Know Before You Go, Pinnacles National Park

Start Planning! 

You’re about to go on an epic adventure in Pinnacles National Park! Here’s what you need to know before you go.

• The average tour duration is approximately 1 full day.
• Tour includes 9 stops and 46 narration audio points.
• The tour has two separate sections: East Pinnacles and West Pinnacles.
• The east and west sides of the park are not connected by road inside the park.
• To drive between East and West Pinnacles, plan for about an hour around the outside of the park.
  • East Pinnacles start: East Pinnacles can be accessed from two different starting points along Route 25. Be sure to choose the directions that match the direction you’re traveling—northbound or southbound.
  • West Pinnacles start: Route 146/Metz Road near Soledad, California.
• Parking lots are small and can fill early, especially on weekends and during pleasant weather.
• Shuttle service may operate during busy periods.
• Bring a flashlight or headlamp if you plan to explore the caves.

Budgeting and Hours of Operation 

Budget

How much you spend depends on what you choose to do during your visit.

• Pinnacles National Park charges an entrance fee unless you have a valid park pass.
• Bring cash or a card for entrance fees, food, supplies, or nearby restaurants.
• There are limited services inside the park, so pack snacks and water before arriving.

Hours of Operation

• The East Pinnacles day-use area is open 24/7.
• West Pinnacles is open 7:30 AM to 8:00 PM.
• East Pinnacles Park Store/Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 4:00 PM, closed from 12:00 PM to 1:00 PM for lunch.
• Bear Gulch Nature Center is open intermittently, depending on staffing.
• West Pinnacles Visitor Center is open daily from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
• Shuttle service may operate during busy periods and weekends.

Get Packing!

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Here’s our recommended packing list for this tour.

• Shaka Guide tour downloaded to your device
• Flashlight or headlamp for the caves (phone's flashlight won't cut it)
• Refillable water bottle
• Snacks
• Comfortable hiking shoes
• Hiking clothes
• Sunscreen
• Hat
• Small first aid kit
• Portable phone charger
• Phone mount for navigation
• Binoculars
• Cash or credit card

Best Time to Visit     

The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is from October through May, when temperatures are cooler and hiking conditions are more comfortable.

• Spring is the busiest season and may bring long waits to enter the park.
• Weekday visits are recommended during busy periods.
• Fall and winter are generally less crowded while still offering pleasant hiking weather.
• Summer can get extremely hot, making many trails uncomfortable or unsafe.
• Check current park conditions before your visit, especially if you plan to hike through the talus caves.

Advanced Reservations

No advanced reservations are required for this tour.

However, parking is limited and can fill early during busy times. Arrive early, especially on weekends, holidays, and spring days with good weather.

Safety Information 

• High temperatures can make many hiking trails unsafe, especially in summer.
• Bring more water than you think you’ll need.
• The caves are dark and require a light stronger than a phone flashlight.
• Balconies Cave may require some climbing, bouldering, and route-finding.
• Talus caves may close due to flooding or seasonal bat activity.
• Stay on marked trails and follow posted closure signs.
• Watch for uneven terrain, loose rocks, and steep trail sections.

Additional Need to Know Information

• Pinnacles National Park has two main sections: East Pinnacles and West Pinnacles.
• The two sides are not connected by road within the park.
• You can hike between the east and west sides, or drive about an hour around the outside of the park.
• Popular stops include Bear Gulch Day Use Area, Moses Spring and Rim Trail Loop, and Balconies Cave and Cliffs Loop.
• Pinnacles is known for talus caves, dramatic rock formations, hiking trails, and California condors.
• The park’s small parking lots can fill early during busy periods.
• The park may operate a shuttle service during peak times.
• Check current conditions before arriving, especially for parking, shuttle updates, and cave closures.

Leave No Trace

While exploring Pinnacles National Park, we encourage you to follow Leave No Trace principles.

Stay on designated trails, pack out all trash, respect wildlife from a safe distance, and avoid disturbing caves, rock formations, plants, or cultural resources. Pinnacles is home to fragile habitats and protected wildlife, including California condors and bat colonies.

By following Leave No Trace principles, you help protect Pinnacles National Park’s unique landscapes, caves, trails, and wildlife for future generations.

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