West entrance gate hours at Pinnacles: what applies in 2026?

Exact conditions

Status

Required under the listed conditions

Applies to

vehicles

Place or corridor

West entrance gate on Highway 146 near Soledad. The East entrance off Highway 25 is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, including holidays.

Effective dates

January 1, 2026 through December 31, 2026

Release model

first come

Release detail: No booking - the West gate simply opens and closes.

Exceptions and limits

• West side is day-use only - no overnight parking or camping.
• East side allows 24-hour access to trails, but no overnight parking without a camping reservation and outside the campground area.
• Expect long lines and delays between 10:00 am and 3:00 pm on weekends, holidays, and in spring.