![National Park Service Logo](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/templates/images/graphics/parkblackband.gif) |
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![National Park Service: U.S. Department of the Interior](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/templates/images/graphics/prntarrw.gif) ![National Park Service Arrowhead](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/templates/images/graphics/prnttitl.gif) |
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Pinnacles National Monument
Plan Your Visit
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![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/templates/images/graphics/spacer.gif) |
People come to Pinnacles to hike, rock climb, watch and study wildlife, view wildflowers, and experience nature. Pinnacles offers solitude, challenge, and escape from urban development.
Unlike many national parks, Pinnacles is most popular in the cooler months. During the spring, when the grasses are green and a variety of wildflowers can be seen along any trail, hiking is at its best. Fall and winter are also excellent times to visit.
During the summer, extreme temperatures can make hiking uncomfortable at best, and possibly dangerous for those who are unprepared. If you plan to visit Pinnacles during the months of July or August, please check the weather forecast and plan accordingly. Carrying and drinking at least a liter of water per hour per person is recommended during hot weather.
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Many weather forecasts for Pinnacles will yield results for Soledad, CA or Hollister, CA, but the weather here can vary greatly from that of these adjacent cities. For a Pinnacles forecast, visit www.nws.noaa.gov and type in Pinnacles, CA in the top left corner.
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| ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) | ![](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/commonspot/images/clear.gif) |
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![LOGO: Share the Experience: Official Federal Recreation Lands PHOTO CONTEST LOGO: Share the Experience: Official Federal Recreation Lands PHOTO CONTEST](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/ACAD_STE_hilite02.gif) Share the Experience Official Federal Recreation Lands PHOTO CONTEST more... | | ![Group camping at Pinnacles Campground Group camping at Pinnacles Campground](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/PINN_camp_65.jpg) Camping Pinnacles Campground is near the east entrance of the park, and offers tent, RV, and group sites. more... | | ![Looking up through one of the many openings of the Bear Gulch Cave Looking up through one of the many openings of the Bear Gulch Cave](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/PINN_bgcavehighlight.jpg) Talus Caves Check the status of the Bear Gulch and Balconies Caves more... | | ![Pinnacles park map from brochure Pinnacles park map from brochure](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/PINN_map_65.jpg) Pinnacles Maps Visit the NPS media center for our most current maps more... | |
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![Starry skies. Photo courtesy of NASA. Starry skies. Photo courtesy of NASA.](https://webarchive.library.unt.edu/eot2008/20090508023050im_/http://www.nps.gov/pwr/customcf/apps/CMS_HandF/Pictures/PINN_PINN_stars.jpg) |
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Did You Know?
The night sky is vital to many plants and animals that call Pinnacles home and it holds many meanings for many cultures. An unpolluted night sky is especially valuable to humans wishing to experience natural darkness, shooting stars, or the Milky Way.
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Last Updated: January 29, 2009 at 15:13 EST |