Is Pinnacles National Park open today?

Park Lookout is an independent site, not the National Park Service. We are not affiliated with NPS. Confirm conditions on nps.gov before you go: official Pinnacles National Park page.

Current NPS alerts (2)

Caution

Fire Danger HIGH

Fires are permitted in the campground and designated picnic areas, but please ensure that all fires are completely extinguished.

Last updated by NPS: Oct 22, 2026

Information

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). Additionally, campground access may be temporarily delayed during peak periods of visitation when ALL incoming traffic is held.

Last updated by NPS: May 29, 2026 · NPS alert source

Weather alerts (National Weather Service)

No active NWS watches, warnings or advisories for the forecast zone and county at the park's central point.

About this site

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.

Type: National Park
State: California
Address: 5000 East Entrance Road, Paicines, CA 95043

From the NPS Data API. Official NPS page →

Hours

East Side Entrance

Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Monday	All Day
Tuesday	All Day
Wednesday	All Day
Thursday	All Day
Friday	All Day
Saturday	All Day
Sunday	All Day

West Side Entrance

The west entrance to the park offers access to trails such as Prewett Point, Balconies, and Juniper Canyon. Note: this one-lane road is narrow and winding. Oversize vehicles should enter the park on the east side.

Monday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Tuesday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Wednesday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Thursday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Friday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Saturday	7:30AM - 8:00PM
Sunday	7:30AM - 8:00PM

Entrance fees

Entrance - Private Vehicle	$30.00
Entrance - Motorcycle	$25.00
Entrance - Per Person	$15.00
Entrance - Non-commercial Groups	$15.00
Commercial Entrance - Sedan	$30.00
Commercial Entrance - Van	$40.00

A park entrance pass is required year-round at Pinnacles National Park. Visitors entering the park have multiple pass and entrance fee options available depending on how they arrive to the park. We accept major credit cards and mobile payment services (we do not accept cash) when you arrive. If you are arriving in a private vehicle, you only need to pay the vehicle fee (not the per-person fee). If the entrance station is unstaffed when you arrive, you can pay on the way out or digitally. America the Beautiful—National Parks and Federal Recreational Lands Annual Passes do cover park entrance fees. Display federal lands passes, such as annual and military passes, on your dashboard with the signature and expiration date facing up. Passes are non-transferable and passholder must be present.