Pinnacles National Park, located in central California, is a geological wonder formed by the erosion of an ancient volcano. The park is named for its distinctive rock formations, towering spires, and massive monoliths that rise abruptly from the surrounding landscape.

Covering over 26,000 acres, Pinnacles is split by the San Andreas Fault into an east and a west division, each offering unique vistas and experiences. The park's complex geology provides critical habitat for diverse plant and animal species, including the California condor, one of the world's rarest birds, which has been reintroduced to the area.

Pinnacles National Park is a paradise for climbers, hikers, and nature lovers, with over 30 miles of trails that navigate through talus caves and along steep canyons. The park's Mediterranean climate supports a range of ecosystems, from oak woodlands to chaparral, grasslands, and riparian corridors, making it a vibrant place for biodiversity and outdoor adventure.

Biome at Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park, located in California, is known for its unique geological formations and rich biodiversity. The park encompasses a range of elevations and microclimates, supporting a diverse array of biomes. Keep on reading to learn more about the biomes at Pinnacles National Park

Airports Near Pinnacles National Park

This is a list of the closest airports to the park, if you plan on flying into Pinnacles click here to read our recommendations.

Distance to Park Drive Time
Mesa Del Rey Airport 45.5 miles 34 mins Get Directions
Hollister Municipal Airport 53.0 miles 41 mins Get Directions
Salinas Municipal Airport 56.0 miles 44 mins Get Directions
Marina Municipal Airport 70.3 miles 59 mins Get Directions
Monterey Regional Airport 78.1 miles 1 hour 4 mins Get Directions
Watsonville Municipal Airport 91.4 miles 1 hour 12 mins Get Directions
Los Banos Municipal Airport 115.9 miles 1 hour 19 mins Get Directions
Reid-Hillview Of Santa Clara County Airport 117.0 miles 1 hour 24 mins Get Directions
Norman Y Mineta San Jose International Airport 128.8 miles 1 hour 28 mins Get Directions
Paso Robles Municipal Airport 129.2 miles 1 hour 27 mins Get Directions
View Airports on a Map

Cities Near Pinnacles National Park

Here are some of the closest cities and towns near the park, take a look at our recommendations for where to stay when visiting Pinnacles.

Distance to Park
Soledad 16.1 miles Get Directions
Greenfield 19.2 miles Get Directions
Gonzales 25.6 miles Get Directions
King City 29.9 miles Get Directions
Hollister 46.7 miles
Salinas 49.2 miles Get Directions
East Garrison 54.6 miles Get Directions
Prunedale 56.5 miles Get Directions
Monterey 67.0 miles Get Directions
Gilroy 68.7 miles Get Directions

Pinnacles National Park TimeZone

The timezone at Pinnacles is America/Los_Angeles, the current time here is:

Sunrise and Sunset Times at Pinnacles National Park

This table shows the sunrise and sunset times at Pinnacles for the next 10 days, use it to plan your day around Pinnacles stunning displays.

Date

Sunrise

Sunset

December 22, 2024 07:12 16:55
December 23, 2024 07:12 16:55
December 24, 2024 07:12 16:56
December 25, 2024 07:13 16:56
December 26, 2024 07:13 16:57
December 27, 2024 07:13 16:58
December 28, 2024 07:14 16:58
December 29, 2024 07:14 16:59
December 30, 2024 07:14 17:00
December 31, 2024 07:14 17:01

Weather at Pinnacles National Park

This table shows weather averages around the year at Pinnacles National Park, it provides information on average rainfall, as well as maximum and minimum temperatures. Be sure to consult it when planning your trip.

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January 5.6 °C / 16.8 °C 66.9mm Good Weather
February 6.3 °C / 17.4 °C 61.5mm Good Weather
March 7.2 °C / 18.6 °C 52.3mm Good Weather
April 8.2 °C / 19.3 °C 24.0mm Perfect Weather
May 10.4 °C / 20.2 °C 9.7mm Perfect Weather
June 11.8 °C / 21.3 °C 1.8mm Perfect Weather
July 13.0 °C / 21.5 °C 0.1mm Perfect Weather
August 13.3 °C / 22.5 °C 0.7mm Perfect Weather
September 12.5 °C / 23.6 °C 1.3mm Perfect Weather
October 10.0 °C / 23.1 °C 15.7mm Perfect Weather
November 7.2 °C / 19.8 °C 33.2mm Perfect Weather
December 5.2 °C / 16.5 °C 54.8mm Good Weather