Pinnacles National Park

Current alerts

• CautionHeat 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.

• CautionFire 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.

• CautionHot 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 information

• InformationHeavy 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.

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Location

36.4903, -121.1814

Key trails & viewpoints

• Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail

  East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes

• Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail

  East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike

• Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail

  One way

  East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes

• Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop

  East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike

• Hike Jawbone Trail

  West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes

• Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop

  West Side Trails, Stenuous Hikes, Loop Hike

• Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail

  East Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Bicycle and pet friendly

• Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Loop

  West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike

Hours & fees

• Entrance - 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• 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.

• Commercial Entrance - Sedan — $30.00

  The charge for vehicles with a seating capacity of 1-6 passengers is $30. This entrance fee is for commercial tours of one or more people traveling on an itinerary that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.

• Commercial Entrance - Van — $40.00

  This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 7-15 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational puposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passengers ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.

• Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus — $40.00

  This entrance fee is for commercial trous of vehicles with a seating capacity of 16-25 people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the sevice. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passengers ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.

• Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach — $100.00

  This entrance fee is for commercial tours of vehicles with a seating capacity of 26 or more people that has been packaged, priced, or sold for leisure or recreational purposes by an organization that realizes financial gain through the provision of the service. This fee is based on the seating capacity of the vehicle and not the actual number of passengers. Passenger ages or entrance passes do not affect the price.

• Entrance - Education/Academic Groups — $0.00

  School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.

Activities

• Astronomy
• Stargazing
• Biking
• Road Biking
• Camping
• Car or Front Country Camping
• Group Camping
• RV Camping
• Caving
• Climbing
• Rock Climbing
• Food
• Picnicking
• Hands-On
• Citizen Science
• Volunteer Vacation
• Hiking
• Backcountry Hiking
• Front-Country Hiking
• Junior Ranger Program
• Wildlife Watching
• Birdwatching
• Park Film
• Shopping
• Bookstore and Park Store
• Gift Shop and Souvenirs