National park · California

Pinnacles National Park

An extinct volcano's eroded spires, talus caves, and high desert chaparral first protected by Theodore Roosevelt as a national monument and now one of the last strongholds of the California condor.

Entrance
$30 private vehicle
Hours
Open 24 hours daily East Side Entrance
Established
January 16, 1908
Region
California
Pinnacles National Park
Photo: NPS Photo · Public domain (US National Park Service)
The Pinnacles National Park patch

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History

Pinnacles National Park was originally established as a national monument by President Theodore Roosevelt, highlighting the early conservation efforts in the United States. It serves as a critical habitat for various wildlife, including the California condor, and showcases unique geological formations from an extinct volcano.

Key events

  1. January 16, 1908Pinnacles National Monument established by President Theodore Roosevelt.
  2. January 10, 2013Redesignated as Pinnacles National Park by Congress (the second-newest park at that time).
  3. 2003California Condor recovery program began releasing birds at Pinnacles; today one of the few places to see them in the wild.

Trails

  • High Peaks Loop 6.4 mi · Hard
  • Bear Gulch Cave Trail 1.5 mi · Easy
  • Condor Gulch Trail 3.4 mi · Moderate
  • Balconies Cave Trail 2.4 mi · Easy
  • North Wilderness Trail 9 mi · Hard

Plan your visit

Hours · East Side Entrance

Open 24 hours, every day

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

Entrance fees

  • Private Vehicle $30
  • Motorcycle $25
  • Per Person $15
  • Non-commercial Groups $15
  • Education/Academic Groups Free

Fees and hours as of May 2026. Check current details on NPS.gov

When to go

  • Spring. Wildflowers bloom, pleasant temps, caves open
  • Fall. Cooler weather, caves usually open, good climbing
  • Winter. Comfortable hiking temps, fewer crowds
  • Summer. Very hot 100°F+, early morning only

Wildlife

California condorsPrairie falconsPeregrine falconsTownsend's big-eared batsBobcatsTarantulasWestern rattlesnakes

Nearby patches

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