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Soledad, California

The best Trails and Outdoor Activities in Soledad, California, are a must-visit for those who relish outdoor adventures. The Pinnacles National Park offers one of the top hiking trails with its unique rock formations and the scenic High Peaks trail. It's a moderately difficult hike, but the panoramic views at the top are rewarding. The park is also home to the beautiful Bear Gulch Reservoir. For a more relaxed activity, the Soledad Mission is a historic site that offers a quiet stroll through its vineyards. Nearby, the Salinas River is perfect for river rafting and fishing. These outdoor attractions in and near Soledad make it an ideal spot for those seeking memorable, scenic adventures.

Top Spots in and near Soledad

  • Soledad, California

    Explore Dreamy Wrath Wines Vineyards

    Just a short drive from some of the best trails and rock climbing at Pinnacles National Park, Wrath Wines' Soledad winery is a great way to wine'd down after a day of adventure.  What makes this grape growing region unique is the constant marine layer fog and wind stress out the grapes (that’s a ...
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  • Paicines, California

    Hike the Juniper Canyon, High Peaks, Tunnel Trail Loop in Pinnacles NP

    5.0
    4.3 mi / 1200 ft gain
    Pinnacles National Park is located just over two hours outside of San Francisco (depending on the traffic). It was designated the 59th national park in 2013 and while it is small it offers beautiful views and unique wildlife viewing. Keep an eye out for California condors on this hike! This trail...
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  • Paicines, California

    Balconies Cave Trail

    2.63 mi / 617 ft gain
    Balconies Cave Trail is an out-and-back trail where you may see wildflowers located near Paicines, California.
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  • Paicines, California

    Hike to Bear Gulch Reservoir in Pinnacles National Park

    3.5
    1.5 mi / 275 ft gain
    Start the hike from the Bear Gulch Trail Parking lot.  While pulling in, the trail head is on the left.  The Trail is marked Reservoir, Caves, and High Peaks.  Continue down the trail until faced with a junction.  Make sure to admire rock formations while hiking!At the junction take the Bear Gulc...
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  • San Benito County, California

    Explore Pinnacles National Park

    4.6
    It’s hard to believe how many people don’t know about this place, which was newly designated as a National Park in January 2013. Pinnacles National Park is hidden just south of San Jose in the Gabilan Mountains, and is a short drive for anyone living in the Bay Area.With beautiful rock spires pie...
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  • Paicines, California

    Hike the Old Pinnacle Trail in Pinnacles National Park

    5.0
    9 mi / 2000 ft gain
    Start at the Old Pinnacles Trailhead and embark on a roughly 9 mile long adventure surrounded by amazing geological rock formations and natural landscapes. Bask in the peace of nature... meander through meadows alongside the West Fork of Chalone Creek and into Old Pinnacles. Continuing on at the ...
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  • Paicines, California

    Hike the High Peaks & Balconies Cave Loop

    5.0
    8.4 mi / 1540 ft gain
    This hike can begin at Old Pinnacles Trailhead (East Entrance) or Chaparral Trailhead (West Entrance) and can be hiked in either direction. This description is from Old Pinnacles Trailhead, hiking clockwise, which gets the most demanding part of the hike done first. From Old Pinnacles Trailhead w...
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  • Paicines, California

    Camp in Pinnacles National Park

    4.0
    / 1819 ft gain
    Pinnacles Campground is accessible from the east side of the park, and you generally lose cell service about 20 minutes before the park entrance. The campground offers tent camping, group camping, and a handful of RV sites. The tent and group sites have individual picnic tables and fire rings, an...
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  • Greenfield, California

    Adventure at Arroyo Seco

    4.6
    This off-the-beaten-trail adventure has a little bit of everything for everyone, and is as challenging as you make it. Many just make it about a mile down to the river for a leisurely day of relaxing, swimming, sunbathing, and enjoying a few cold beverages. Others embark on a 7+ mile adventure up...
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  • Salinas, California

    Hike or Trail Run around Toro Park

    Just a short drive from downtown Monterey you will find yourself amongst the rugged yet serene hills ofToro Park. For a $2 admission fee you will have access to 20+ miles of trails that climb through canyons and run along ridgelines to peaks with views of the ocean in the distance. While the map ...
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  • Salinas, California

    Mountain Bike at Fort Ord National Monument

    5.0
    Fort Ord National Monument is a fantastic place to cruise around on your mountain bike, whether you are a beginner or an experienced rider looking for flowy trails to cruise on. Access is easy from the highway and there is ample room in the parking lot even on busy days.  Dozens of trails wind th...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Ewoldsen Trail

    4.5
    4.2 mi / 1500 ft gain
    The Ewoldsen Trail is one of the more accessible yet challenging hikes in Big Sur. It is a beautiful ~4-mile loop through the redwood forest that starts in the Julia Pfeiffer state park parking lot, which is across the street from McCay falls. During the first part of the hike, you'll pass picnic...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike the Waters Ridge Trail

    5.0
    7 mi / 2100 ft gain
    Access the Waters Ridge Trail from the Ewoldsen Trail, located in Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park. Although steep, this path is fairly short, and rewards you with spectacular views at the top. About halfway around the Ewoldsen Trail Loop, you'll come across a turnoff on the right, with a sign dem...
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  • Big Sur, California

    McWay Falls

    4.6
    McWay Falls is one of the most iconic waterfalls in BIg Sur and can be seen from Highway 1. The trail to the falls is located in Julia Pfeiffer. For all of you history buffs, Mcway Falls is named after Christopher McWay, an early settler and farmer from New York who ventured west in the late 1800...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Hike to Big Sur's Tin House

    4.0
    When it comes to the beauty of Big Sur, a half day on Tanbark Trail to the Tin House captures it all. From the redwood forest along Partinton Creek, to the abandoned Tin House, to Highway 1 and coastal views, you can't ask for much more.The hike starts on the east side of Highway 1 - the northern...
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  • Big Sur, California

    Partington Cove Trail

    5.0
    1.09 mi / 262 ft gain
    Partington Cove Trail is an out-and-back trail that takes you by a waterfall located near Big Sur, California.
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Camping and Lodging in Soledad

Big Sur Lodge
Big Sur, California

Big Sur Lodge

From $199 / night

Salinas / Monterey KOA
Prunedale, California

Salinas / Monterey KOA

Moss Landing KOA Express
Moss Landing, California

Moss Landing KOA Express

Guides, Insights and Stories from Soledad

Making a Wrong Turn in Pinnacles National Park

Making a Wrong Turn in Pinnacles National Park

Benjamin Canevari

Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

Seek Beauty on the Big Sur Coast

Sara Sheehy

Slow Down and Explore Big Sur

Slow Down and Explore Big Sur

The Outbound Collective

Over a Year after Massive Mudslide, Big Sur's Scenic Highway 1 Reopens

Over a Year after Massive Mudslide, Big Sur's Scenic Highway 1 Reopens

The Outbound Collective

Exploring Big Sur, a Photographer's Dream

Exploring Big Sur, a Photographer's Dream

Rufino Martinez

5 Photos of Big Sur's Ever-Changing Seasons

5 Photos of Big Sur's Ever-Changing Seasons

Jovelyn Gruspe