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Pinnacles National Monument

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About Pinnacles National Monument:

There are two primary sections to the Pinnacles, the East side and the West side.

There is a variety of different quality rock and types of climbs on both sides. The majority of routes (especially on the East side) are sport climbs. There are several trad climbs, however. The most recent guidebook for the Pinnacles warns against trad climbing in that the rock is somewhat soft, and placements can come out. While the East side tends to have better rock quality, there are much higher rock formations (multi-pitch routes) in the west side.

Overall, the routes are fairly well bolted (thanks to ASCA), and anchors usually consist of chains/bolts/rap rings. Some climbers say they don't like the rock, other say it's the undiscovered Bishop of the Central Coast, you decide.

There are no campgrounds in the park. There are privately owned campgrounds at the east entrance, none on the west side.They are $7 per person per night, up to a max of $28 per site. Get there before 11 pm or the gates will shut. There's a store and a pool, and bathrooms with running water, even electrical outlets.

Nearest town or city: Hollister (actually Paicines)
Directions: From the south:East Side-take US 101 north to King City, exit at First St. and follow the signs to SR-25 and on to the Pinnacles. If heading to the East side from King City, try this bouldering area about three miles out of town. Nice granite boulders to warm up on. West Side-take US 101 north to Soledad and exit at SR-146 and follow that to the Pinnacles. From the north:take US 101 south to SR-25, follow SR-25 through Hollister and south to the Pinnacles' east side. The west side is reached by taking US 101 to Soledad and SR-146.
Latitude, Longitude: 36.48286, -121.19053
Access Issues: Some climbing areas are closed during endangered bird nesting periods (closures typically begin on 1/13 and are in effect until 6/26). Check www.pinnacles.org for detailed access information.
Camping: Yes
When to Climb:
Quantity of Climbs: Lifetime
Books: A "No holds Barred" Pinnacles Forum http://www.mudncrud.com/mastersofmud/

"A Climber's Guide to Pinnacles National Monument", 2007, Brad Young Climber's Guide to Pinnacles National Monument(Rubine) and Clint's website with new routes listed here. Also check out www.pinnacles.org.

Click the Update links above to provide data for any blank field of this Area. To modify existing fields, send an Editor Note.

Topo Images (See all 6 topos)

Cross My Heart
No route specified No route specified No route specified No route specified

Most Recent Photos (See all 64 photos)

Direct Route
The Unmentionable (one of two routes on the rock)
Forty Days of Rain
Wet Kiss
Power Point

Editors





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