Size: 26,000 Acres
Year Established: 2013
Annual Visitors: 349,000
Firearms Information in Pinnacles National Park
As of February 22, 2010, federal law permits individuals who are permitted to possess weapons under applicable federal, state, and local regulations to do so in this park.
After January 1, 2013, it was then prohibited to openly carry a weapon in a California park. A valid California permit to carry a concealed firearm (CCW) is required to possess a concealed firearm. No concealed carry permit from another state will be accepted.
All firearms and air weapons must be unloaded and secured in a case or other inaccessible location for lawful entry into the park.
Hunting in Pinnacles National Park
Pinnacles National Park is a no-hunting zone. Within the park’s boundaries, shooting is strictly prohibited. The main goal was to help facilitate the transport of firearms, which is why they passed the regulations allowing concealed carry.
There used to be hunting of wild boars up until 2006 when they were finally eradicated from the area.
The European wild boar was brought to Monterey County for hunting in 1925. It since bred with the wild hogs that were already there. These hybrids spread across much of California, both on their own and with the help of hunters and landowners. The wild pigs took over Pinnacles and started negatively impacting the environment.
Additional Information About Pinnacles National Park
In 1908, President Theodore Roosevelt designated Pinnacles as a national monument. It was transformed into a national park in 2013. The name of the park is derived from the eroded remnants of the western side of an extinct volcano that has shifted 200 miles (320 km) from its original location on the San Andreas Fault to a portion of the California Pacific Coast Ranges.
The rock formations separate the national park into East and West sections that are only accessible by footpaths. The east side has shade and water, whereas the west side has tall walls.
Additionally, the structures create stunning peaks that are popular among rock climbers. Within the park’s unusual talus caves, at least thirteen species of bats reside. Since it is so hot in the summer, most tourists visit Pinnacles in the spring and fall. Park areas are an ideal habitat for prairie falcons, and they are also where zoo-born California condors are released.
Best Time to Visit Pinnacles National Park
The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is between the months of March to May and September to November.
Visitor Fees
$15.00 per person for up to 7 days
$30.00 per vehicle for up to 7 days
$25.00 per motorcycle for up to 7 days
$55 per Pinnacles National Park Annual Pass
Interesting in visiting multiple National Parks this year?
Consider the America The Beautiful Annual Park Pass.
This annual park pass to gets you and some friends into all U.S. National Parks for $80.
They also offer Senior, Military, and other discounts.
Visitor Centers
Pinnacles Visitor Center
Address
5000 CA-146,
Paicines, CA 95043
Phone Number
(831) 389-4485
Hours of Operation
Daily 9:00 AM–4:00 PM
Be sure to check for seasonal closures.