On October 17, 2007, the monument's visitor center was relocated to the entrance of the campground, in the building that was the campground store. If you're coming to the east side of the park, please check in at the new visitor center to get an entrance permit for your vehicle. On weekends, you can still pay entrance fees at our entrance station. If you'd like trip planning information, rangers will be available in the new visitor center.
Why is the visitor center being relocated?
Now that Pinnacles Campground has become part of the park, it gives us an opportunity to move our visitor center to an area where there is more parking. On busy weekends, Bear Gulch parking fills early, which means that people have to hike if they'd like to stop in at the visitor center.
What will happen to the old visitor center?
Our historic visitor center will now be called Bear Gulch Nature Center, and will be open whenever staffing is available. The relief map, seismograph, and other exhibits will remain there.
Will there still be a store within the campground?
Yes. Snacks, drinks, and basic camping essentials will still be available for sale at the new visitor center.
I'm planning to visit the park on a weekend. Should I check in at the campground or go to the park entrance station?
If you'd like to talk to a ranger for trip planning information, you should stop in at the visitor center. If you are familiar with the park and plan to go directly to a trailhead, you can pay your park entrance fees at the entrance station. Please check bulletin boards at trailheads for park information.
Will there be any changes to the west side of the park?
A new contact station is in the works for the west side of the park, but is still years away from completion. If you'd like to have input on park development and management, please become involved in our General Management Plan process.
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