Pinnacles closes West side due to COVID-19

Paicines, Calif. (KION)

Beginning Friday, Pinnacles National Park is closing the West half of the park, due to COVID-19. The National Park Service says this is because of "CDC guidelines and state-wide health orders."

California Governor Gavin Newsom announced a "Stay At Home" order on Thursday.

The west side of the park, near Soledad, will be closed. The West Pinnacles entrance gate is shut and there is no vehicle access to that side of that park.

Visitors must now enter from the East side of the park through Highway 25, near Hollister. National Park Rangers will be at the East entrance to direct visitors and answer questions.

Earlier this week, High Peaks Steep and Narrow, Balconies Cave, and Bear Gulch Cave were shut down and shuttle services were suspended.

NPS says restrooms will remain open, except for locations at Scout Peak, Chalone Peak, and Peaks View.

The campground and camp store remain open and are operating under local public health guidelines. Rangers at the park will be directing people to practice social distancing.

“The health and safety of our visitors, employees, volunteers, and partners at Pinnacles National Park is our number one priority. The National Park Service (NPS) is working with federal, state, and local authorities to closely monitor the novel coronavirus (COVID-19) situation. We will notify the public when we resume full operations and provide updates on our website and social media channels,” said Park Superintendent, Blanca Alvarez Stransky. “We urge visitors to do their part when visiting Pinnacles by following the CDC guidance to prevent the spread of infectious diseases such as: maintaining a safe distance between yourself and other groups; washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds; avoiding touching your eyes, nose, and mouth; covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze; and most importantly, staying home if you feel sick. We encourage visitors to also follow the State of California “shelter-in-place orders.”