Getting Oriented

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• East Side. Of the park's two entrances to Pinnacles, the East Side is best for families and first-time visitors. It has the park's only visitor center and campground—which includes a modest grocery store and a small swimming pool that's especially inviting on hot days. This entrance also offers the best access to both easy and more challenging hikes, including the highly popular trek to Bear Gulch Cave.
• West Side. The park's quieter side has fewer amenities, but entering here and driving to the Chaparral Parking Area provides the best way to sneak a glimpse of the high-peak formations without having to walk anywhere. Hikers, however, will find some of the park's most rugged and exciting trails, including treks to Balconies Cave and up into the High Peaks.