On October 17, 2007, the Park's east side visitor center was relocated to the entrance of the campground, in the building that was the campground store. If you're coming to the east side of the park, please check in at the new visitor center to get an entrance permit for your vehicle. On weekends, you can still pay entrance fees at our entrance station. If you'd like trip planning information, rangers will be available in the new visitor center.
Why was the visitor center relocated?
Once the Pinnacles Campground became part of the park, it gave us an opportunity to move our visitor center to an area where there is more parking. On busy weekends, Bear Gulch parking fills early, which means that people have to hike if they'd like to stop in at the visitor center.
What happened to the old visitor center?
Our historic visitor center will now be called Bear Gulch Nature Center, and will be open primarily on weekends and whenever staffing is available. The relief map, seismograph, and other exhibits will remain there.
Will there still be a store within the campground?
Yes. Snacks, drinks, and basic camping essentials will still be available for sale at the campground store.
I'm planning to visit the park on a weekend. Should I check in at the campground or go to the park entrance station?
If you'd like to talk to a ranger for trip planning information, you should stop in at the visitor center. If you are familiar with the park and plan to go directly to a trailhead, you can pay your park entrance fees at the entrance station. Please check bulletin boards at trailheads for park information. However, if you find the entrance station closed, please stop in at the visitor center to take care of you entrance fee.
Will there be any changes to the west side of the park?
A new contact station is being constructed on the west side of the park and should be completed in December of 2011. If you'd like to have input on park development and management, please become involved in our General Management Plan process.
