Over Thanksgiving 2022 we decided to break with tradition and go camping. There was one last national park in California we hadn’t visited yet and I was anxious to cross it off our list. That’s how we found ourselves camping at Pinnacles National Park with the kids and enjoying a Thanksgiving meal of hot dogs and chili. You might not be as familiar with Pinnacles because it only became a National Park in 2013. Keep reading for all the details on California’s “youngest” National Park.
Pinnacles National Park
the two sections of Pinnacles National Park
East section of the park-This is where the campground is located and the only area that a shuttle operates seasonally. There is a small visitor center/park store located at the campground, as well as a nature center that operates seasonally. Parking is very limited.
West section of the park-The western entrance to the park is easily accessible from Highway 101 and the town of Soledad. A seasonal visitor’s center is located on this side, as well as bathrooms and picnic area. Parking at most trailheads is limited.
what to do with kids
the best hikes with kids
Keep in mind that Pinnacles National Park gets hot in the summer. Temperatures can reach into the triple digits. Start your hikes early in the day, and always be prepared with hats, plenty of water, and sunscreen. Also make sure if you’re planning a hike through a cave you bring flashlights or headlamps, do not rely on cell phone lights. These were some of our favorite hikes we went on in Pinnacles National Park with our kids and other hikes we suggest:
- Prewett Point Trail, .9 miles round trip
- Balconies Cave Trail (to caves), 1.3 miles round trip
- Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Cave Trail, 1.5 miles round trip
- Condor Gulch Trail (to viewpoint), 2 miles roundtrip
go spelunking in a cave
Pinnacles National Park is home to a couple different Talus caves. Talus caves are formed when boulders fall into narrow canyons, leaving openings and pathways. Balconies Cave is located in the west section of the park. The caves can be closed at times but even if they are, the hike to the caves is a fun one with kids. Bear Gulch Cave is located in the east section of the park. There is a lower section and upper section of the cave and they can be independently open from each other. We consider the caves a must-do when visiting Pinnacles National Park with kids so be sure and check the status of the caves before you plan your trip!
camp there overnight
We stayed for two nights at Pinnacles Campground in the east section of the park. Due to its remote location and lack of accommodations nearby we decided that would be best for us to fully experience the park. It’s a large campground run by Pinnacles Recreation Company and offers a seasonal pool with showers nearby. Keep in mind that these are the only shower facilities for the entire campground, and there were only two shower stalls in both the men’s and women’s restrooms. The upside was that they were free, clean, and provided body wash, shampoo, and conditioner.
| Read: Tips for Camping with Kids |
We were in site #34 and it was a great site that was a little set off by itself and secluded with lots of trees and brush. If you have a tent as there is plenty of flat area that gets a lot of shade, however it also fit our trailer just fine. I also thought that spots #37 and #39 were decent tent spots with lots of shade and flat areas. Spot #35 is also a little more secluded but has a lot of space if you’ve got a trailer or RV. If you had a trailer you would not want to stay in #39 because they trees are really low-hanging. The camping spots in these areas are also close to potable water and a bathroom.
become a junior ranger
My kids love becoming Junior Rangers at the National Parks we visit. I would recommend downloading the Pinnacles Junior Ranger book ahead of time because I don’t think they keep a lot on hand. My kids were pretty disappointed they weren’t able to pick them up and complete the activities in the park. However, you can always do the booklet activities at home and email the completed activities in also.
other activities to enjoy:
- star gazing
- bird watching
- rock climbing
where is Pinnacles National Park?
Pinnacles National Park is in the Salinas Valley in Central California. Although it is only about 80 miles south of the Bay Area, its location makes it feel very remote and isolated. It is divided into eastern and western sections that can only be crossed by hiking trails. If you are in a car you must exit the park and drive around (about an hour) to get from one side to the other. The eastern section of the park is about 30 miles form King City to the east or Hollister to the north. The western section of the park is more easily accessible, only being about 12 miles to the town of Soledad and Highway 101.
What would you like to see the most at Pinnacles National Park?
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