Can I bring my dog?
Pinnacles National Monument is not a good place to bring a dog. Pets are not allowed on trails. They are only allowed on roads and in parking and picnic areas. If you plan on hiking, it is probably best to leave your dog at home. Pinnacles is an important place for wildlife, and dogs can leave behind scents that disrupt the natural patterns of local animals.

What is the status of the Bear Gulch Cave?
The Bear Gulch Cave is closed seasonally to protect a colony of Townsend's Big-eared bats. For specific information about dates that the cave is open, check our Bear Gulch Cave Information. The bats are listed as a species of special concern, and they use the cave as a maternity colony in the summer and as a place to hibernate in the winter. If the Bear Gulch Cave is closed and you would still like to visit a cave, plan on going to the Balconies Cave on the west side of the park.

Should I come to the east or west side of the park?
You can see most of the features at Pinnacles from either side. If you aren't planning on hiking, you may want to visit the west side, where you can get spectacular views from the parking area. Keep in mind, though, that the road to the west side is narrow and winding, and may not be suitable for large RV's.

What are the pinnacles?
The pinnacles are the eroded remains of an ancient volcano. There are rock formations throughout the park, but the most spectacular examples can be seen up close on the strenuous High Peaks Trail or from the west side of the monument on the moderate Balconies Cliffs Trail.

When is the peak of the wildflower season?
The best months to see wildflowers at Pinnacles National Monument are March, April, and May. These are also our busiest months, so if you visit the park on a weekend, plan on parking in one of the overflow lots, or try visiting on a weekday.

What can I see from my car?
Pinnacles National Monument is primarily a hiking park. If you don't plan on getting out on the trail, you will probably want to visit the west side of Pinnacles, where you can get a view of the High Peaks rock formation from the parking area.

What should I bring to the park?
There are no concessionaire services within the Monument, so you will need to bring everything that you will need for your visit. This includes drinking water, food and beverages, flashlights and hiking equipment. Bottled water and flashlights are available at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center and Chaparral Ranger Station.

What is the green rock that the Bear Gulch Visitor Center is made of?
The green rock is pumice lapilli tuff that was quarried from within the monument, but until recently, no one knew what gives it its green color. In 2002, samples of the rock were analyzed and found to contain glauconite, a green mineral that is known to occur in marine environments where sediment is deposited along a continental shelf.

For more information, call (831) 389-4485 ext. 0 or send us an email.