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Pinnacles National Monument has over 30 miles of trails that range from easy to strenuous. Popular destinations include the High Peaks, the Balconies Cave, and the Bear Gulch Reservoir.
| The Chalone Creek Area is now closed due to construction. If you plan to visit the east side of the park, parking and trailheads are available at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center. |
East District Trails - West District Trails
The most popular destinations from the west side of Pinnacles National Monument are the High Peaks and the Balconies Cave. There are two developed trails and one unmaintained wilderness trail from the west district. It is recommended that newcomers try the developed trails before attempting the North Wilderness Trail.
Juniper Canyon -
Steep and Narrow Loop
3.1 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours,
Elevation gain: 1600 feet
Strenuous hike; excellent
views; trail with many switchbacks climbs to High Peaks. Combined with the
tunnel trail and the "Steep and Narrow" section of the High Peaks Trail, makes a
spectacular loop.
North Wilderness
Trail
9.7 mile loop, 5 to 8 hours
Strenuous hike; due to
construction on the east side of the park, this loop should be started from the
main parking area on the west side. Much of this trail follows the Chalone Creek
bed and is marked by rock cairns. Makes a loop by combining with the Old
Pinnacles and Balconies Trails.
High Peaks -
Balconies Cave Loop
7.8 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours,
Elevation gain: 1600 feet
Strenuous hike to and
through High Peaks, easy - moderate through the Balconies Cave; excellent views.
Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding. Six unbridged
creek crossings. Flashlight required through caves. Due to construction on the
east side of the park, this hike should be started from the main parking area on
the west side.
Moses Springs -
Rim Trail Loop
2.2 mile loop, 1 1/2 hours, Elevation
gain: 500 feet
Moderate but very picturesque hike; trailhead near Visitor
Center; hike through Bear Gulch to Reservoir, passing over caves, then along the
rim of the gulch with panoramic views; also connects with High Peaks Trail;
trail guide available at Visitor Center.
Condor Gulch -
High Peaks Loop
5.1 miles loop, 3 to 5 hours, Elevation
gain: 1300 feet
Strenuous hike; excellent
views; steep and narrow section goes through High Peaks rock formation. The Rim
and Moses Springs Trails can be added to this loop for views of the reservoir.
Bear Gulch and
Old Pinnacles Trails to Balconies Cave
8.1 miles round
trip, 3 to 4 hours, Elevation gain: 400 feet
Moderate hike to Balconies Cave; follows canyon bottom and
seasonal stream. Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding.
Take the Bear Gulch Trail from the visitor center and connect to the Bench Trail
at the canyon bottom. On the return trip, double back over the cave via the
Balconies Cliffs Trail to make a loop with impressive views. Six unbridged creek
crossings. Flashlight required through caves.
High Peaks -
Bear Gulch Loop
6.7 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours, Elevation
gain: 1600 feet
Strenuous loop hike;
excellent views; begins at the Visitor Center and passes through High Peaks. For
a shorter loop, use the Condor Gulch Trail instead of following the entire High
Peaks Trail (5.0 miles).
Condor Gulch
Trail
1.7 miles one way, 1 to 1½ hours one way, Elevation
gain: 1100 feet
Moderate to Overlook (1
mile), more strenuous beyond; good views of High Peaks on the way to the
overlook where they tower overhead, even better from close to the junction with
High Peaks Trail; geology trail guide available.
Chalone Peaks
Trail
8.6 miles round trip from Visitor Center, 3 to 5
hours, Elevation gain: 2040 feet
Strenuous hike; this
trail begins at the reservoir and climbs gradually to North Chalone Peak, the
highest point in the park. The last mile is on a dirt road. For a longer hike,
an unmaintained trail continues 1.6 miles farther to South Chalone Peak, with a
unique vista from the southern end of the Gabilan Range.
Bench Trail to
Balconies Cave
8.7 miles round trip, 4 - 5 hours, no
elevation gain
Moderate hike; access between
Pinnacles Campground and Balconies Cave; sunny hike along Chalone Creek.
Connects with Bear Gulch Trail to Visitor Center. Preferred way to access the
park from the campground. Please note: the Chalone Creek Area is closed for
construction and no facilities are available. Flashlight required through
cave.
South Wilderness
Trail
6.5 miles round trip from the pillar, 3 to 4 hours,
Flat
Moderate hike; excellent
examples of valley oaks along the fire road for first half a mile. Turn to the
right at the South Wilderness marker, and then follow the trail and/or creek to
park’s south boundary. Opportunity for more solitude and wildlife viewing than
on the popular trails. Begins on the Bench Trail; hike from the Bear Gulch
Visitor Center or the Pinnacles Campground.
Pinnacles General
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