Year Established: 2013
Annual Visitors: 349,000
Size: 26,000 Acres
State: California
Best Time to Visit Pinnacles National Park
March to May, September to November
If you are planning to visit more national parks, check out our complete list of all US National Parks.
Best Experiences in Pinnacles National Park
- Moses Spring
- High Peaks Trail
- Bear Gulch
A Brief History
Pinnacles was first made a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt in 1908. In 2013, it was changed to a national park. The name of the park comes from the eroded remains of the western half of an extinct volcano that has moved 200 miles (320 km) from its original location on the San Andreas Fault and is now in a part of the California Pacific Coast Ranges.
The rock formations divide the national park into two parts, East and West, that can only be reached by foot trails. The west side has high walls, and the east side has shade and water.
The formations also make for beautiful peaks that are popular with rock climbers. There are some strange talus caves in the park that are home to at least 13 kinds of bats. Most people go to Pinnacles in the spring or fall because it is so hot in the summer. Park lands are a great place for prairie falcons to live, and they are also where California condors that were born in zoos are set free.
Pinnacles RV Camping
If you are looking for nearby RV camping options for Pinnacles National Park or in California, consider checking out our other post:
Visitor Information
Fees
Individuals 15 years old and younger are admitted free of charge.
Weekly Park Passes
$15.00 per person
$30.00 per vehicle
$25.00 per motorcycle
All passes are valid for up to 7 days.
Annual Park Passes
Pinnacles National Park Annual Pass – $55
Contacting Pinnacles National Park
Visitor Centers
Pinnacles Visitor Center
Address
5000 CA-146,
Paicines, CA 95043
Phone Number
(831) 389-4485
Hours of Operation
- Sunday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Monday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Tuesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Wednesday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Thursday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Friday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
- Saturday 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.