Bass Pro Shops Manteca, CA

Pinnacles National Monument located between Hollister and Soledad in the rugged  Gabilan Mountains just east of California’s Salinas Valley is the perfect winter playground if your not into cold and want to avoid the sometimes severe weather subject to much of the Sierras and other parts of California.  Temperatures at Pinnacles are often 10 to 20 degrees warmer than even the local temperatures here in the San Joaqiun Valley.  The average high temperatures range from 60° to 80° in the months from October through May.  By the same token I do not recommend this park in the dead of summer when temperatures can easily attain triple digits unless you just absolutely love stifling heat.  The park hosts a chaparral ecosystem over most of its 26,000 acres equivalent to 40 square miles.  However at some of the lower elevations is more of a grassland and riparian environment where a number of babbling brooks merge into larger creeks which meander through the park and huge oak , pine and sycamore trees can be found.  In the spring, a myriad of wild flowers adorn the entire park making for some spectacular scenery.  The park features an abundance of monoliths, spires and sheer-walled canyons and  cliffs all of a volcanic nature as the monument is home to an ancient volcano.  There are two entrances to the park and no roads through the park.  The West entrance is located about 15 miles from Soledad while the East entrance is approximately 35 miles from Hollister.  I strongly recommend the East entrance as the eastern portion of the park has most of the main attractions to the park and you are looking at a rather long hike to access this area from the West entrance.  Entrance fees to the park are $5 per vehicle.

Among the many activities available at the park are camping, swimming, picnicking, hiking, spelunking through caves, rock climbing or just observing nature and some of the diverse wildlife.

Wildlife is indeed abundant here with a wide variety of animal species.  Included in these are 14 species of bats and 20 species of raptors including the Golden Eagle.  Then there are blacktailed deer, bobcats, badgers, coyotes, mountain lions, foxes, rabbits and squirrels along with a host of species not mentioned.  Last but not least is the California Condor as Pinnacles National Monument is part of the California Condor recovery program.  Up to 35 of these magnificent specimens reside within the park.  It is worth the trip just to catch a rare glimpse of one these giant birds.

Campsites are available only at the East area of the park and are open throughout the entire year.  The campsites feature areas for tent, RV and group camping.  Each campsite is equipped with a table and fire ring.  Water and toilet facilities including showers are available throughout the campground.  The swimming pool is open from April through September should you need to cool off.  The campsites are located in the grassland area of the park with giant oaks providing most of the shade.   There are also many picnic areas near the East entrance to the park should one just like to go and relax in one of these areas with a picnic lunch.

If hiking is your thing, Pinnacles National Monument is just the ticket with over 30 miles of trails.  These trails traverse through the high peaks where spectacular views of the park are abundant as well as through dark and mysterious talus caves.  Wherever one goes in the park the volcanic rock is evidenced in the form of spires , large cliffs or giant boulders.  One of my favorite trails, the Moses Spring Trail, a pleasant 1.2 mile hike beginning at the visitor center, passes many impressive rock formations and climbing locations as we roam up through Bear Gulch on up to the Bear Gulch Reservoir.  From there one can take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail which descends for 300- 400 feet through the Bear Gulch Cave which is pitch black in some areas.  Make sure to bring your flashlight or headlamp.  Also call the park in advance if exploring the cave is your primary interest as it is often closed during the breeding season of bats that inhabit the cave.   Other trails lead farther into the wilderness with such destinations as Chalone Peak, Condor Gulch, Juniper Canyon , Old Pinnacles or the High Peaks. Unfortunately overnight backpacking trips are not allowed in the park.


What I believe to be the main attraction at Pinnacles and my own personal passion are the many and diverse rock climbing areas within the park.  There are over 40 areas to climb in the park with as many as 170 different routes ranging from a 5.4 technical rating (beginner) to a 5.13d rating (expert).  Although the routes are somewhat short, from 30 to 150 feet, there is a challenge here for everyone.  As you can see there is plenty to keep one occupied here at Pinnacles National Monument.

Climbing Pinnacles with my Granddaughter.


















Phil Steele
Camping Dept.
Store 49
www.basspro.com/