The Raptor closures generally only affect climbs in the High Peaks area, but be sure to check the NPS page before your trip. Updates to the page are sporadic. Sometimes certain climbs will open in the course of a year. The Bear Gulch trailhead (one at the very end of the road) had climbing closures posted. The rangers can also provide updated info.
Unfortunately, Pinnacles NM permits day use only. No backpacking, and no hiking in the dark. As mentioned on NPS page, "summer hours" are 07:30-21:00. On both the eastern and western entrances, gates are locked. Getting caught behind a locked gate will earn you the ire of the ranger who has to stay behind to unlock it, as well as a pricy ticket.
Special note: I, "mpbro", was able to enter the park (east side) on two successive weekend days, well before the 07:30 opening time. Regarding the de facto opening time, snwburd notes, "I think it's pretty much up to when the ranger decides to get to work in the morning. Last time I was there, I was too early (didn't know they had a curfew) and had to hang out for the ranger to show up. That morning he was 1/2 hour late, offered no explanation, apology, or even a greeting, as I recall." In the summer, an extra hour in the morning can make the climbing day longer and more enjoyable.
The highpoint within the park is North Chalone Peak (3304 ft.), although this rounded, parched mass is hardly indicative of the geology that makes Pinnacles famous. Hawkins Peak, a.k.a. "Tuff Dome", is effectively the highpoint (2720 ft.) for climbers, since it is situated in the center of the High Peaks area and offers a variety of technical routes to the summit.
I went to Pinnacles today. The ranger said the Bear Gulch caves have been closed for the past several years due to a bat study. He said the study is complete and that there should be several slots during the year when the cave will be open. Check the Monuments web page or call for open times.
When I visited Pinnacles National Monument a couple of years ago I had a couple of run ins with wild pigs. First of all, do not choose a campsite underneath an oak tree at the campground just outside the park. Pigs love acorns and I was awoken many times during the night to have a bunch of very noisy pigs rooting around my tent.
Second of all, if you hike by yourself, be careful. I was charged by a very large boar and it scared the crap out of me! I've heard carrying an air horn and blaring it should you be charged is an effective defense.
According to this website, they hopefully have the fence around the park up and most of the pigs gone by now...
The campground is no longer privately owned - the National Park Service bought it and runs it. Camping is $23/night. Also, while the West Side is gated, they no longer ticket you if you leave after closure, which allows for late hiking and climbing. No more hurrying back to the car! I think both changes have been in place for several years.
mpbro - May 24, 2002 3:22 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThe Raptor closures generally only affect climbs in the High Peaks area, but be sure to check the NPS page before your trip. Updates to the page are sporadic. Sometimes certain climbs will open in the course of a year. The Bear Gulch trailhead (one at the very end of the road) had climbing closures posted. The rangers can also provide updated info.
mpbro - May 24, 2002 3:30 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentUnfortunately, Pinnacles NM permits day use only. No backpacking, and no hiking in the dark. As mentioned on NPS page, "summer hours" are 07:30-21:00. On both the eastern and western entrances, gates are locked. Getting caught behind a locked gate will earn you the ire of the ranger who has to stay behind to unlock it, as well as a pricy ticket.
Special note: I, "mpbro", was able to enter the park (east side) on two successive weekend days, well before the 07:30 opening time. Regarding the de facto opening time, snwburd notes, "I think it's pretty much up to when the ranger decides to get to work in the morning. Last time I was there, I was too early (didn't know they had a curfew) and had to hang out for the ranger to show up. That morning he was 1/2 hour late, offered no explanation, apology, or even a greeting, as I recall." In the summer, an extra hour in the morning can make the climbing day longer and more enjoyable.
mpbro - May 24, 2002 3:43 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentThe highpoint within the park is North Chalone Peak (3304 ft.), although this rounded, parched mass is hardly indicative of the geology that makes Pinnacles famous. Hawkins Peak, a.k.a. "Tuff Dome", is effectively the highpoint (2720 ft.) for climbers, since it is situated in the center of the High Peaks area and offers a variety of technical routes to the summit.
keema - Dec 22, 2002 6:34 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentI went to Pinnacles today. The ranger said the Bear Gulch caves have been closed for the past several years due to a bat study. He said the study is complete and that there should be several slots during the year when the cave will be open. Check the Monuments web page or call for open times.
tarol - Jan 12, 2006 4:19 pm - Voted 10/10
Untitled CommentWhen I visited Pinnacles National Monument a couple of years ago I had a couple of run ins with wild pigs. First of all, do not choose a campsite underneath an oak tree at the campground just outside the park. Pigs love acorns and I was awoken many times during the night to have a bunch of very noisy pigs rooting around my tent.
Second of all, if you hike by yourself, be careful. I was charged by a very large boar and it scared the crap out of me! I've heard carrying an air horn and blaring it should you be charged is an effective defense.
According to this website, they hopefully have the fence around the park up and most of the pigs gone by now...
http://www.nps.gov/pinn/pphtml/6highlights379.html
lisae - Jan 2, 2010 10:21 pm - Voted 10/10
Campground and West Side GateThe campground is no longer privately owned - the National Park Service bought it and runs it. Camping is $23/night. Also, while the West Side is gated, they no longer ticket you if you leave after closure, which allows for late hiking and climbing. No more hurrying back to the car! I think both changes have been in place for several years.
gordonye - Jan 7, 2010 4:35 pm - Hasn't voted
Re: Campground and West Side GateThanks, this is great info!