Prewett Point Trail (Pinnacles National Park, West Entrance) — Flying Dawn Marie | Travel blog, guides & itineraries for adventurous travellers

Views of Pinnacles National Park from Prewett Point Lookout

I’m spending this week in Pinnacles National Park, and today we’re heading to the west side of the park to enjoy the gentlest trail you’ll find in this National Park. Join me as we hike the Prewett Point Trail.

Prewett Point Trail in Pinnacles National Park

History

For centuries Chalon, Mutsun & Chapana people lived in this area, hunting, fishing and gathering to sustain their way of life. During the 17 & 1800s, California became part of Spain, Mexico, and then finally the United States. Just west of here in the Salinas Valley, a Spanish mission was established in 1791. It was abandoned in the 1850s, but by this time the local Native American’s traditional way of life had been completely affected and their populations had been devastated by the foreign diseases brought by the new settlers. This area then experienced a season of copper mining and homesteading…and in 1908 President Theodore Roosevelt established Pinnacles National Monument. However it wasn’t until 2013 that Pinnacles became California’s newest National Park. The Mutsun & Chalon peoples continue to practice traditional ceremonies in Pinnacles, and they maintain their culture through established tribal government and cultural programs.

Prewett Point Trail

Pinnacles National Park is divided into separate East and West sections (which cannot be crossed by vehicle). Completed in 2019, Prewett Point Trail is the newest trail near the West Entrance of the park. Parking is available at the West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station, which is also where this one mile round-trip hike starts off at. The trail is wide and mostly flat, requiring only 70 feet in elevation change to the top Prewett Point Lookout. There are multiple benches along the way to sit back and enjoy the view as you watch for local wildlife. Many informational plaques are located along the Visitor Contact Station at the beginning of this hike, as well as along the trail’s path. You can hike up to the lookout point and back, or continue around the 1/10 mile lollipop loop at the top of the trail, which offers expensive vista views into the Hain Wilderness in the heart of Pinnacles.

Topography & Viewpoints

The unique geology here inspired Theodore Roosevelt to protect this land when he designated it a National Monument in 1908. From the lookout point you can see three unique faults that have shaped Pinnacles: the Chalon Creek Fault, San Andreas Fault, and Pinnacles Fault. Prewett Point Trail showcases the fascinating natural boundaries of Pinnacles. The hot and dry open south slope is contrasted by the shaded north hillside, which is dotted with unique wildflowers and trees (like the California Juniper). Prewett Point Trail also connects with the Jawbone Trail. At the Prewett Point junction, the Jawbone Trail is a 1.2 mile one-way hike which loses 161 feet in elevation as it descends to the Jawbone Parking Area and the trailhead for Balconies Cave Loop, Juniper Canyon Loop, and N. Wilderness Trail Loop.

Views of Pinnacles National Park from Prewett Point Trail

Know Before You Go

• Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place beautiful for all to enjoy.

• There’s little shade on this trail and the afternoon sun can be intense. Always check the NPS website before visiting, and bring plenty of water and sun protection

• This stabilized crushed rock trail is 3 to 5 feet wide, making this the most accessible trail in the park. It’s important to stay on the trail, both to respect the natural flora & fauna around you and to protect you from rattlesnakes & poison oak found in the area.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me in Pinnacles today. For a virtual visit of this spot, check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!

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