , 21 miles away Days Inn King City, King City , 21 miles away Courtesy Inn, King City , 21 miles away Valley Harvest Inn, Soledad , 22 miles away Best Western Apricot Inn, Firebaugh , 28 miles away Sun Star Inn, Los Banos , 30 miles away Best Western Executive Inn, Los Banos , 30 miles away   Trails Near Pinnacles National Monument: Chalone Peak Trail, Monterey County , 13 miles away, 2.7 hiking miles, 1720 feet elevation difference High Peaks Trail, San Benito County , 13 miles away, 3.8 hiking miles, 1535 feet elevation difference Tunnel Trail, San Benito County , 13 miles away,  3.6 hiking miles, 1385 feet elevation difference Balconies Trail, San Benito County , 13 miles away, 1.4 hiking miles, 316 feet elevation difference   Public Lands Near Pinnacles National Monument: Los Banos Creek Resevoir State Park, California , 25 miles away Pacheco State Park, California , 28 miles away San Luis Reservoir State Park, California , 29 miles away Hollister Hills State Park, California , 32 miles away