Pinnacles National Park guide · 1 min read
Stargazing at Bacon Ranch and Chaparral
Stargazing at Pinnacles is strongest when the moon is new, so plan your visit around that phase.
Pick a spot free of obstructions such as trees, since they block the view overhead. Most nights are not ideal, so check the local weather before you head out.
On the east side, the Bacon Ranch is a popular spot for night sky and wildlife viewing. It sits about a quarter mile north of the campground, and you reach it by the road that runs to the right of the Campground and Park Store. The ranch was a 19th century homestead, and the family that lived there was among the first settlers in Bear Valley.
Peaks View Parking Area is a paved lot near a seasonal stream, with rolling hills covered in chaparral all around. The lot offers spotting scopes and a bench, along with picnic tables, a water station, and an accessible vault restroom. Another east side option for stargazing is the Day Use Area behind the Campground and Park Store.
On the west side, the Chaparral Parking Area is where to head. Highway 146 ends at this lot, which has a picnic area, restrooms, drinking water, and wheelchair-accessible facilities. From here you can reach the Balconies Trail and the North Wilderness Trail.
The park's night sky viewing includes looking through telescopes. Keep voices low and watch wildlife from a distance so others can enjoy the dark too. Leave every object where you found it.
