About Pinnacles National Park
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.
Quick Facts
Entrance Fees
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.
Operating Hours
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Activities
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.
View Official DirectionsContact & Address
Entrance Passes
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.
Topics & Themes
Things To Do
Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park
junior ranger programs
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
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Great place for birdwatching, night hiking, night sky viewing, wildlife viewing, and viewing of the Pinnacles rock formations.
Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop
East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike
Great hike for birdwatching, rock climbing, exploring caves, and viewing the Bear Gulch Reservoir.
Hike Jawbone Trail
West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes
Visitor Centers
Bear Gulch Nature Center
Hey ranger, what plant is this? Hey ranger, what do condors look like? Ask questions, get information and view our park film inside the Bear…
Hours: The Bear Gulch Nature Center is a small, humble, interpretive center. Park Rangers are usually in the area, ready to answer visitor questions!
Pinnacles Park Store
Get your passport stamped and buy the official park souvenirs, all at the park store! Located in the Pinnacles campground, the store is open everyday,…
Hours: Open 9am to 4pm, Everyday. Including holidays.
West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station
Get your park souvenirs and plan your visit all in one place! Please note that this visitor center may be closed seasonally due to low…
Hours: The West Pinnacles contact station is open daily. Please note that this contact station may close seasonally when we are low staffed.
Campgrounds
Pinnacles Campground
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…
🗺️ Guided Tours & Experiences
Discover Pinnacles National Park with expert-led tours
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
🏨 Find Hotels Near Pinnacles National Park
Compare accommodation options for your visit
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
More Parks in California
Plan Your Trip From a Nearby City
Find national parks near these cities, including Pinnacles National Park.