National Park · CA
Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles is quietest in January and September and busiest in April.
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.
346K recreation visits a year on average (2023–2025)
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Oct 2026 · alerts checked Oct 18, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Pick a month to visit Pinnacles
This week
7-day forecast
| Day | Conditions | High | Low | Precip chance |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sun 18 | Clear | 83°F | 54°F | 0% |
| Mon 19 | Overcast | 70°F | 47°F | 0% |
| Tue 20 | Light drizzle | 71°F | 46°F | 43% |
| Wed 21 | Rain showers | 57°F | 51°F | 67% |
| Thu 22 | Drizzle | 63°F | 50°F | 37% |
| Fri 23 | Overcast | 69°F | 50°F | 2% |
| Sat 24 | Clear | 75°F | 52°F | 0% |
Forecast data by Open-Meteo
Source: Open-Meteo
Weather
Monthly climate normals
| Month | Avg high | Avg low | Precip |
|---|---|---|---|
| January | 63°F | 34°F | 3.5" |
| February | 64°F | 36°F | 3.5" |
| March | 68°F | 38°F | 2.8" |
| April | 72°F | 39°F | 1.0" |
| May | 80°F | 43°F | 0.6" |
| June | 89°F | 47°F | 0.1" |
| July | 96°F | 50°F | 0.0" |
| August | 96°F | 50°F | 0.0" |
| September | 92°F | 48°F | 0.1" |
| October | 83°F | 43°F | 0.7" |
| November | 70°F | 37°F | 1.3" |
| December | 62°F | 33°F | 3.1" |
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PINNACLES NM, CA US
Know before you go
Fees & hours
- Entrance fee
- $30 — 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.
- Hours
- Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Current alerts
- 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.
Details on nps.gov → - Caution
Fire Danger VERY HIGH
Wood-burning fires and charcoal grills are prohibited. Propane and gas stoves allowed only in campground and picnic areas for cooking food. No smoking on trail. No roadside parking. Fireworks are always prohibited.
Source: NPS Data API
FAQ
Pinnacles questions
When is the best time to visit Pinnacles?
Pinnacles is least crowded in January, September, and October. April is the busiest month, so visiting outside it means thinner crowds and easier parking.
How much does it cost to visit Pinnacles?
Entrance to Pinnacles costs $30 (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.).
When is Pinnacles busiest?
Pinnacles is busiest in April, when crowds rate 10/10 (peak). Expect full parking lots and longer waits; arrive early or choose a quieter month.
How crowded is Pinnacles during holidays and fee-free days?
Holiday weekends (Memorial Day, Labor Day, Fourth of July) and official NPS fee-free days typically bring peak crowd conditions to Pinnacles. Arrive before 8 AM or after 3 PM to secure parking and avoid peak trail congestion.