Pinnacles was formed 23 million years ago after multiple volcanoes erupted, slid, and flowed - and what remains now is a very unique landscape. Travel through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering spires filled with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the California condor.
Current Park Alerts
Live from the National Park Service · Official park site →
Plan Your Visit
Hours & Season
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Entrance Fees
- $30 – Entrance - Private Vehicle
- $25 – Entrance - Motorcycle
- $15 – Entrance - Per Person
- $0 – Entrance - Education/Academic Groups
Weather
Pinnacles National Park has a Mediterranean climate with hot, dry summers, and mild winters with moderate precipitation. The park is several miles inland from the Pacific Ocean. A wider variation in seasonal temperatures can be expected in the local area. Summers are hot with temperatures above 100 degrees. Winters are cooler with highs in the 60s. Big swings in temperature occur between day and night, year round.
Things to Do
Getting There
Address: 5000 East Entrance Road Paicines CA 95043
Pinnacles National Park is accessible through highway 101 for the West entrance, and highway 25 for the East entrance. From highway 101 you must pass through the City of Soledad to find highway 146 which will lead to West side of Pinnacles. To enter East Pinnacles you must find highway 25 through the City of Hollister coming from the North, and King City through Bitter Water Road (G-13) when coming from the South. NOTE: There is no through road between the east and west entrance.
Get driving directions → Official NPS directions →Where to Stay – Campgrounds
Pinnacles Campground
134 sites · $43/night
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 …
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does it cost to enter Pinnacles National Park?
The entrance fee for Pinnacles National Park is $30. See Plan Your Visit above for vehicle, per-person, and annual-pass rates.
Do I need a reservation or permit to visit Pinnacles National Park?
Some entry windows or activities at Pinnacles National Park require a reservation or permit. Check the Current Park Alerts and Things to Do sections above, and confirm on the official NPS site before you go.
When is Pinnacles National Park open?
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
What are the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park?
Popular things to do in Pinnacles National Park include Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park, Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail, Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail, Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail. See Things to Do above for photos and details.
Are there campgrounds in Pinnacles National Park?
Yes — Pinnacles National Park has 1 campground, including Pinnacles Campground. See Campgrounds above for site counts, fees, and booking links.