News Release

Pinnacles Announces Closures and Limited Operations

Date: March 19, 2020
Contact: Christopher Symons, 831-389-4362

Paicines, CA – Pinnacles National Park is announcing modifications to operations to implement the latest guidance from the White House, Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC), and local and state authorities to promote social distancing. As of March 19, 2020, the following changes will be made to standard operations, to keep in compliance with CDC guidelines and local health orders:

· The Nature Center and Visitor Centers are closed.

· Shuttle services are suspended until further notice.

· Bear Gulch Caves, Balconies Caves, and part of the High Peaks Trail (High Peaks Steep and Narrow) are closed.

· Visitors are encouraged to arrive early or in the late afternoon to avoid long delays getting into the park. Another way to avoid long delays is to visit the park on a week day.

Where it is possible to adhere to the latest health guidance, Park Rangers will be available to answer questions, such as at tables outside and on trails.

“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Pinnacles National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with the federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels,” said Park Superintendent, Blanca Alvarez Stransky.

“We urge visitors to do their part when visiting Pinnacles by following the CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as: maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. We also strongly encourage visitors to make themselves aware of Monterey and San Benito county health ordinances and shelter-in-place orders that can impact travel to the park,” added Stransky.

For high-risk populations, such as the elderly and people with underlying conditions, we ask that they take extra caution and follow CDC guidance for those at higher risk of serious illness.

Updates about NPS operations nationwide will be posted on www.nps.gov/coronavirus. Please check www.nps.gov/pinn for specific details about Pinnacles National Park operations.