Park Regulations & Safety

Safety

Hiking, caving and climbing can be a lot of fun at Pinnacles; however, you are a long way from medical assistance, so please plan ahead. Wear sturdy shoes; carry water and a flashlight. Remember the sun and heat...snakes and poison oak...know your rock climbing and hiking limitations...and have a safe, good time. Safety first, last, and always!!!

Talus Caves
If you are planning on hiking through the Balconies Cave or the Bear Gulch Cave, you will need to bring a flashlight. The Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally. Flashlights are required. The caves are dark and flowing water may cover the trail. You will encounter low ceilings; twisting, narrow passages; uneven footing and a dark environment. Please be careful of your head, where you place your feet, and use a flashlight! Please avoid unnecessary noise in the cave which can be disturbing to wildlife and visitors.

Hiking in Hot Weather
Hikers may encounter high temperatures, often above 100 F, during the summer and early fall months. Please carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and light-colored clothing to protect you from the sun. Drinking water is only available in the developed areas -- there is no water available on any of the trails.

Trail Safety
All the trails are unpaved, rocky in places, and sometimes steep and uneven. It is best to wear sturdy shoes or boots with ankle support and tread that will prevent slipping and sliding. Sneakers, thongs, dress shoes or shoes with heels lack the support and traction required for safe and comfortable hiking.

Rock Climbing
Rock climbers should remain alert for rocks that may become dislodged or equipment that may be dropped onto unwary hikers below. Existing protection hardware is not maintained by the park and should be tested before using. Be aware of advisories concerning cliff-nesting birds.

Injuries
Visitors experiencing injuries due to falls, slips, animal bites, etc. may have to wait a long time from incident to medical attention. This is especially true when climbing accidents occur. Be prepared to wait for assistance or have a companion seek and/or provide help. The number of park staff on duty is limited and help may not be immediately available.

Poison Oak
Poison oak is a common plant in California and at Pinnacles in particular. It is common along most trails. The secret to avoid encountering poison oak is to learn to recognize the plant. Poison oak can be a shrub, vine, or even a small tree. Its leaves can be red, green, or any color in between. The leaves sometimes have a waxy coating, but this is not always apparent. The best way to identify poison oak is by the way its leaves are arranged in groups of three. Remember: leaves of three, let it be!

Stinging Nettle
Stinging nettle is also found in various areas of the monument. Watch for this tall plant in moist areas and along stream edges. It is common at the east entrance to the Balconies Cave and along the trail just below the Bear Gulch Cave. Touching the plant will cause a burning sensation with all leaf hairs sticking to the skin. Fortunately, the stinging sensation will disappear within an hour or two, unlike poison oak, which lasts for days or even weeks.

Rattlesnakes
Several types of snakes are found in the park; the Pacific rattlesnake is the only poisonous critter of the group. By keeping to trails, avoiding heavy brush and watching where hands and feet are placed in rocky terrain, chances of crossing trails with a rattlesnake are minimized. If you see a rattlesnake while hiking, treat it as you would any other wild animal. Give it plenty of room and make sure that it has a way to move safely away from you. Rattlesnake bites are extremely uncommon at Pinnacles. If you do get bitten, seek medical attention from park staff immediately. Please remember that rattlesnakes are protected in the park.

For information about safety, check with a ranger at the Pinnacles Visitor Center or Bear Gulch Nature Center on the east side of the monument or at the Chaparral Ranger Station on the west side. Additional information may be obtained by calling (831) 389-4485.

Things To Know Before You Come

Carry and drink plenty of water, especially on hot days...

Pets are not allowed on trails.
Pinnacles National Monument is not a good place to bring a dog. They are only allowed on roads and in parking and picnic areas. You cannot leave your dog unattended, even in your car. If you plan on hiking, it is 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.

Bring everything you 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. On the east side of the park, the campground store offers snacks and drinks during short business hours each weekday afternoon and weekend.

Pets

Dogs and other pets cannot be taken on the trails. They will leave behind a scent that disrupts or alters the behavior of the native animals this monument has been set aside to protect. They can chase, scare, and transmit diseases to the park's wildlife. Dogs can also attract predators or transmit diseases while in the park.

Pets are allowed in the picnic areas, parking lots and on paved roads. Your pet must be physically controlled on a leash no longer than six feet. Your pet should be with you at all times.

Pets may not be left unattended in a vehicle. If you're considering it, please keep in mind that temperatures at Pinnacles National Monument can vary widely. Cool, cloudy mornings can turn into surprisingly warm days, even in winter. Dogs cannot be tied to an object and left alone or left in the open bed of a pickup truck.