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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: Winter
Quantity of Climbs: Lifetime

Topo Images

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Cross My Heart
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Forum Discussions (11 posts)

  Subject Author Replies Last Post
No Replies Camping at/near Pinnacles TheSharpEnd 0 Apr 30 2011, 3:28 PM
No Replies Memorial Day Weekend Climbing Partner CobraKy 0 May 19 2009, 12:01 PM
No Replies pinnacles west side? tslater 0 May 10 2007, 6:24 PM
With Replies Rope found on Machete Ridge at Pinnacles pylot 8 Mar 13 2007, 3:54 AM
With Replies Costanoan on Citadel tslater 3 Feb 07 2007, 4:50 AM
With Replies Pinnacles Conditions this last weekend mungeclimber 5 Nov 22 2004, 5:03 AM
With Replies Trying to find FA climbers for "My Mistake" at Pin mungeclimber 5 Oct 13 2007, 6:49 AM
With Replies Favorite Routes East side of the Pinnacles ? rcaret 1 Feb 05 2004, 5:00 AM
With Replies Pinnacles Nat'l Monument Guidebook Info msiddens 14 Jun 30 2005, 3:33 AM
No Replies Free Camping at Pinnacles??? barc 0 Jun 25 2002, 6:46 AM
With Replies protecting knobs and horns floof 5 Jun 15 2002, 2:57 PM