Loading park…
Pinnacles · May
May is the busiest time to visit Pinnacles — quieter than April, busier than June.
Expect peak crowds (9/10), highs near 80°F, about 14.1 hours of daylight, and 1 seasonal closure in effect.
Crowd score
The park's busiest time. Reservations, early starts, and patience recommended.
About 90% of this park's busiest month.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Data: NPS visitation 2023–2025 · crowd scores computed Jul 2026 · alerts checked Jul 10, 2026. How this is calculated →
Computed from federal data · Methodology by Sharon Ben-Moshe
Visitation
May draws about 11% of Pinnacles’s yearly visitors.
Typical monthly recreation visits, averaged over the most recent three full years.
Source: NPS Visitor Use Statistics, 2023–2025
Weather
Source: NOAA 1991–2020 climate normals, PINNACLES NM, CA US
What's open
Entrance to the east side of Pinnacles National Park is open 24 hours, 7 days a week, including holidays.
Seasonal closures may apply:
Due to maternal bat colonies present in Bear Gulch Cave, and in line with the expected seasonal closure scheduling, the Bear Gulch Caves are currently closed. The Balconies Cave remains open, and accessible from the Balconies or Old Pinnacles trails.
Details on nps.gov →Source: NPS Data API
Conditions
Due to maternal bat colonies present in Bear Gulch Cave, and in line with the expected seasonal closure scheduling, the Bear Gulch Caves are currently closed. The Balconies Cave remains open, and accessible from the Balconies or Old Pinnacles trails.
Details on nps.gov →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 →Limit strenuous hiking to early morning and late evening hours. Expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peak to be at least 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Drink plenty of water and carry at least one liter of water for each hour of hiking. Bring salty snacks, a hat, and sunscreen for the hike. Know the signs and symptoms of heat related illnesses. In case of a heat related emergency get to a cool place and seek help immediately.
Details on nps.gov →Please be advised that the West Visitor Contact Station restroom and water station is currently unavailable. Drinking water and restrooms are available at the Chaparral Parking Area. Please carry extra water and plan accordingly.
Source: NPS Data API
Context
Alternatives
FAQ
May rates 9/10 for crowds (Peak) at Pinnacles National Park — about 90% of its busiest month. Typical recreation visits: 39,237.
In May, Pinnacles averages a high of 80°F and a low of 43°F, with about 0.6 inches of precipitation.
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.).
Pinnacles is quietest in January and September. If your dates are flexible, those months bring the thinnest crowds of the year.
In mid-May, Pinnacles gets about 14.1 hours of daylight, with sunrise around 4:57 AM and sunset around 7:05 PM.