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Boulders in the Balconies Cave.
NATIONAL PARK

Pinnacles National Park

Around 23 million years ago, a series of volcanic eruptions shaped the landscape that is now Pinnacles National Park.

Photo: National Park Service/Oscar Garcia / NPS

CA
state
26
things to do
$15
to enter
6
parks within a day
OVERVIEW

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.

WITHIN A DAY'S DRIVE

Pair it with another park

6 in range

Driving times from Pinnacles National Park, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.

BEFORE YOU GO

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle

$30.00

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.

Entrance - Motorcycle

$25.00

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.

Entrance - Per Person

$15.00

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.

Entrance - Non-commercial Groups

$15.00

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.

Commercial Entrance - Sedan

$30.00

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.

Commercial Entrance - Van

$40.00

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.

Commercial Entrance - Mini-bus

$40.00

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.

Commercial Entrance - Motor Coach

$100.00

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.

Entrance - Education/Academic Groups

Free

School groups and other academic institutions may qualify for an Educational Fee Waiver. If not qualified, please check fees for large or commercial groups.

WHEN TO GO

Hours

East Side Entrance

Mon
All Day
Tue
All Day
Wed
All Day
Thu
All Day
Fri
All Day
Sat
All Day
Sun
All Day

West Side Entrance

Mon
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Tue
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Wed
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Thu
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Fri
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Sat
7:30AM - 8:00PM
Sun
7:30AM - 8:00PM
THINGS TO DO

Activities

AstronomyBackcountry HikingBikingBirdwatchingBookstore and Park StoreCampingCar or Front Country CampingCavingCitizen ScienceClimbingFoodFront-Country HikingGift Shop and SouvenirsGroup CampingHands-OnHikingJunior Ranger ProgramPark FilmPicnickingRV CampingRoad BikingRock ClimbingShoppingStargazingVolunteer VacationWildlife Watching
PLAN YOUR VISIT

Getting there

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.

Frequently asked questions

How much does it cost to enter Pinnacles National Park?
Entrance to Pinnacles National Park starts at $15. See the fees section above for each pass and vehicle type.
What is there to do at Pinnacles National Park?
Popular activities include Astronomy, Backcountry Hiking, Biking, Birdwatching, Bookstore and Park Store, Camping.
Which national parks are within a day's drive of Pinnacles National Park?
Within about a day's drive you can reach Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site (2 h 28 min), San Francisco Maritime National Historical Park (2 h 35 min), Rosie the Riveter WWII Home Front National Historical Park (2 h 36 min), Alcatraz Island (2 h 37 min), John Muir National Historic Site (2 h 39 min), Fort Point National Historic Site (2 h 42 min).