Most trails, climbing routes reopen at Pinnacles National Park

PAICINES, Calif. (KION) Most trails and climbing routes at Pinnacles National Park and the Pinnacles Parkway to Bear Gulch are reopening Friday, according to the National Park Service.

Vehicles will be allowed to park at all trailheads, but parking is limited, so staff recommend arriving before 10 a.m. on weekends.

Even though trails and routes are reopening, fire restrictions are still in place due to predicted fire danger, including:

• No campfires or cooking fires
• No charcoal grills, either park-provided or personally owned
• Smoking only allowed in enclosed vehicles or within designated buildings
• Propane or gas stoves for cooking allowed only in designated campsites
• No driving or parking vehicles off road and/or on vegetation

“Unfortunately, Pinnacles is not out of the woods yet because the predicted fire danger will fluctuate between high and very high until December.  Since the last major fire was over 15 years ago, the park has a very high fuel load and with the increasing dry conditions, we are overdue for a large wildland fire event. Thankfully, the other conditions have improved, and we are able to open park trails,” added Stransky.

The shuttle service is still not running and all caves will be closed until further notice.