Pinnacles National Park Hiking Tour | Mountain Hiking Holidays

Hiking in Pinnacles National Park

Trails of the Gabilan Mountains

Spring is the perfect time for sun-filled hikes in Pinnacles National Park, the Golden State’s ninth and newest national park. Though its national park designation may be new, the natural splendor of the Pinnacles region was recognized at the turn of the twentieth century when Teddy Roosevelt proclaimed it a national monument in 1908. Well-engineered trails thread their way among the rocky spires of the Pinnacles, a lasting legacy of the work of the Civilian Conservation Corps in the 1930s. We’ve timed this trip to catch the Pinnacles spring wildflower bloom, and with some luck you may spot California condors, two of whom are nesting in the national park.

The Pinnacles are the crown of the Gabilan Mountains; this is Steinbeck Country!

Day 1
Overnight at the Inn at the Pinnacles
Dinner included
We’ll provide a complimentary transfer from San Jose International Airport (SJC) to the Inn at the Pinnacles departing the airport at 12:00 PM (noon). Please schedule your flight accordingly if you wish to use this transfer service. Estimated travel time from San Jose airport to the Inn at the Pinnacles is two hours. Welcome reception, wine-tasting and dinner at the inn is included this evening.

Sunny, lavender-edged terrace at the Inn at the Pinnacles.

Hiking in Bear Gulch, Pinnacles National Park.

Bush poppy and hikers on the Chalone Peak Trail, Pinnacles National Park.

Day 2
Overnight at the Inn at the Pinnacles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
Travel to the east side of Pinnacles National Park and hike to North Chalone Peak, the highest summit in the national park at 3,304 feet above sea level. The trail begins in Bear Gulch and proceeds through fragrant woods before twisting itself via short switchbacks and steps through the Bear Gulch Cave (flashlight needed). Bear Gulch Cave is actually a “talus cave” formed over the millennia as boulders and debris tumbled down from above choking a narrow portion of Bear Gulch. Emerge from the cave via a stone stairway at the Bear Gulch reservoir. Built in the 1930s the small lake is a serene oasis surrounded by spires of rock. The Chalone Peak Trail then begins its steady but gentle ascent past the Little Pinnacles area and on to the summit of its namesake peak. Bright yellow bush poppies (Dendromecon rigida) and crimson Indian Warrior (Pedicularis densiflora) brighten the way. From the summit, views extend across the entirety of the park while to the west, rolling hills cloaked in vineyards lead your eye to the agricultural expanses of the Salinas Valley. The old Chalone Peak fire lookout still stands at the summit. Retrace your steps to the trailhead and return to the Inn at the Pinnacles where wine-tasting and dinner await!

Rock formations in the Little Pinnacles area as seen from the Chalone Peak Trail.

View across the Gablian Mountains from the summit of North Chalone Peak.

The High Peaks Trail ascending from Chalone Creek.

Day 3
Overnight at the Inn at the Pinnacles
Breakfast, lunch and dinner included
A very short vehicle transfer brings you to the Chaparral Trailhead in the western portion of Pinnacles National Park. From here, set off on the Balconies Trail which heads north to the Balconies Cliffs and the dramatic Machete Ridge. Between these two formations lies the Balconies Cave (similar to the Bear Gulch Cave). Beyond the Balconies, the trail continues as the Old Pinnacles Trail ambling placidly along the banks of Chalone Creek shaded by live oaks, California buckeye and other trees and shrubs typical of the central California riparian plant community. Near the former site of the Civilian Conservation Corps camp, the route begins its ascent into the Pinnacles High Peaks area via the High Peaks Trail. This trail passes through beautiful highland oak meadows before reaching a high point near the Condor Crags from where you can enjoy expansive vistas over Pinnacles National Park. Descend via the scenic Tunnel Trail to return to the Chaparral Trailhead. Return by vehicle to the Inn at the Pinnacles for an after-hike reception and dinner. Enjoy a third evening at the inn.

High Peaks view, Pinnacles National Park.

Expansive view from the High Peaks of Pinnacles National Park near Condor Crags.

Day 4
Departure from San Jose
Breakfast included
We’ll provide complimentary transportation to San Jose International Airport (SJC) departing the Inn at the Pinnacles at 11:00 AM. Estimated travel time to San Jose airport is two hours.

The Sisters rock formation near Bear Gulch Reservoir.

Other Resources

Check out this Pinnacles Wildflowers page on the National Park Service’s website for a primer on the floral splendor that graces the national park!

Pinnacles wildflowers (L to R): Indian Warrior, Bush Poppy, Indian Paintbrush.