Operating Hours & Seasons

 

Day Use Open on East & West Sides

Discover Pinnacles National Park with convenient day-use access available from both the East and West entrances. Whether you're planning a scenic hike, a family picnic, or a wildlife-watching adventure, both sides of the park offer unique trails, beautiful landscapes, and opportunities to immerse yourself in nature. Plan your visit accordingly to make the most of your day at Pinnacles. Please see our "Directions" page before visiting the park.

Heavy Traffic and High Visitation Alert:

Pinnacles experiences extremely high visitation on weekends, holidays, and during favorable weather, especially in the spring. Expect long lines and delays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm. If you're planning to hike the High Peaks, Condor Gulch, Balconies, or Moses Spring Trail, it’s recommended to arrive before 8:00 am (parking may fill earlier).

Entrance Gate Hours

• East Side:
  • 24-hour access to trails
  • Note: No overnight parking without a camping reservation or outside of the campground area.
• West Side:
  • Gate open from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm
  • Day-use only, no overnight parking or camping.

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Visitor Services and Hours at Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park offers a range of visitor services on both the East and West sides to help you make the most of your visit. Whether you're looking for souvenirs, educational exhibits, or camping options, here’s what you need to know:

East Pinnacles Park Store

• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm (Closed for lunch from 12:00 pm to 1:00 pm)
• Phone: [phone]
  Operated by the Western National Parks Association, the East Pinnacles Park Store offers a variety of Pinnacles souvenirs, books, and educational materials, making it a perfect stop for memorable keepsakes.

Bear Gulch Nature Center

• Hours: Open intermittenly, due to staffing
• Phone: [phone] x4243
  The Bear Gulch Nature Center features educational exhibits on the park’s wildlife, geology, and history. It’s a great destination for families and nature enthusiasts to learn more about Pinnacles’ unique ecosystem.

Shuttle Service (East Side Only)

• Service Status: The shuttle service is available from 8 am to 5:30 pm Friday through Sunday from Pinnacles Campground. The last shuttle leaves Bear Gulch Day Use Area at 5:30 pm. Please plan your transportation accordingly when visiting the East Side.

Pinnacles Campground

• Hours: Open daily from 9:30 am to 5:00 pm
• Phone: [phone]
  Operated by Pinnacles Recreation Co., an authorized concessionaire of the National Park Service, Pinnacles Campground offers tent, RV, and group campsites, providing a perfect spot to extend your stay. Reservations can be made online at recreation.gov.

West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station

• Hours: Open daily from 9:00 am to 3:00 pm
• Phone: [phone] x4235
  The West Pinnacles Visitor Contact Station offers visitor information and assistance. Note that camping is not permitted on the West Side, but the entrance is open for day use from 7:30 am to 8:00 pm, Pacific Time.

Plan your visit accordingly to take full advantage of all the park has to offer!