Pinnacles National Park
Caution Information See 2 current alerts
Current alerts (2)
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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.
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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.
Hours
East Side Entrance
| Every day | All Day |
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Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
West Side Entrance
| Every day | 7:30AM - 8:00PM |
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The west entrance to the park offers access to trails such as Prewett Point, Balconies, and Juniper Canyon. Note: this one-lane road is narrow and winding. Oversize vehicles should enter the park on the east side.
Visitor centers
Pinnacles Park Store
Pinnacles Park Store
| Every day | 9:00AM - 4:00PM |
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Open 9am to 4pm, Everyday. Including holidays.
West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
| Monday – Wednesday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
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| Thursday | 9:00AM - 3:00AM |
| Friday – Sunday | 9:00AM - 3:00PM |
The West Pinnacles contact station is open daily depending on available staffing. Please note that this contact station may close seasonally when we are low staffed.
Bear Gulch Nature Center
Bear Gulch Nature Center
| Monday – Sunday | 10:00AM - 3:00PM |
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The Bear Gulch Nature Center is a small, humble, interpretive center. Park Rangers are usually in the area, ready to answer visitor questions! Please note that this visitor center may be closed seasonally depending on available staffing.
About this park
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.