Hikes in Pinnacles National Monument

Pinnacles National Monument is located in the Salinas Valley east of the 101 Freeway near the cities of Salinas, Soledad, and King City. The 26,000-acre monument protects a distinct pocket of inland mountains that is not connected to the Santa Lucia Range to the west. This isolated park provides surprising beauty. The peaks of the Pinnacles were created by volcanoes along the San Andreas Fault and are distinct from the surrounding landscape. There are roads entering the park from the east and west, but no road travels through the park. This leaves the heart of the monument accessible only to hikers. There are talus caves on both sides of the park surrounded by unique rock formations. A boldly engineered trail across the 2,500-foot peaks at the top of the Pinnacles is a favorite trek for California hikers. Trails through the caves are popular as well.

There is a 134-site campground on the east side of the monument. Reservations can be made through reservation.org or by calling (877) 444-6777. There is a five-dollar entrance fee to access Pinnacles National Monument.

	Bear Gulch Reservoir This 1.5-mile hike passes through a talus cave to reach a reservoir on the east side of Pinnacles National Monument.
	High Peaks – Condor Gulch Loop This 5.35 to 6-mile loop crosses the roof of Pinnacles National Monument on an incredible trail.