Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles is renowned for its surreal rock formations, towering spires, and unique craggy landscapes providing photographers with endless possibilities. Golden hour illuminates the rocks, casting a warm glow that enhances their natural beauty, making it an ideal time to capture the park's rugged charm.

There are two entrances into Pinnacles National Park - East Pinnacles and West Pinnacles - and there is no road that goes through the park. We highly recommend the east entrance to the park, and here's why. The best trails start on the eastern side of the park, there's camping, and lucky for us, it's closest to Fresno.  

Pinnacles has a trail system catering to all hiking levels. Take a walk through the Balconies Cave Trail, then up to Bear Gulch Reservoir,  or challenge yourself with the strenuous High Peaks Trail, offering panoramic views that beg to be photographed.

Avoid summer in the Pinnacles. There's little relief from the sun on the trails.

For those seeking an extra layer of adventure, Pinnacles National Park has two caves – Bear Gulch Cave and Balconies Cave. While accessibility to these caves may be limited at times for visitor safety, exploring their narrow passageways can give you an unforgettable experience. Bring a headlamp or a flashlight.

One of the most extraordinary aspects of Pinnacles National Park is its role in the conservation of the endangered California Condor. With a sizable population residing in the park, witnessing these majestic birds in flight is an awe-inspiring experience, and it is not uncommon to see them in flight during your visit to the park.