Pinnacles National Park

About Pinnacles

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.

From the National Park Service.

Entrance fees

Park annual pass

The Pinnacles Annual Pass is available to U.S citizens and residents only. It is valid only at Pinnacles and may be purchased online or in person. It is valid for 12 months from purchase month. This pass admits up to two motorcycles (including passengers), or up to 15 passengers of a single, private (non-commercial) vehicle to Pinnacles National Park.

Reservations

NPS lists no entry reservation for this park as of October 26, 2026. Campgrounds and tours may still need booking.

Weather and seasons

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.

Hours

Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Getting there

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.

Campgrounds

• Pinnacles CampgroundBook on Recreation.gov

Visitor centers

• Pinnacles Park Store
• West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
• Bear Gulch Nature Center

Alerts

• Caution: Fire Danger HIGH
• Information: Heavy Traffic and High Visitation Alert

As of October 26, 2026. Current alerts on nps.gov

Sources

Pinnacles National Park fees on nps.gov. Prices, park information and photos from the NPS Data API, checked October 26, 2026. Photos credited to the National Park Service.