Top Reasons to Go

Condor encounters: This is one of the few places to potentially view these critically endangered birds flying overhead; of the few hundred California condors alive in the wild today, about 65 have been released or hatched in Pinnacles or nearby along the coast.

Cave exploring: The park contains two talus caves—a unique type of cave formed when boulders fall into narrow canyons, creating ceilings, passageways, and small chambers.

Hiking the pinnacles: The best way to see the otherworldly rock formations of the ancient volcano at the park's center is to hike the more than 30 miles of trails.

Climbing sans crowds: Pinnacles receives relatively few visitors because of its out-of-the-way location, leaving the hundreds of rock-climbing routes crowd-free.

Star appeal: Far from cities, the park is a popular stargazing destination, especially during the annual Perseid meteor shower.