Pinnacles National Monument

Spring, fall, and winter are the most popular times to visit Pinnacles National Monument. Summers are hot and dry, and hikers need to be prepared for extreme temperatures.

Private Vehicle: $5.00
Individual Walk-in: $3.00

Hiking Trails

There are over 30 miles of hiking trails at Pinnacles National Monument, ranging from easy, flat walks to more challenging, all-day hikes. Please remember to carry and drink plenty of water, especially during the hot summer months.

Rock Climbing

There are hundreds of routes on both sides of the park. If you've never climbed at Pinnacles, be sure to read our climber's safety advisory. You'll also want to check our raptor advisory page for information on routes that are under advisory to protect nesting prairie and peregrine falcons.

Talus Caves

There are two talus caves at Pinnacles: the Bear Gulch Cave is closer to the east parking areas, and the Balconies Cave is closer to the west entrance. Check the status of the caves before you plan your visit.

Ranger Programs

Guided hikes, ranger talks, and evening campfire programs are offered each spring on the east side of the park. Night programs are occasionally offered on Fridays in spring and summer.

The Pinnacles Campground is located near the east entrance of the park, and offers tent, RV, and group sites. There is also a campground amphitheater and a swimming pool.

The Pinnacles Campground was privately owned until May 2006, but recently became part of the park. It is currently run by a private concessionaire.

Pinnacles National Monument has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, and you can plan a short loop or a longer all-day trip. Popular destinations are Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks, and the Balconies area.

East Side Trails

Moses Spring–Rim Trail Loop
2.2 mile loop, 11?2 hours
elevation gain: 500 feet
Moderate
This loop is a good choice for rock formations, talus caves, and the reservoir on a short hike and also a good choice for children. Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally. Flashlight required in cave.

Condor Gulch–High Peaks Loop
5.3 mile loop, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Strenuous
Walk through the heart of the Pinnacles rock formations, particularly along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail. Add the Rim and Moses Spring trails to extend the loop to 6.1 miles.

High Peaks–Bear Gulch Loop
6.7 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,425 feet
Strenuous
Climb into the High Peaks and descend along the ridge through meadows of grasses and, in spring, wildflowers. Return to the visitor center under the shade of sycamores along the Bear Gulch Trail.

Bench Trail–Bear Gulch Trail
2.3 miles one way, 11.2 hours
elevation gain: 300 feet
Moderate
Walk along Chalone and Bear creeks from the campground to the Bear Gulch Visitor Center. Portions of the Bench Trail are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

Bear Gulch and Old Pinnacles trails to Balconies Cave
8.1 miles round trip, 3 to 4 hours
elevation gain: 400 feet
Moderate
Hike along shady Bear Creek and sunny Chalone Creek to Balconies Cave. On the return trip, cross over the cave via the Balconies Cliffs for views of formations. Flashlight required in cave.

Condor Gulch Trail
1.7 miles one way, 1 to 11.2 hours
elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Moderate to Overlook, strenuous beyond
This trail offers spectacular views of the High Peaks, whether you hike just a few minutes or the entire trail. The Overlook is one mile up. Ask about a geology trail guide.

Chalone Peak Trail
8.6 miles round trip, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 2,040 feet
Strenuous
Climb to the highest point in the park, North Chalone Peak, and b rewarded with views of the surrounding valleys. Continue on an unmaintained trail to South Chalone Peak for a longer hike.

Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
8.7 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
This sunny hike to Balconies Cave also leads to towering rock formations: Machete Ridge and the Balconies Cliffs. Begin at the Chalone trailhead parking area. Flashlight required in cave.

South Wilderness Trail
6.5 miles round trip, 3 to 4 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
Follow this unmaintained trail to the park boundary, or simply meander through the magnificent grove of valley oaks. Begin at the Bench Trail or the campground and turn at South Wilderness marker. (See large map at lower left.)

West Side Trails

Balconies Cliffs–Balconies Cave Loop
2.4 mile loop, 1 to 11.2 hours
elevation gain: 100 feet
Easy to Moderate
This trail through Balconies Cave may require a bit of scrambling through talus passages. Wading may be required in winter. Flashlight required in cave.

Juniper Canyon Loop
4.3 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours
elevation gain: 1,215 feet
Strenuous
This steep trail climbs along switchbacks to the heart of the High Peaks. At the top, circle through the rock formations along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail and the Tunnel Trail.

North Wilderness Trail Loop
9.7 mile loop, 5 to 8 hours
elevation gain: 1,020 feet
Strenuous
This unmaintained trail climbs along ridgetops and then descends into the Chalone Creek bed, where it is marked by rock cairns. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails.

High Peaks–Balconies Cave Loop
8.4 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,540 feet
Strenuous
Begin by climbing into the High Peaks, and the rest of the loop is downhill or flat. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails, going over or through the cave. Flashlight required in cave.

Pinnacles National Monument offers a variety of climbing routes that range from easy topropes to the multi-pitch climbs along Machete Ridge.

If you've never climbed at Pinnacles and you're planning a trip. please take some time to read our safety advisory and general faq. If you'll be coming during January - July, please take a look at our raptor advisories to ensure that you avoid sensitive areas.

Enjoy a safe trip!