While it may feel like you are far away from civilization and Pinnacles National Park is out in the middle of nowhere, that’s not the case. The important thing to remember is that there is an east and a west entrance to Pinnacles, but no connecting road between the two entrances.

San Francisco International Airport is the closest commercial airport served by the largest selection of airlines. From there, it’s about a two-hour drive to either the park’s east or west entrances.

Regional map around Pinnacles National Park / NPS graphic

If you are using an online maps app to drive to Pinnacles, you may end up on the wrong side of the park, depending upon which app you use.

According to park staff:

To ensure accurate directions, use the following GPS coordinates:

• East Entrance (Pinnacles Visitor Center):
  36.493545, -121.146646
• West Entrance (Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station):
  36.477700, -121.226136

 From the North (San Francisco Bay Area)

• To the East Entrance:
  Take Hwy 101 South through Gilroy to Hwy 25 South. Pass through Hollister, continuing for about 30 miles (48.3 kilometers) to Hwy 146.
• Turn right onto Hwy 146.
• Turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at the Pinnacles Visitor Center.
• The Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) further into the park along Hwy 146.
• To the West Entrance:
  Take Hwy 101 South to Soledad.
• Turn left onto Hwy 146 East.
• Caution: Hwy 146 becomes a one-lane road. Drive carefully.
• Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) to the West Entrance.

From the South

• To the East Entrance:
  Take Hwy 101 North to King City.
• Exit at 1st Street and continue straight as it turns into Bitterwater Rd (G13) or King City Rd.
• Follow Bitterwater Rd until it intersects with Hwy 25.
• Turn left on Hwy 25 (North) and follow for approximately 15 miles (24.1 kilometers).
• Turn left onto Hwy 146 to enter the park.
• Turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at the Pinnacles Visitor Center.
• The Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles (5.6 kilometers) further into the park along Hwy 146.
• To the West Entrance:
  Take Hwy 101 North to Soledad.
• Turn right onto Hwy 146 East.
• Caution: Hwy 146 becomes a one-lane road. Drive carefully.
• Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles (22.5 kilometers) to the West Entrance.

The closest gas stations and electric vehicle (EV) charging stations are in in Soledad, California near the park’s western entrance, and Hollister, California, heading toward the park’s eastern entrance. There is also an EV charger at the Pinnacles Visitor Center after entering the park via the eastern entrance.

The closest grocery stores and eating establishments will be in Soledad (west side) and Hollister, California (east side).