Last updated: July 20, 2024
Thing to Do
Night Sky Viewing At Pinnacles National Park
NPS Photo/Cosmo Diskan
Pinnacles National Park, gives you an opportunity to gaze upon clear night skies and to thrill at the sight of the heavens through telescopes, as Galileo first did some 400 years ago.
Night sky viewing is best during a new moon. Best locations are any area free of obstructions like trees. Some areas on the east side include the Day Use Area behind the Campground and Park Store, the Bacon Ranch, and Peaks View Parking Area. From the west side the Chaparral Parking Area.
Check local weather conditions, most nights are not ideal for night sky viewing.
Night Sky parties are held periodically throughout the year near the campground on the east side of the park with the help of the San Jose Astronomical Association. Check the park's social media page or calendar of events on the park website for upcoming dates.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
Night sky viewing is best during a new moon. Best locations are any area free of obstructions like trees. Some areas on the east side include the Day Use Area behind the Campground and Park Store, the Bacon Ranch, and Peaks View Parking Area. From the west side the Chaparral Parking Area.
Check local weather conditions, most nights are not ideal for night sky viewing.
Night Sky parties are held periodically throughout the year near the campground on the east side of the park with the help of the San Jose Astronomical Association. Check the park's social media page or calendar of events on the park website for upcoming dates.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
Details
Activity
Stargazing
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.
Pets Allowed
Yes with Restrictions
All structures and areas of the Park are closed to the possession of pets except developed picnic areas, within 10 feet of paved roads and parking areas, within the boundaries of the campground, within 10 ft. of the dirt road from the campground through the Bacon Ranch historic area to the gate ½ mile to the south, and within 25 ft. of the structures at the Bacon Ranch historic area.
Pets must be on a leash and not left unattended and tied to an object in the park.
Pets must be on a leash and not left unattended and tied to an object in the park.
Activity Fee
No
No additional fee to stargaze but there is a park entrance fee. Learn more about Fees and Passes.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Night, Dusk
Accessibility Information
*To preserve your night vision use a red light setting on your headlamp or flashlight or use red film to block white light. Car headlights, cell phones screens, and headlamps will impair your night vision. It takes your eyes 20-30 minutes to adjust to dark after seeing white light.
*service animals permitted
*service animals permitted