Getting to Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park sits in CA, United States, with Soledad the nearest town of any size — about 10 mi (16.1 km) out, or roughly 27 min of driving.
Drive times from Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park sits close enough to Yosemite National Park, Kings Canyon National Park, Sequoia National Park, and Channel Islands National Park that one drive from home can cover more than one park.
| Park | Apart | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Yosemite National Park | 131 mi (211 km) | 3 hr 33 min |
| Kings Canyon National Park | 140 mi (225 km) | 3 hr 46 min |
| Sequoia National Park | 142 mi (229 km) | 3 hr 49 min |
| Channel Islands National Park | 197 mi (317 km) | 5 hr 7 min |
Towns to base yourself in
| Town | Distance | Estimated drive |
|---|---|---|
| Soledad | 10 mi (16.1 km) | 27 min |
| Greenfield | 11.9 mi (19.2 km) | 32 min |
| Gonzales | 15.9 mi (25.6 km) | 39 min |
| King City | 18.6 mi (29.9 km) | 44 min |
| Hollister | 29 mi (46.7 km) | 1 hr 2 min |
| Salinas | 30.7 mi (49.4 km) | 1 hr 5 min |
| Gilroy | 42.8 mi (68.9 km) | 1 hr 26 min |
| Los Banos | 43.5 mi (70 km) | 1 hr 27 min |
How to read these numbers
Distances are straight-line between the town and the park centre. Drive estimates add a road factor and an average speed, which is close enough for planning but wrong wherever mountains, ferries, or seasonal closures are involved.
Inside a large park, getting from the entrance to the part you came to see can add another hour or more.
Region pages
Common questions
What is the closest town to Pinnacles National Park?
Soledad, about 10 mi (16.1 km) away — roughly 27 min of driving.
Where should I stay when visiting Pinnacles National Park?
The practical bases are Soledad, Greenfield, and Gonzales — all within a reasonable drive of the park.