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Drone Rules for Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles, California (CA) • United States
California 95043, USA
Lat: 36.4906 • Lng: -121.182
Ground Not allowed Last updated: May 30, 2026
Summary
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Pinnacles National Park prohibits all drone operations under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. The park is one of only three release sites for California Condor reintroduction in the US, with active nesting condors monitored by telemetry.

Drone Rules - Pinnacles National Park

All drone operations are prohibited under NPS 36 CFR 1.5. California Condor nesting makes drone operations an active ESA Section 9 enforcement priority.

Airspace / Site Context

  • King City Airport (KKNL) uncontrolled field ~20 miles west
  • Park elevation 824-3,304 ft in the Gabilan Mountains of the Salinas Valley
  • One of three primary California condor release sites; 15-30 condors may be in the park at any time
  • Peregrine falcon also nests on the volcanic spires

Key Rules

  • No drone operations anywhere within park boundaries
  • California condor (ESA endangered) nest site buffers extend beyond park boundary
  • Any drone within 1,000 ft of a condor constitutes a potential ESA Section 9 take
  • Bat roost caves (talus caves) are sensitive — Townsend's big-eared bat (ESA concern) present

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