Pinnacles National Park · California

Prewett Point Trail

0.7 mi of trail, end to end · about 70 ft of climbing · 1,956 ft–2,030 ft · gravel surface · trail class Developed · hiking

Visitor centers

1,956 ft 1,997 ft · 0.7 mi high 2,030 ft

Along the way West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station

Hike Prewett Point Trail the Park Service's write-up

30-60 Minutes · no dogs

Start West Visitor Contact Station Parking Area

Hard pack dirt trail winding around hillside, large rock spires appearing in the distance.
High Peaks as seen from the Prewett Point Trail Photo: NPS Photo/Emily Novack

A gentle hike with great views of the Pinnacles rock formations and the Hain Wilderness to the largest overlook. Some pullouts have benches. There is little shade, and the sun can be intense in the late morning and afternoon.

Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast . Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.

Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.

Accessibility Difficulty: Easy Distance: Approx. 0.9 miles round trip Trail width: Approx. 3 - 5 feet Maximum grade: 70 feet Surface Composition: dirt Exposure: No shade *Accessible for wheelchairs and mobility devices *Service animals permitted

This hike on nps.gov

All 22 trails in Pinnacles National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.