California

Forged from the forces of volcanic eruptions and tectonic uplift, the unique landscape of Pinnacles National Park brings you closer to California’s fascinating and tumultuous geological past. Topping it all are the volcanic spires that were formed 23 million years ago when a volcano the size of Mount St. Helens formed close by. The nearby San Andreas Fault split the volcanic mass of the Pinnacles-Neenach volcanic field in two, while wind and water transformed the rock into the spectacular formations you see today. It’s little wonder, then, that President Theodore Roosevelt declared this park a National Monument over 100 years ago.

Small but mighty

Pinnacles may be one of the smallest parks in the United States, but there’s more to explore than just the signature cliffs. There are forests of tangled chaparral, rolling hills, and valleys that drop to as low as 824 ft (251 m) along South Chalone Creek before climbing back up to the park’s high point on North Chalone Peak at 3,304 ft (1,007 m). Below the surface, there’s a phenomenal network of eerie talus caves just waiting to be discovered.

All this topographic variety makes Pinnacles a magnet for abundant wildlife. Little compares to spotting a wild California condor in its native habitat, hearing a cacophony of acorn woodpeckers and over 20 species of raptor, or glimpsing bobcats, gray foxes, and black-tailed deer. The real thrill, though, is the remarkable sight of Townsend’s big-eared bats roosting in the darkness of the talus caves.

Given the park’s easy access to San Francisco, it’s a great spot for a short family vacation. With immense rock features to scramble on, expansive hiking trails, and the chance to camp out under the stars (with specialized ranger-led nighttime activities on offer), Pinnacles is an adventure playground for everyone.

Volcanic rocks at High Peaks make up the park’s varied topography

Three Hikes

Easy ▷ Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop, 2.2 miles (3.5 km) round trip. This short, family-friendly trail leads up through a superb selection of rock formations and talus caves, and past the reservoir. Climb through the Bear Gulch Cave to sight residing bats.

Moderate High Peaks Trail, 6.3 miles (10 km) loop trail. Follow a steep and narrow path through the heart of the park’s pinnacle formations on this signature trail. Crossing streams and delving into talus caves, this hike is beautiful at every turn, but the panoramic views of the looming rock spires jutting out along the top of the ridgeline are unparalleled.

Challenging ▷ Chalone Peak Trail, 9 miles (14.5 km) round trip. Stretch yourself with this long day hike, passing stunning wildflowers to the top of the park’s highest peak for seemingly boundless vistas. This peak is a popular haunt for the California condor, so have your binoculars at the ready.

Bear Gulch is a talus cave, formed by the spaces between fallen boulders

The superlative rock formations at Pinnacles are a massive draw for climbers