Parks / Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park
National Park · CA
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.
Official NPS page →Current Alerts (4)
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.
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.
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.
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.
Entrance Fees
A park entrance pass is required year-round at Pinnacles National Park. Visitors entering the park have multiple pass and entrance fee options available depending on how they arrive to the park. We accept major credit cards and mobile payment services (we do not accept cash) when you arrive. If you are arriving in a private vehicle, you only need to pay the vehicle fee (not the per-person fee). If the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive, you can pay on the way out or digitally. America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes do cover park entrance fees. Display federal lands passes, such as annual and military passes, on your dashboard with the signature and expiration date facing up. Passes are non-transferable and passholder must be present.
Campgrounds (1)
Pinnacles Campground
Pinnacles Campground is run by Pinnacles Recreation Company. The campground offers tent and group camping, tent cabins, and RV sites. Each tent and group site has a picnic table and fire ring. Most RV sites have electrical hookups and share community tables and barbecue pits. Some tent cabins have electricity. Each tent cabin sleeps up to four people. To make reservations please visit recreation.gov. For questions and concerns call (831) 200-1722.
Details →Things to Do
Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park
junior ranger programs
Biking in Pinnacles National Park
biking, road biking
Birdwatching in Pinnacles National Park
birds, birdwatching
Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail
East Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Bicycle and pet friendly
Hike Balconies Cliffs Trail to Balconies Cave Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike
Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike Chalone Peak Trail
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Highest Peak
Hike Condor Gulch Trail
East Side Trails, Moderate Hike to Viewpoint, Strenuous Hikes
Hike Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop
West Side Trails, Stenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop
East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Jawbone Trail
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
Hike North Wilderness Trail Loop
West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike
Hike Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike
Hike Prewett Point Trail
West Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Accessible Trail
Night Sky Viewing At Pinnacles National Park
night sky, stargazing
Picnicking in Pinnacles National Park
East and West side, picnic areas
Rock Climbing the East Side of Pinnacles National Park
rock climbing
Rock Climbing the West Side of Pinnacles National Park
rock climbing
Wildlife viewing in Pinnacles National Park
wildlife, wildlife viewing
Visitor Centers
- Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Pinnacles Park Store
- West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
Source: National Park Service.