Pinnacles National Monument, Diablo Range, California
Nearby lakes? Sure, Bitterwater Lake is right next door to Pinnacles National Monument, and Bear Canyon is another delightful site to explore close by. At Pinnacles National Monument through the warm months highs are in the 90's, and through the night it cools down to the 50's. The wintertime comes with highs in the 60's, and nighttime lows at Pinnacles National Monument through the wintertime ordinarily drop into the 30's. At Pinnacles National Monument you find heaps of outdoors recreation, so you could have a good time while you're here. Pinnacles
National Monument is pretty waterless ordinarily; the wettest month of the year is usually January, that's the one that rains the most, and July on the other hand is the driest. If you came to camp Thousand Trails San Benito is a splendid place to do that, and the smiling people
of Paicines like to hang out close by. Pinnacles National Monument is a pretty location that is popular with folks from all over. A spree to Pinnacles National Monument is a nice selection when you have got to spend some time in nature. Fun pastimes are plentiful; there's always something for everybody. Man, is there a load of cool stuff to do in the Diablo Range. Looking for something in close proximity to Pinnacles National Monument? Dry Lake is in the vicinity, and Big Oak Flat is a magnificent spot to stretch your legs a bit. The wonderful beauty
National Monument is pretty waterless ordinarily; the wettest month of the year is usually January, that's the one that rains the most, and July on the other hand is the driest. If you came to camp Thousand Trails San Benito is a splendid place to do that, and the smiling people
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.
User input for Pinnacles National Monument, Diablo Range, California:
There are some really cool caves at the Pinnacles
- RL
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Current weather conditions at Pinnacles National Monument, Diablo Range, California
Local climate location: PINNACLES NATL MON 15 miles away
Outdoors Recreation Near Salinas, California Very comprehensive list of a variety of outdoors recreation in the vicinity of Salinas, California, the metro area neareast to Pinnacles National Monument. Find info on campgrounds, hiking trails, ski resorts, lakes, beaches, parks, whitewater and more.