Pinnacles National Park, located in Central California, is known for its dramatic rock formations, talus caves, and a diverse array of wildlife. Visiting Pinnacles done as a day trip from the Silicon Valley area.
Among its many hiking trails, the Tunnel Trail stands out as a unique experience with views of the park’s distinctive rock spires and cliffs. These formations are remnants of an ancient volcanic field that shifted over millions of years due to tectonic activity along the San Andreas Fault. The hike is a geological treasure trove, with opportunities to observe layers of volcanic rock and talus slopes formed from fallen boulders.
Where is Pinnacles National Park?
Pinnacles National Park lies in the Gabilan Range, roughly 80 miles south of San Jose and 40 miles east of Salinas in California. The park has two separate entrances: the East Entrance, accessible from Highway 25 near Hollister, and the West Entrance, reached via Highway 146 near Soledad.
The East Entrance is more developed, featuring the visitor center, camping facilities, and access to many popular trailheads and the caves at Bear Gulch. The West Entrance offers a quieter experience and easy access to the Balconies area which features a smaller cave.
The most popular times to visit the park is during the spring when the wildflowers are blooming and the fall. One the weekends and holidays, the park is fairly busy year round and the parking lots fill up quickly.
While the temperatures can drop to below freezing at night during the winter, the daytime temperature can reach into the 50s and 60s F.
Hiking the trails at Pinnacles
Pinnacles features a variety of trails with some easy trails that are family friendly like the lower areas of the Juniper Trail that starts from the Chaparral parking lot on the west side and the Bear Gulch trail that leads to the talus caves on the east side Pinnacles National Park.
For a more strenuous hike, visitors can traverse the challenging High Peaks Trail that winds up to connect with Tunnel Trail.
The Tunnel Trail, that peaks at around 2,500 feet in elevation, offers sweeping views of the park’s distinctive rock spires and cliffs. These formations are remnants of an ancient volcanic field that shifted over millions of years due to tectonic activity along the San Andreas Fault.
The Tunnel Trail is a moderately challenging hike that takes you through the heart of Pinnacles’ unique landscape. The trail spans approximately 2.5 miles (one way) and features moderately steep switchbacks up from Juniper trail before connecting to High Peaks trail to the east.
Tunnel Trail
The trail earns its name from a short tunnel carved through volcanic rock. This section of the hike adds an element of novelty, offering hikers a chance to walk through a shaded passage surrounded by rugged rock walls. While the tunnel is relatively short, it is a highlight of the trail that continues to wind through the dramatic rocks that give Pinnacles its name.
Approaching the tunnel from the east side, hikers cross a short concrete bridge spanning a deep crevasse. Completed in 1932, the 120-foot-long tunnel and bridge were constructed to connect two segments of the trail system, which had been separated by a rugged rocky peak known as the Fingers, distinguished by its multiple spires.
Building a tunnel was deemed the best solution, as the steep terrain offered no natural ledge or gentle slope for linking the trails. Additionally, carving a tunnel aligned with the goal of preserving the “scenic integrity of the landscape,” ensuring the park’s dramatic features remained undisturbed.
Vultures along Tunnel Trail
On a sunny January day when I hiked this trail, I was disappointed not to spot any condors. Plenty of turkey vultures were seen soaring through around the pinnacles off Tunnel Trail. While turkey vultures are fairly large birds, they are much smaller than the California condors that are iconic to the park.
Turkey vultures can also be seen resting on the rocks and sunbathing. The outstretched wings is known as the horaltic pose which helps reduce parasites by harnessing the sun’s sanitizing rays.
Juniper Trail
Continuing westward, the Tunnel Trail descends through a series of switchbacks, taking hikers past wildflower fields before connecting with Juniper Trail that descends down to the Chaparral parking lot.
References
Babalis, T. (2009). The Heart of the Gabilans: An Administrative History of Pinnacles National Monument. United States National Park Service, Pacific West Regional Office.
