Park Details
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Park Details
Location Information
Paicines, CA
Address:
Pinnacles National Monument
5000 Highway 146
Paicines, CA 95043
Telephone:
(408) 389-4485
Directions:
Pinnacles National Monument has two districts--east and west.
The West District is accessible from Highway 101 near the town of
Soledad. The East District entrance is off of Highway 25, south
of the city of Hollister. The districts are not connected by a
road. It is not possible to drive through the Monument.
Transportation:
To Park: there is no public transportation available.
Greyhound Bus lines stop at King City which is located 32 miles
south.
In Park: personal vehicle, and bicycles on paved roads.
Operating Hours/Seasons
The East District of the monument is open all year. The West District entrance road, between February 17 and May 28, is closed at 8:30 p.m. on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights, and reopened at sunrise.
Reservations/Permits/Fees
There is a five dollar entrance fee per vehicle, and it's valid for seven days. Camping rate at Chaparral Campground, ten dollars per night.
For information concerning special-use permits call (408) 389-4485. Reservations for group camping may be made by calling the Chaparral Ranger Station at (408) 389-4526.
Climate, Recommended Clothing
The Pinnacles area is one of low rainfall (15 inches, mostly 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.
Facilities and Opportunities
Visitor Center/Exhibits:
East District: Bear Gulch Visitor Center; West District:
Chaparral Ranger Station.
Trails, Roads:
Thirty-two miles of hiking trails.
Programs/Activities:
Campfire program on Friday and Saturday nights during the
spring.
Lodging and camping facilities:
Eighteen walk-in campsites available at the West District.
This campground is closed on Friday, Saturday and Sunday nights,
from February 17 through May 28. Adjacent to the Monument s East
District is Pinnacles Campground, a privately run campground.
The closest motels to the East District are 32 miles from the
Monument, in King City and Hollister. Motels are available in
Soledad, which is 12 miles from the West District.
Food/supplies:
There is no food for sale in the Monument. The closest food
and supplies from the east side, are located 32 miles away in
King City and Hollister. Food and supplies are located 12 miles
from the west side, in Soledad.
Other Concessions/NPS-Managed Visitor Facilities and
Opportunities:
Books and other educational materials are sold at the Bear
Gulch Visitor Center, and the Chaparral Ranger Station by
Southwest Parks and Monuments Association.
Accessibility:
The Bear Gulch Visitor Center and the Chaparral Ranger
Station are wheelchair accessible.
Special Needs:
The entrance road to the West District is a narrow, winding,
single-lane road, and is not recommended for large recreation
vehicles.
Recommended Activities/Park Use
The primary importance of Pinnacles National Monument is that of a natural preserve and recreational area. The main visitor uses of the park are hiking, technical rock climbing, and as a place to study and observe the natural ecology of central California. Pinnacles has a rich flora and fauna and a complex and spectacular geology. Birding, wild flower walks and the study of volcanics and plate tectonics are popular activities.
Visitation
Highest March, April, May; lowest January.
Before hiking, please stop by the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or Chaparral Ranger Station for trail information.
Additional Information
Write to:
Superintendent
Pinnacles National Monument
5000 Hwy 146, Paicines, CA 95043.
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