Where is Pinnacles National Park,Paicines, California?

Written by | Last Updated: November 19, 2025, 12:28 PM 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)