How to Get to Pinnacles National Park: Airports, Directions, and Transportation Options

In this blog post we will discuss how to get to Pinnacles National Park by looking at the closest airports, driving directions from major cities, and public transportation options.

Hi! We are Katie and Joe and usually we are on the go. In 2023 we set-off on an epic road trip to see all 63 US National Parks in our self-converted Ford Transit van.

Pinnacles National Park was our 14th National Park on our road trip when we visited it in May of 2023. While there are many ways to get to Pinnacles National Park, we were coming from Yosemite (our 14th National Park) and left to head to Lassen Volcanic National Park (our 15th).

Do you want to see more of Pinnacles National Park? Check out our Pinnacles National Park Vlog and additional blog posts below:

Pinnacles National Park, A quick History

The history of Pinnacles National Park began 23 million years ago with a volcanic eruption that created the park’s distinctive rhyolite rock formations.

Over millions of years, these pinnacles were shaped by wind and water erosion, and they now stand as iconic features of the landscape. As a result, visitors from around the world are drawn to the park to marvel at their natural beauty.

In more recent history, the land that comprises Pinnacles National Park was inhabited by indigenous people, including the Amah Mutsun and Chalon tribes. These groups relied on the area for its rich resources, utilizing the land for food, medicine, and materials.

Eventually, in 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt designated the area as one of the first U.S. national monuments. Over a century later, in 2013, it was elevated to national park status. Today, the park collaborates closely with these tribes through indigenous land management practices, honoring the deep cultural and historical connection these communities have with the land.

Apart from its stunning rock formations, Pinnacles National Park is also renowned for its caves and panoramic mountain views. Furthermore, the park plays a crucial role in the conservation of the California condor, one of the largest flying birds in the world with a wingspan of up to 9.5 feet.

Once on the brink of extinction, these majestic birds have been successfully reintroduced into the wild, including areas within the park. Consequently, visitors to Pinnacles often spot condors soaring in the High Peaks area, a testament to ongoing conservation efforts and the park’s commitment to preserving its unique natural heritage.

Plan Your Trip With Our Favorite Resources

How to Get to Pinnacles National Park

Where is Pinnacles National Park Located?

Pinnacles National Park is located in central California, about 80 miles southeast of San Jose. The park spans portions of both San Benito and Monterey counties.

When planning your visit to Pinnacles National Park, it’s essential to note that there is no direct road connecting the east and west entrances within the park.

The shortest route to travel between these two entrances is via Highway 101 through the town of King City.

Using Online Maps To Find Pinnacles National Park

When using online map services to navigate to Pinnacles National Park, searching for “Pinnacles National Park” or using the official park address may yield different results depending on the map provider.

For the most accurate directions, use the following coordinates:

East Entrance (Pinnacles Visitor Center):
Coordinates: 36.493545, -121.146646

West Entrance (Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station):
Coordinates: 36.477700, -121.226136

By inputting these coordinates directly into your map application, you can ensure that you are guided accurately to your desired entrance of Pinnacles National Park.

What are the Nearest Airports to Pinnacles National Park?

San Jose International Airport (SJC):
San Jose International Airport is the closest major airport to Pinnacles National Park, located about 1.5 hours from the east entrance. From the airport, you can rent a car and take the following route:

Take CA-85 S from Airport Blvd.
Merge onto US-101 S.
Take exit 347 for CA-25 toward Hollister.
Continue on CA-25 S to reach the park’s east entrance.

San Francisco International Airport (SFO):
San Francisco International Airport is about 2 hours from the east entrance. From the airport, you can rent a car and take the following route:

Take US-101 S from N Access Rd.
Merge onto CA-85 S.
Continue on US-101 S.
Take exit 347 for CA-25 toward Hollister.
Follow CA-25 S to the park’s east entrance.

Monterey Regional Airport (MRY):
Monterey Regional Airport is another nearby option, about 1.5 hours from the west entrance. From the airport, you can rent a car and take the following route:

Take CA-68 E from Olmsted Rd.
Merge onto US-101 N.
Take exit 281A for CA-146 E/Monterey County G16.
Follow CA-146 E to reach the park’s west entrance.

Do you love US National Parks?

Check out all of our Guides and Itineraries here!

Driving Directions to Pinnacles National Park From The Closest Cities

San Francisco International Airport to the East Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 120 miles.
Estimated Time: 2 to 2.5 hours.
Directions:
1. Take US-101 S.
2. Merge onto CA-85 S.
3. Continue on US-101 S.
4. Take exit 347 for CA-25 S toward Hollister.
5. Follow CA-25 S to the park’s east entrance.

Los Angeles International Airport to the East Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 290 miles.
Estimated Time: 5 to 5.5 hours.
Directions:
1. Take I-5 N.
2. Merge onto CA-46 W.
3. Merge onto US-101 N.
4. Take exit 330 for CA-198 E.
5. Turn left onto CA-25 N.
6. Follow CA-25 N to the park’s east entrance.

San Jose International Airport to the East Entrance:

Distance: Approximately 80 miles.
Estimated Time: 1.5 hours.
Directions:
1. Take CA-85 S from Airport Blvd.
2. Merge onto US-101 S.
3. Take exit 347 for CA-25 S toward Hollister.
4. Follow CA-25 S to the park’s east entrance.

Are There Entrance Fees For Hiking in Pinnacles National Park?

Pinnacles National Park charges an entrance fee for access to its numerous hiking trails. Currently, the fees are approximately $30 per vehicle, $25 per motorcycle, and $15 for bicycles and walk-ins.

Notably, these fees are per person, and each pass is valid for seven days from the date of purchase. To stay updated on the latest pricing, it is advisable to check the national park’s website.

Alternatively, for those looking for a more economical option, you can purchase the America The Beautiful Pass from REI, which provides access to all national parks for a full year.

Is there a visitor center in Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, Pinnacles National Park has two visitor centers: the East Pinnacles Visitor Center and the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station.

The East Pinnacles Visitor Center, located near the park’s east entrance, offers exhibits, information, and a bookstore.

Coordinates: 36.4939° N, 121.1468° W

The West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station, near the west entrance, provides information and has restrooms. Both centers are great starting points for your visit, offering maps, current conditions, and helpful advice from park rangers.

Coordinates: 36.4783° N, 121.2008° W

Ultimate Packing List for Your Pinnacles National Park Adventure

Embarking on an adventure to Pinnacles National Park in California? Whether you’re gearing up for a day hike or a longer exploration, packing the right gear is essential for a safe and enjoyable experience.

To help you prepare, we’ve compiled a comprehensive packing list that covers everything you’ll need for your visit to this stunning natural wonder.

Pinnacles National Park Packing List (Click Here)

Which is better at Pinnacles National Park, the East or West Entrance?

East Entrance:
The east entrance is where you’ll find the Bear Gulch Visitor Center, Bear Gulch Cave, and the park’s only campground.

This entrance is ideal for families and first-time visitors due to its amenities and proximity to popular trails.

West Entrance:
The west entrance provides access to the Balconies Cave and Balconies Cliffs trails.

It’s less developed than the east side but offers stunning views and unique hiking opportunities.

Are there Public Transportation Options To Pinnacles National Park?

Unfortunately, there are no direct public transportation options to Pinnacles National Park. The best way to reach the park is by driving.

Car rentals are available at all major airports, and rideshare services like Uber and Lyft can be used for shorter distances. Here are the prices for a rideshare service through GetTransfer.com (which we’ve used in the past as is great)!

How can I get to the East Side to the West Side of Pinnacles National Park?

To travel from the west side to the east side of Pinnacles National Park, you need to exit the park and drive around it since there is no road connecting the two entrances directly within the park.

Distance: Approximately 60 miles
Estimated Travel Time: About 1.5 hours, depending on traffic conditions

If you do not have a car, you can use GetTransfer.com to set-up a rideshare service. Since it’s fairly remote, you should look to schedule the pick-up/drop-off ahead of time.

Map of Pinnacles National Park

Can I hike from the East Side to the West Side of Pinnacles National Park?

Yes, you can hike from the east side to the west side of Pinnacles National Park. The most popular trail that allows for this cross-park hike is the High Peaks Trail.

Here are some details about the hike:

Distance: Approximately 5.5 miles one way
Elevation Gain: Around 1,400 feet
Trailheads:
- East side: Starts near the Bear Gulch Day Use Area
- West side: Starts near the Chaparral Trailhead

When is the best time to visit Pinnacles National Park?

The best times to visit Pinnacles National Park are in the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). Here are a few reasons why these seasons are ideal:

Spring (March to May):

Mild Temperatures: The weather is typically pleasant, with daytime temperatures ranging from the 60s to the 70s (°F), making it comfortable for hiking and exploring.
Wildflowers: Spring brings a beautiful display of wildflowers, adding vibrant colors to the park’s landscapes.
Wildlife Viewing: This season is great for bird watching, including spotting the California condor.

Fall (September to November):

Comfortable Weather: Temperatures start to cool down from the summer heat, with daytime temperatures in the 70s to 80s (°F).
Less Crowded: Fall generally sees fewer visitors than spring, providing a more tranquil experience.
Clear Skies: The weather is typically clear, offering excellent conditions for stargazing and night photography.

Other Considerations:

Summer: Summer can be extremely hot, with temperatures often exceeding 90°F, which can make hiking and outdoor activities uncomfortable and potentially dangerous due to heat exhaustion.
Winter: Winter temperatures can be cooler and more variable, with occasional rain. However, it’s still a good time to visit if you’re prepared for the weather and prefer fewer crowds.

When did we visit Pinnacles National Park?

We visited Pinnacles in May of 2023 and the sun was hot and there was not a cloud in the sky. We had a long day out of Yosemite National Park the day before which lead us to getting a late start to the day.

If you are going to visit Pinnacles, we’d suggest going in the off season or making sure that you’re on the trail bright and early to avoide the mid-day’s sun.

Overall, spring and fall offer the most comfortable conditions and the best overall experience for visitors to Pinnacles National Park.

How much time is needed to visit Pinnacles National Park?

Pinnacles National Park in central California is the smallest national park in California and the fifth smallest in the United States, covering only 41.6 square miles.

Since it is so small, we included it in a video on Instagram about the 5 National Parks to visit if you only have a few hours (watch it here).

You could spend a few hours exploring Pinnacles National Park or you could spend 2 full days visiting the National Park. With well over 30 miles of hiking trails, many scenic spots to explore, and a POOL at the campground.

You’ll have no issue filling those 2 full days.

Should I bring a camera when visiting Pinnacles National Park?

ABSOLUTELY! Pinnacles National Park is very picturesque, you should definitely bring a camera to capture it all.

Don’t know which camera you’ll need? A wise person once said the best camera you have is the one that’s on you, however If you’ve got an iPhone (like this one) you’ll be set!

If you want something a bit more capable, that’s our specialty! We love camera gear, here’s our current camera gear set-up.

Have camera question, send us an email and we can help you build out the perfect camera kit for your National Park trip.

Are there Nearby Accommodations to Pinnacles National Park?

We stayed at the Pinnacles Campground (east side) in our van. We were able to secure a campsite a few days in advance by visiting Recreation.Gov.

The best part about this campsite? There is a pool! Joey took a nice long swim in it and had a blast.

If camping isn’t your preference, there are several lodging options in nearby towns such as Hollister, King City, and Soledad. These towns offer a range of accommodations from budget motels to more comfortable hotels.

There are some really interesting VRBO options nearby Pinnacles:

Pinnacles Ranch (2-miles to East Entrance): Link
Cozy Country Cottage on 1,000 Acre Ranch: Link
Gated Mediterranean Villa (sleep 24, massive salt water pool): Link

Are there guided hikes in Pinnacles National Park?

Indeed, Pinnacles National Park offers ranger-led hikes and programs throughout the year. These experiences provide wonderful opportunities to learn more about the park’s geology, wildlife, and history while exploring its breathtaking trails. Additionally, to find more information on the park’s ranger programs, click here.

Are Dogs Allowed on Hiking Trails in Pinnacles National Park?

While we all cherish our furry companions, unfortunately, dogs are not permitted on the hiking trails in Pinnacles National Park. This regulation is in place to ensure the safety of the park’s wildlife and to preserve the natural environment for everyone’s enjoyment.

However, dogs and other pets are allowed in certain paved areas of the park, including picnic areas, parking lots, and campgrounds.

Where to Park at Pinnacles National Park?

Parking at Pinnacles National Park can be challenging, especially on weekends and holidays.

It is recommended that visitors arrive before 8:00 AM to secure a parking spot. The East Entrance tends to have more parking availability compared to the West Entrance.

During peak times, parking lots can fill up quickly, and you may have to wait for a spot to open or find alternative parking outside the park.

To alleviate some of these issues, the park offers a shuttle service from the Pinnacles Campground to various trailheads, which can be a convenient option if you’re staying in the campground or if parking is full at the trailheads.

In conclusion, How to Get to Pinnacles National Park: Airports, Directions, and Transportation Options

Pinnacles National Park is one of the hidden gems of the California National Park system.

The park offers a unique landscape, lovely hiking trails, and if you’re lucky you’ll catch a glimpse of the majestic California Condor.

By following these directions and tips, you’ll be well-prepared for a memorable trip to one of California’s hidden treasures.

If you are looking for additional information on Pinnacles National Park, make sure to check out our vlog and other blog posts.