Stargazing at the East Pinnacles National Park

San Jose Astronomical Association (SJAA) and the Pinnacles National Park are proud to jointly sponsor a Stargazing with Telescopes and Binoculars event to be held at the East Entrance of the Pinnacles National Park

Spend the day at Pinnacles National Park, where the possibilities for discovery are limitless! Climbing and hiking among the breathtaking spires and rock formations that gave Pinnacles its name, is only the beginning of what the park has to offer. Come seek out the California Condor in the high peaks.

When it begins to get dark, come look at the night sky from this truly dark site. July happens to one of the best times in the year to see the Summer Milky Way. Observe deep sky objects such as Lagoon Nebula, The Hercules Cluster, The Ring Nebula, The Andromeda Galaxy and many others deep sky objects using the telescopes and Binoculars that will provided by our docents. It's a truly amazing experience that you will not soon forget!

All are welcome to attend! If you own binoculars, please do bring them and we will teach you how to spot a few objects by yourselves, but PLEASE DO NOT BRING TELESCOPES as the spaces are already filled by our docents who are hosting the star party.

As the weather is always changing, please check back here on the day of the event for more info, in case bad weather causes us to cancel the event.

The Pinnacles National Park fee is $30 per car. The Visitor Station closes at 5pm.

Take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south towards the East Pinnacles.

Go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146. Turn left into the Pinnacles day use main parking lot behind the visitors center.
When you arrive, park your car and there should be staff and signs to guide you to the amphitheater where the program will start. The program will start promptly at 9 PM. Please do not be late.

Other notes that will be helpful for more enjoyment from the event

1. Give yourself extra time to get down there. The site is 80 miles from SJAA's home base of Houge Park. It takes about 1 hour 45 mins. travel time with average traffic.
2. The weekends can have more traffic through the Gilroy to Hollister part of the trip.
3. Please do not bring bright lights or white flashlights or use your cellphones near the telescopes. They will ruin your night vision and everyone's ability to see the night sky objects.
4. There are flushable toilets at the Visitors Center.
5. The East Side Pinnacles has nice views and hiking you can explore and do during the daytime
6. It can get cool in the evenings so bring extra layers to keep you warm just in case
7. Please do not touch the telescopes without permission.
8. Leave no trash, stay on designated paths, and protect the natural environment.
9. Finally, ask a lot of questions. We Astronomers love to share.