Pinnacles National Park — Visitor Info

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Pinnacles National Park protects the eroded remains of an ancient volcano in central California, known for towering rock spires, talus caves, and one of the largest California condor populations in the wild. It has a quirk worth planning around: the park has two entrances that are not connected by any road.

Page content last verified: July 2026

Check current conditions before you go: The East and West Entrances are not connected by any road inside or outside the park — driving between them takes about an hour around the outside. The park's only campground is on the East side; the West side is day-use only. Always check the official Pinnacles Alerts & Conditions page first.
Quick Facts
Location
Central California, east of Soledad/Hollister
Entrance Fee
$30/vehicle (7 days)
Reservation Needed to Enter?
No
Permit Needed For
No permits for day-hiking or caves; none for camping beyond a reservation
Lodging
Pinnacles Campground (East side only)
Managed By
National Park Service

Two Entrances, No Connecting Road

Pinnacles has an East Entrance (via Highway 25 near Hollister) and a West Entrance (via Highway 146 near Soledad) — but no road, inside the park or out, connects them. Driving from one to the other takes about an hour around the outside. Decide which entrance fits your plans before you go: the East side has the visitor center, campground, and most services; the West side is quieter and day-use only, with no campground, food, or gas.

Visitor Centers

Pinnacles Visitor Center (East side)
Near the campground and East Entrance; exhibits, permits info, and the park's main services.
West Pinnacles Contact Station (West side)
Small, seasonally staffed contact station near the West Entrance; no food, gas, or camping on this side.

Confirm current hours on the official NPS hours & visitor centers page before you go.

Entrance Fees & Passes

The entrance fee is $30 per vehicle (motorcycle $25, per person on foot/bike $15), valid 7 days and good at both entrances. An Annual Pass (Pinnacles-only) is $55. This park does not accept cash — entrance payments are credit/debit only. Cell service and wifi are limited to non-existent in the park, so print or download your pass and any reservations before arriving.

Every Kid Outdoors — Free 4th Grade Pass

4th graders (and their families) can visit free with an Every Kid Outdoors pass, available at everykidoutdoors.gov.

Talus Caves

Pinnacles' two talus cave systems (Bear Gulch and Balconies) don't require a permit, but access can change seasonally to protect roosting bats — sections sometimes close for months at a time. A flashlight per person is strongly recommended; the caves are dark, low, and require some scrambling. Check current cave status before you hike.

Permits & Reservations

You do not need a permit to enter the park, day-hike, or visit the talus caves (subject to seasonal closures above). No backcountry camping is permitted anywhere in the park — the only overnight option is the campground below.

Campgrounds & RV Options

Pinnacles Campground (East side only)
The park's only campground, open year-round near the East Entrance and visitor center. Tent and RV sites; 36 RV sites have 30-amp electric hookups, accommodating RVs up to roughly 35ft. Flush toilets, showers, a small store, and a seasonal pool (April–September) on site. Reserve on Recreation.gov — there is no campground of any kind on the West side.

Good to Know

  • Pick a side and commit: since no road links the two entrances, plan your whole visit — lodging, meals, gas — around whichever side you enter from.
  • Condor viewing: Pinnacles is one of the best places in California to spot California condors, especially from the High Peaks trail.
  • Summer heat is intense on many trails, especially the exposed High Peaks — start early and carry extra water.
  • No gas station in the park on either side — fuel up in Soledad, Hollister, or King City beforehand.

More National Parks

See our other National Park visitor guides, or browse the full National Parks guide.

Fees and regulations change from year to year. This page is a starting point for trip planning — always confirm current details on the official Pinnacles National Park site before you go.

Sources: NPS – Fees & Passes · NPS – Camping · Recreation.gov – Pinnacles Campground · NPS – Alerts & Conditions