Know Before You Go, Pinnacles National Park

Quick Tips For Your Pinnacles National Park Tour

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

• Number of Stops: 9
• Approximate Time to Complete: One full-day (6-8 hours)
• Tour Starting Points:
• North of the East Pinnacles entrance, southbound on Route 25
• South of the East Pinnacles entrance, Northbound on Route 25
• Soledad, CA, on Route 146/Metz Road eastbound 
• Tour End Points:
• East Pinnacles–northbound on Route 25
• East Pinnacles–southbound on Route 25
• West Pinnacles–southbound on Route 146
• The Route: There and back. You'll complete the route one way, then return the same way. 
• Important Information: 
• 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. 
• Parking lots are small and can fill early, especially on weekends. 
• Shuttle service may operate during busy periods.

What to Budget for Your Pinnacles National Park Visit

Entry to the park is $30 per vehicle unless you have an Annual Pass or America The Beautiful Pass.

Hours of Operation at Pinnacles National Park

• 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.

What to Pack for Your Visit to Pinnacles National Park

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Here’s our recommended packing list for this tour.

• Shaka Guide tour downloaded to your device in WiFi before you go
• 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 Pinnacles National Park

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.

Pinnacles National Park 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.

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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