One Day in Pinnacles National Park: An Easy Day Trip from San Francisco

Pinnacles National Park, located in the mountain region in central California, is one of the lesser-known California National Parks. Although it may be one of the least visited National Parks in the state, I recommend visiting, as it is smaller and less crowded. Therefore, it is very easy to spend at least one day in Pinnacles National Park because you will get to see a lot in a short amount of time. It is an easy day trip from San Francisco, or you can opt to stay nearby. Rock formations divide Pinnacles into two separate areas of the park, both with distinct features to explore. 

Want a guided tour to start out your trip and get acclimated to the city? Then check out Guru Walks for a free guided tour. You can book online to reserve your spot and pay what you wish when you get there. Check out the tours in San Francisco here. 

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. I may earn a commission at no cost to you!

History of Pinnacles National Park

The Chalon and Mutsun Native American groups settled in the Pinnacles area during the earlier years. However, when the Spanish arrived in the 1700s, the Native American presence declined due to the diseases brought with them. In Solidad, the Spanish established a mission that continued to contribute to the decline of the Native Americans in the area.

Later, more settlers began coming to the area to homestead, for gorgeous views of the Pinnacles, and to explore the caves. President Roosevelt established Pinnacles as a National Monument in 1908 and officially became a National Park in 2013. Since then, it gets about 222,000 visitors a year. Much less than nearby Yosemite which gets over 4 million people a year! 

Best Time to Visit Pinnacles National Park

Spring and fall are the best seasons to visit Pinnacles National Park. This is not a park to visit when it is very hot. During July and August temperatures reach over 100 degrees. If you come during those times, make sure to plan accordingly and opt to hike in the morning or late afternoon. Any other time of the year, it is wonderful to visit. If visiting during the wintertime, make sure to dress in layers and keep an eye on the rainy weather as some areas of the park can flood. 

Where to Stay Near Pinnacles National Park

TripAdvisor is a great place to start your hotel search. Search for the best National Park hotels here!

If you are not visiting Pinnacles as a day trip from San Francisco, the closest towns to Pinnacles are Hollister and Soledad. There are a few hotel options in this area, but I opted to stay in Salinas instead. If you would like to explore more in the area than just Pinnacles National Park, Salinas is the perfect place to stay. It is near the 17-mile drive, Monterey, Big Sur, Carmel, and Santa Cruz.

We opted to stay at the Hampton Inn Salinas which cost about $115 a night. For those who would rather stay inside the park, there are several campgrounds and camping options on the eastern side of the park. You must get a permit beforehand, so make sure to plan accordingly. 

How to Get to Pinnacles National Park

If taking a day trip to Pinnacles from San Francisco, head on the 101 south to Highway 25. from Highway 25 turn right onto Highway 146. This will take you to the east entrance of Pinnacles. To get to the west entrance from San Francisco, take the 101 south to the 146 east. Pinnacles will eventually appear on the left. 

From Los Angeles and the south, take the 101 North. To get to the east entrance, take the 1st street exit. From there, take Highway 25 to Highway 146. If you want to get to the west entrance, take the 146 east from the 101.

Note that the road to the west entrances is very windy, so it is not recommended if you get carsick. 

Transportation Around Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is divided into the west side and the east side. No road connects the east and west entrances, so you will need to plan which side of the park you would like to visit. It is a two-hour drive from one entrance to another, so I recommend only choosing one side per day. During the weekends and holidays, the east side of the park does have a shuttle that runs from the East Pinnacles Visitor’s Center to Bear Gulch. Note that the shuttle is not currently running.

Hours and Admission

Pinnacles National Park is open from sunrise to sunset, 7 days a week, thus making it the perfect day trip from San Francisco or a wonderful place to spend the day. Admission costs $30 and is good for 7 days. If planning on visiting other national parks, especially ones in the area such as Yosemite, King’s Canyon, and Sequoia, opt to buy the America the Beautiful Pass. This year-long pass gets visitors into any National Park for only $80! It is well worth the price. 

What to See in Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles may seem like a small park, but it actually contains over 30 miles of trails. Opt to spend at least one day in Pinnacles National Park to hike a few of the most favored trails.

East Entrance

On the eastern side of the park, many trails connect to make a loop, or you can opt to do them as an out and back. In this post, I have pieced them together in loops. 

To start out the morning during one day in Pinnacles National Park, choose one of two trail options (or both if you would like to pack a lunch to take with you and are up for the challenge).

Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Trail to Rim Trail

Moderate Hike

Distance: 2.2 miles (as a loop)

This loop is the easiest option for a great scenic hike when spending one day in Pinnacles National Park. From the Bear Gulch Parking Lot, start by taking the Bear Gulch Trail. This trail is past the bathrooms and the nature center. It will lead you through some tree lined paths to a fork in the road. Make sure to choose that path towards the Bear Gulch Reservoir. Follow this trail for a bit until you get to another fork and take the left fork to the Moses Spring Trail.

The end of the Moses Spring Trail will drop you off at the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. You can opt to go through the caves or take the path around them. If you opt to hike through the cave, you will need a flashlight, so make sure to plan accordingly. Also, note that during the summer months, the caves are closed due to the bat mating season, so you will not be able to take this path.

After the caves, it is a short walk to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. At the Bear Gulch Reservoir take some time to rest and snap a few pictures. Once rested, head back out on the trail by taking the Rim Trail. This will take you along the rim where you will see gorgeous views of the area and rock formations. Eventually, there will be another fork. Choose the right one that heads back towards the Bear Gulch parking area. This will take you back on the path you started on. 

Overall, this hike is not too strenuous but it does have a slight elevation climb. Make sure to bring lots of water with you and do not attempt to do this trail when it is too hot. 

Condor Gulch Trail to Blue Oak Trail to High Peaks Trail 

Strenuous Hike

Distance: 5.3 miles

If up for a strenuous hike, head to the High Peaks Trail. This trail connects to two other trails to form a loop from the Bear Gulch parking lot. Start out this hike by taking the Condor Gulch Trail. The entrance to this trail is near the bathrooms. This hike takes you out to a gorgeous viewpoint.

From there, keep hiking until you get to a split in the trail. Go left onto the Blue Oak Trail. Hike the Blue Oak Trail for about 0.6 miles to get to the High Peaks Trail (steep and narrow section). This is an easy hike to do during one day in Pinnacles National Park.

You can also opt to take the longer route by taking the Tunnel Trail to the Juniper Canyon Trail. This would add about half a mile to your total hike. Both those options take you to the High Peaks Trail, which ends at the Rim Trail. If you want to go to see the Bear Gulch Reservoir or the Caves, opt to go right at the fork. In order to head back to the parking lot, choose the left path which will lead you to the Bear Gulch Trail. 

This hike is a strenuous hike as you do climb around 1300 feet. Make sure to take plenty of water and snacks as this will take you several hours to complete. Do not hike this trail when it is hot. 

Eat some Lunch

After a morning of hiking, make sure to fuel up and eat some lunch! I always bring stuff to make sandwiches with me when I hike. Pinnacles National Park does not have any food options within the park, so you will need to plan on bringing in your own food. Make sure to take all of your trash with you and dispose of it in the bear-safe trash bins. 

Sycamore Trail 

Easy Hike

Distance: 1 mile each way

After lunch, opt to take a more mellow stroll through some Sycamore trees. The Sycamore Trail is a much more mild and easy trail than any of the loop trails. Most of the hike is relatively flat and goes through many shaded areas. Plan on spending around an hour on this hike at a moderate pace. It is the perfect easy trail to end your one day in Pinnacles National Park.

More Than One Day at Pinnacles National Park?

If you have more than one day in Pinnacles National Park, opt to visit the west side on day two. 

West Entrance

The West Entrance is much less popular than the Eastern Entrance, but it does have quite a bit of trails to offer. Most are more strenuous options, but the west side of Pinnacles National Park does offer a few easier hikes. 

Balconies Cliffs Trail

Easy to Moderate Hike

Distance: 2.4 miles

This trail takes you through the park and to another set of caves. Hikers will also get to see a few towering rock formations such as the Balconies Cliffs. This trail begins at the Chaparral or Jawbone parking area. From there, that trail takes you to the Balconies Cliff Trail and Balconies Cave Trail. If you opt to go into the cave, you will need to bring a flashlight with you. Note that you can also access this trail from the Eastern Entrance by taking the Old Pinnacles Trail from the Old Pinnacles parking area to the Balconies Cliffs Trail.

Prewett Point Trail

Easy

Distance: 1.8 miles (out and back)

The Prewett Point Trail is another easy trail to take during one day in Pinnacles National Park. This trail heads through the Hain Wilderness and through a large overlook. It connects with the Jawbone Trail that takes you to the Juniper Canyon and Balcony Trails. 

Juniper Canyon Trail

Strenuous Hike

Distance: 4.3 miles

This hike takes visitors to the high peaks of Pinnacles and offers gorgeous views of the park. Visitors can opt to do this as an out and back or create a loop with the High Peaks Trail (steep and narrow sections) and the Tunnel Trail. Beware of the many switchbacks in this trail and over 1000 foot elevation change. This hike will take most of the morning. To access this trail, park in the Chaparral parking area. 

Supplies to Bring for One Day in Pinnacles National Park

• Bring lots of water! It gets HOT on some of these trails and you cannot hike without water. There are some refill stations within the park, but it is always a good idea to have plenty. Bring at least one gallon per person. 
• Wear comfortable clothes good for hiking and closed-toed shoes. It can get pretty hot during a day in Pinnacles National Park, so I recommend breathable clothes. The trails are very dusty, so closed-toed shoes are a must. If you have shoes that protect your ankles for going downhill, that is even better. 
• Snacks and/or a picnic lunch are a must! There is no food available inside Pinnacles. I love to grab stuff for sandwiches and pack it in an ice chest that I leave in the car. Things like nuts, beef jerky, and protein bars are also great options for snacks. Again, make sure to bring plenty to fuel so you do not go hungry!
• Bring a camera. Pinnacles has a few photo spots so you will want your camera to capture the scenery. 
• A small backpack is a hiking essential for me. I like being able to toss whatever I need and have it accessible in a bag so I can have my hands free. 
• Sunglasses, sunscreen, and a hat are also recommended. 
• If visiting the caves, make sure to bring a flashlight or a headlamp with you. A cell phone does not produce enough light!

Final Tips for One Day in Pinnacles National Park

One Day in Pinnacles National Park is the perfect amount of time to spend exploring this awesome park. There are many trail options to take and I have only highlighted a few! Pinnacles is a great addition to a California Trip or an easy day trip from San Francisco. It is not too far from Paso Robles, a fabulous wine tasting region. If you have more time, head down to Los Angeles and explore more of what Southern California has to offer.

Share this lesson!