Pinnacles Provincial Park protects a very unique formation of hoodoos. These hoodoos began their formation 12 million years ago, when molten lava flowing over the earth's surface cooled in flat basalt layers over older layers of ash and rock. The Ice Age followed, and when the ice mass receded, melt-water streams eroded the valley below Pinnacles Park. The hoodoos are formed from the effects of this natural erosion and weathering. The basalt is eroded away, revealing the more resistant ash layer, and often producing vivid bands of colour as individual basalt layers are removed.

The hoodoos at Pinnacles Provincial Park are fragile, since they are still undergoing these forces of erosion and weathering, and visitors are therefore not permitted to climb on or near them. The Pinnacles viewpoint provides an unobstructed view of these impressive geological formations.

The park is open year-round for day-use and sightseeing despite the locked gate at the entrance. The park provides an opportunity for a pleasant 1-km hike along a well-maintained trail to the hoodoos viewpoint.

The park is a popular day-use area (30 picnic sites) and is easily accessible from Quesnel. Facilities are limited to one pit toilet located near the viewpoint. Horseback riding and camping are not permitted in the park.

The park offers great mountain bike trails in a spectacular setting. Follow the main trail from the parking lot to the park's viewing area, then pick up the rambling single-track trails from there.

Pinnacles Provincial Park is located in the Cariboo region in the interior of British Columbia, 5 miles (8 km) from downtown Quesnel, between Prince George and Williams Lake. The park can be accessed via the paved Pinnacles Road in west Quesnel off the Cariboo Highway 97.