Rim of the Bay Trek: The Pinnacles

Hike Length: 5.9 miles

Elevation: 2,600 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,400 feet

Maps:

• USGS - 7.5 min Quad "North Chalone Peak"
• Pinnacles National Monument Trail map. (Available at Park Entrance and Visitor Center.)
• AAA - "Monterey and San Benito Counties" or "Sequoia"

Access:

• East Side:
  • Take Highway 101 south to Gilroy. Just south of Gilroy, turn left on Highway 25 through Hollister and continue south on Highway 25 for 30 miles to the turnoff to Pinnacles National Monument on Highway 146. Entrance to privately owned Pinnacles Campground is at 4 miles, National Monument entrance at 5 miles.
• West Bay:
  • Take Highway 101 south to Soledad. At Soledad, take Highway 146 east for 14 miles to small campground in the Monument. Note: there is no road connection through the Monument.

Camping:

This hike can be made in one day, but if you prefer to camp overnight and also explore the Balconies Caves, the following information applies.

 

Privately owned Pinnacles Campground, located about 1 mile east of the Monument, is an excellent facility complete with a small store and a moderate-sized swimming pool (no lifeguard). In 1993, group rates were $5 per person per night, a minimum of $50.00 per site. During the peak of the season (April, May, and June), they require combined Friday night and Saturday night reservations. Suggestion: Team up with another Troop, each taking one night-- the campground management is very amenable to such arrangements, and will charge each Troop separately. Phone (408) 389-4462.

 

There is a small campground on the West Side of the Monument. First-come, first-served, no reservations. In prime season, it fills up early Friday afternoon. The road is described in the Monument pamphlet as "unsafe for trailers or campers."

Reservations:

For reservations or information Call Pinnacles Campground Inc. (408) 389-4462 or write to the above at 2400 Highway 146, Piacenes CA 95043. Deposit required.

Trails:

Take the Condor Gulch Trail, across the High Peaks Trail and side trip through Bear Gulch Caves. This is the minimum hike to qualify for the patch. Longer trips are possible. A well-constructed, spectacular trail with some exposure, 5.9 miles from the Visitors Center. Flashlights for each hiker are required in the caves. Water must be carried as there is no water en route. Not recommended for summer as it gets extremely hot.

 

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