What to do at Pinnacles National Park with Kids
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Juniper canyon trail offers absolutely amazing views of the pinnacles
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Visitor center in west pinnacles
If you’re looking for what to do at Pinnacles National Park with kids, you’re in the right place. Pinnacles offers visitors the chance to see rocks formed by a volcanic field more than 23 million years ago. This National Park was established originally as Pinnacles National Monument under President Theodore Roosevelt and later was established as a National Park in 2013 by President Barack Obama. Pinnacles National Park is visited by approximately 222,000 people annually and is one of the smallest National Parks at only 26,606 acres.
First and foremost, there are two sides to Pinnacles National Park and the two sides are not connected by roads; only hiking trails. Every visitor to Pinnacles National Park should make a stop at one of the two Visitor Centers to get a park map, get a weather update, and info about the park’s road conditions and possible closures. You can also click HERE to see up-to-date hours. Park Rangers are also a wonderful resource for finding out the parks more off the beaten path spots.
Table of Contents
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Pinnacles National Park EAST Side:
Pinnacles National Park WEST Side
When to Visit Pinnacles National Park
Like most National Parks, Pinnacles is busiest in the summer months. The summer months are also the hottest. Pinnacles National Park is a Mediterranean climate. This park is far enough away from the coast that it does not get any cooling effect from the ocean. While it may be 55 degrees on the coast, it could be over 100 degrees in Pinnacles at the same time. In the summer months it is not unusual for the temperatures to reach over 100 degrees by noon - and most trails have very little shade.
The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is in the winter, early spring or late fall. There are fewer crowds, the temperatures are much milder.
We visited in late-June (West) and early July (East) and had no rain, but very hot temperatures. It was over 90 degrees on the West side and over 100 degrees on the East side. **Bring more water than you think you need because you will need it all.
The average annual weather for reference courtesy of Geologycafe.com
East Pinnacles National Park
How to get to East Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is really cool, but it isn’t a super convenient location like other National Parks. While it isn’t remote, it also is not off a main highway. To give you an idea of how long it will take to get to the park, here are a few examples.
To get to East Pinnacles use the search term "Pinnacles Visitor Center.” (Remember: East & West Pinnacles are not connected by a roadway)
For directions or location using online maps, copy and paste the following coordinates (the numbers in bold text) into the search: For the East Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Center): 36.493545, -121.146646
Obligatory national park sign photo in East Pinnacles
How far is East Pinnacles National Park from San Francisco? 2 hours and 15 minutes
Monterey to East Pinnacles National park is 1 Hour, 24 minutes
Yosemite National Park to East Pinnacles National park is 3 hours 30 minutes
Los Angeles to East Pinnacles National Park is 4 hours 35 minutes
Sacramento to East Pinnacles National Park is 3 hours, 5 minutes
East Pinnacles National Park is easiest accessed from San Fransisco or Monterey, CA. Pinnacles West is only 90 minutes from Monterey, California — check out my guide on What to do in Monterey for Families and the Best Hikes Near Monterey.
READ NEXT: What to do in Joshua Tree with Kids
Where to Stay in Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park Camping:
The only camping available in Pinnacles National Park is only accessed from the East side. This campground offers cabins, tents, RV, and group campsites. Each site comes equipped with a fire ring and most have electrical hookups. There are BBQ pits and community picnic tables located throughout the campground. There is coin-operated laundry and a dump station for RVs. **There is a swimming pool!! It is typically open from April to September.
The Campsite is run by Pinnacles Recreation Co
READ NEXT: How to ENJOY Tent Camping with Toddlers
The hike to condor overlook takes you through a variety of landscapes
Where to Stay Outside of East Pinnacles National Park
This side of the park is fairly remote. The best option is to camp in the park, but the closest towns are either Hollister, CA or Paicines, CA.
Airbnbs outside of East Pinnacles
The best family-friendly Airbnbs near East Pinnacles National Park.
What to do in East Pinnacles National Park with Kids
1) Hike:
The best way to explore Pinnacles National Park is by foot. There are over 30 miles of hiking in Pinnacles National Park. These trails take hikers through a variety of different landscapes; from plains to caves to hiking among the Pinnacles.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in East Pinnacles National Park
Bear gulch cage is so amazing to explore
Bear Gulch Cave Trail (DO NOT MISS): This moderate1.5-mile loop trail is recommended for families with children. Hikers are rewarded with rock formations, the reservoir, and talus caves. Bear Gulch Cave Trail starts at the Moses Spring Parking Area. Take the 0.2 mile Moses Spring trail to where it T’s and go left toward the cave. You’ll then be climbing through the amazing talus cave. Once through the cave, you will emerge at the Bear Gulch Reservoir. From here, you head up toward the Rim Trail which takes a scenic but less daring course along the rim of the gorge. The trails reunite back at the Moses Spring Trail.
**The Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally - bring a flashlight for the cave.
Best Hikes for Kids in East Pinnacles National Park:
Charletta at the Condor Gulch Overlook
Condor Gulch Overlook: This moderate 1.8 mile out and back hike takes visitors from the Bear Gulch recreation area up to the Condor Gulch Overlook. Hikers are rewarded with a closer view of flying Condors and a look through the Pinnacles. Total Elevation: 1,100 feet
Best Hikes for Teenagers in East Pinnacles National Park:
Jimmy and the kids hiking in West Pinnacles - balconies cave trail
Pinnacles Visitor Center to Balconies Cave: This moderate 9.4-mile hike takes hikers from East to West Pinnacles and rewards hikers with cave experiences, the largest rock formations in the park, and a full tour of Pinnacles National Park.
Condor Gulch to High Peaks Loop: This strenuous 5.3-mile trek takes hikers through the heart of the Pinnacles Formations.
High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop: This strenuous 6.7-mile hike takes hikers into High Peaks and then down to meadows where they’ll walk under buckeye, oak, and sycamore trees.
Condor Gulch Trail: This strenuous 1.7-mile trail (one way) takes hikers from the Bear Gulch area up to the High Peaks. 1 mile in hikers will be rewarded with views from the Condor Gulch Overlook.
Chalone Peak Trail: This strenuous 9-mile hike takes hikers up 2,040 feet to the highest point in the park; North Chalone Peak.
View looking out from chalone peak
2) Bird Watching
Did we spot a condor?!?!
Bird watching is a huge part of Pinnacles National Park. The park is home to the critically endangered California Condor. This huge bird came dangerously close to being extinct in the 1980s with only 10 left. Today conservation efforts have brought this massive air predator back to a population of over 300. Pinnacles National Park is home to 86 California Condors.
Other interesting birds you’ll find in Pinnacles National park: The Greater Roadrunner, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Bushtit, Spotted Towhee, White-throated Swifts, Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon (fastest bird in the world), Prairie Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, California Towhee, California Thrasher, Yellow-billed Magpies, and the California State Bird: The California Quail.
Find out more about the birds of Pinnacles HERE.
3) Become a Pinnacles National Park Junior Ranger:
Take your little ones to the Bear Gulch Nature Center or Pinnacles Visitor Center to grab a free Junior Ranger booklet. Once the booklet is complete, go back to the visitor centers to earn a special Pinnacles Junior Ranger Patch.
If the visitor center is closed, download the electronic Junior Ranger Booklet.
The kids are super proud they made it to the condor gulch overlook
West Pinnacles National Park
How to get to West Pinnacles National Park
To get to East Pinnacles use the search term "Pinnacles Visitor Contact Center.” (Remember: East & West Pinnacles are not connected by a roadway)
Pinnacles National Park has two sides: West and East and they are not connected with a road — this is west pinnacles
For directions or location using online maps, copy and paste the following coordinates (the numbers in bold text) into the search:or the West Side of Park (Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station): 36.477700, -121.226136
How far is West Pinnacles National Park from San Francisco? 2 hours and 25 minutes
Monterey to West Pinnacles National park is 1 Hour, 10 minutes
Yosemite National Park to West Pinnacles National park is 4 hours 1 minute
Los Angeles to West Pinnacles National Park is 4 hours 37 minutes
Sacramento to West Pinnacles National Park is 3 hours, 21 minutes
West Pinnacles National Park is easiest accessed from San Francisco or Monterey, CA. Be sure to check out my guide on What to do in Monterey for Families and the Best Hikes Near Monterey.
READ NEXT: A Complete Guide to Muir Woods with Kids
Where to Stay Outside West Pinnacles National Park
Camping/RV:
Yanks RV Resort: This upscale RV resort has been created with many features that are designed to make your stay comfortable, whether you are traveling through California, or just looking for a weekend destination. The RV Resort includes: Pull thru sites to 100 feet long (no need to unhook your tow vehicle), sites with concrete pads and patios, FREE Wi-Fi throughout the park, FREE cable TV, Full hookups with 30/50 amp electrical, each site has a picnic table and BBQ, &Propane filling station on site.
Hotels near Pinnacles West: Use the map below to find a hotel near Pinnacles West that fit your family’s budget.
What to do in West Pinnacles National Park with Kids
1) Hike:
The best way to explore Pinnacles National Park is by foot. There are over 30 miles of hiking in Pinnacles National Park. These trails take hikers through a variety of different landscapes; from plains to caves to hiking among the Pinnacles.
Best Hikes for Toddlers in West Pinnacles National Park
Prewett Point Trail: This easy .9 mile (round trip) trail has amazing views of the Hain wilderness. This trail is wide and good for families. However, there is little shade on this hike, so plan for a morning hike/wear sunscreen and pack lots of water.
Jawbone Trail: This easy 1.2 mile hike heads northeast from the Prewett Point Trail (mentioned above) and then connects to the Chaparrall parking area.
Best Hikes for Kids in West Pinnacles National Park
Juniper Canyon Trail: (DO NOT MISS) This 2.5 mile trail is moderate. Just before the start of the switch backs that lead up to the Tunnel Trail, there is an absolutely epic view of the Pinnacles. If you’re feeling frisky and have extra energy, I suggest adding the High Peaks trail down to Tunnel Trail to make a loop. This makes the hike about 4.5 miles.
Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop: This easy 2.4 mile trail is a great one for families. This is the trail we did in West Pinnacles. Hikers are rewarded with awesome views of the Pinnacles and the hike takes you through the Balconies Cave. (Flashlights are required for this portion)
Amazing views along the juniper canyon trail
Best Hikes for Teenagers in West Pinnacles National Park
The crew hiking the 2.4 Balconies Cliffs-Cave Loop trail.
North Wilderness Trail Loop: This strenuous 9.3 mile trail takes hikers through unmaintained trail climbs along ridges and descends down into the Chalone Creek bed. Hikers will then return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies Trail.
High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop: This strenuous 8.4 mile (round trip) trail takes hikers up 1,540 feet as they climb into the High Peaks. Hikers will return via the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trail and through the Cave. (Bring a flashlight)
2) Pinnacles Junior Ranger Program
Take your little ones to the Chaparral Visitor Contact Station to grab a free Junior Ranger booklet. Once the booklet is complete, go back to the visitor station to earn a special Pinnacles Junior Ranger Patch.
If the visitor station is closed, download the electronic Junior Ranger Booklet.
3) Bird Watching
We loved all of the views of the pinnacles from the old balconies trail
Bird watching is a huge part of Pinnacles National Park. The park is home to the critically endangered California Condor. This huge bird came dangerously close to being extinct in the 1980s with only 10 left. Today conservation efforts have brought this massive air predator back to a population of over 300. Pinnacles National Park is home to 86 California Condors.
Other interesting birds you’ll find in Pinnacles National park: The Greater Roadrunner, Canyon Wren, Bewick’s Wren, Bushtit, Spotted Towhee, White-throated Swifts, Prairie Falcon, American Kestrel, Golden Eagle, Peregrine Falcon (fastest bird in the world), Prairie Falcon, Red-shouldered Hawk, Oak Titmouse, White-breasted Nuthatch, California Towhee, California Thrasher, Yellow-billed Magpies, and the California State Bird: The California Quail.
Find out more about the birds of Pinnacles HERE.
Pinnacles National Park is a great place for families to explore. There is so much amazing wildlife, wildflowers, vastly different landscapes throughout! No matter whether you try out camping or take a day trip from a nearby city, Pinnacles National Park is bound to be an unforgettable adventure.
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