Fly & Drive guide
Fly into MRY, drive to Pinnacles National Park
Your route
MRY
Monterey Regional Airport
Pinnacles National Park
About 1 h 46 min · 73 mi by car, no stops. Estimate only.
Your arrival plan
01Flights to MRY
Compare fares into Monterey Regional Airport.
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02Car at MRY
Pick up at the airport and drive straight to Pinnacles National Park. Compare rental companies in one search.
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03Store extra bags
Early arrival or late flight home? Drop luggage nearby and keep the car light for the park.
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04 · First night near Pinnacles National Park
Sleep close after the drive so day one starts in the park.
04Hotels near Pinnacles National Park
Compare hotels and lodges on the way in, with free-cancellation filters.
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04Cabins & homes near Pinnacles National Park
Whole homes and cabins for families or groups who want a kitchen and space.
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Before you land
Reservations
Managing Seasonal Volcanic Trail Access and Shuttle Requirements
Entry permits are not currently required, but parking at Bear Gulch and Old Pinnacles often reaches capacity by early morning. The park is split into East and West sides with no connecting road; verify which gateway matches your destination. Peak spring weekends may implement a mandatory shuttle system to manage traffic flow from the visitor center to trailheads.
Official reservation infoBest time to fly in
March – May, October – November
Quick answers
What is the closest airport to Pinnacles National Park?
Monterey Regional Airport (MRY) is the nearest commercial airport we route from.
How long is the drive from MRY to Pinnacles National Park?
Roughly 1 h 46 min (about 73 miles) by car, without stops. Times are estimates.
Do I need a reservation to visit Pinnacles National Park?
Entry permits are not currently required, but parking at Bear Gulch and Old Pinnacles often reaches capacity by early morning. The park is split into East and West sides with no connecting road; verify which gateway matches your destination. Peak spring weekends may implement a mandatory shuttle system to manage traffic flow from the visitor center to trailheads.
