Pinnacles National Park
National Park · CA
Caution · Fire Danger VERY HIGH
Wood-burning fires and charcoal grills are prohibited. Propane and gas stoves allowed only in campground and picnic areas for cooking food. No smoking on trail. No roadside parking. Fireworks are always prohibited.
Caution · Heat Alert - Temperatures May Be Higher Than Forecast
Actual temperatures in the park may be up to 6℉ (3 ℃) higher than forecasts provided by the National Weather Service (NWS). Temperatures in rocky, exposed areas may be up to 10℉ (6 ℃) hotter than the actual temperature. Please plan accordingly, stay hydrated, limit strenuous activity during the hottest parts of the day, and be prepared for extreme heat conditions.
Caution · Hot Conditions
Limit strenuous hiking to early morning and late evening hours. Expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peak to be at least 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Drink plenty of water and carry at least one liter of water for each hour of hiking. Bring salty snacks, a hat, and sunscreen for the hike. Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. In case of a heat related emergency get to a cool place and seek help immediately.
More information1 noticefrom the National Park Service
Information · Heavy Traffic and High Visitation Alert
Pinnacles experiences extremely high visitation on weekends, holidays, and during favorable weather, especially in the spring. Expect long lines and delays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you're planning to hike the High Peaks, Condor Gulch, Balconies, or Moses Spring Trail, it’s recommended to arrive before 8:00 am (parking may fill earlier). Additionally, campground access may be temporarily delayed during peak periods of visitation when ALL incoming traffic is held.
More information
Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park. The remnants of these ancient eruptions have formed a striking terrain of rocky spires and deep canyons. Visitors can explore diverse environments, from chaparral and oak woodlands to the cool, shaded depths of canyon floors.
- NPS site
- nps.gov/pinn
- Location
- Pinnacles National Park (36.490, -121.181)
Track your visit to Pinnacles National Park
NP Tracker keeps a record of every National Park Service unit you visit — all 430-plus of them. Log visits with dates and photos, collect passport stamps, plan trips, and watch your map fill in. It's free.
Passport stamp locations
- Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Pinnacles East Entrance Station
- Pinnacles Park Store
- West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
Hours
East Side Entrancetoday: All Day
- Sat Oct 3All Day
- Sun Oct 4All Day
- Mon Oct 5All Day
- Tue Oct 6All Day
- Wed Oct 7All Day
- Thu Oct 8All Day
- Fri Oct 9All Day
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
West Side Entrancetoday: 7:30AM - 8:00PM
- Sat Oct 37:30AM - 8:00PM
- Sun Oct 4
Visitor centers
3
- Bear Gulch Nature Centertoday: 10:00AM - 3:00PMDirections
- Pinnacles Park Storetoday: 9:00AM - 4:00PMDirections
- West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Stationtoday: 9:00AM - 3:00PMDirections
Entrance fees
6
- Private Vehicle — $30.00
This pass is valid for 1-7 days and includes everyone traveling in a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle up to 15 passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
- Motorcycle — $25.00
Valid for 7 days. Admits up to 2 private, non-commercial motorcycles, scooters, or similar motorized vehicles with up to 4 total passengers to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
- Per Person — $15.00
This entry fee is for a single person traveling on foot or by bicycle. It is valid for 1-7 days to Pinnacles East Entrance and West Entrance.
- Non-commercial Groups — $15.00
Non-commercial groups traveling in vehicles that have a capacity of 16 passengers or more pay $15 per person up to the maximums listed for commercial groups with comparable passenger capacity ($40 or $100). People 15 years old or younger, anyone with a pass that may be used for park entry, and drivers hired for transportation only are exempt from the per person fee.
- Education/Academic Groups — Free
School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.