Photo: Clyde Charles Brown, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
Pinnacles is what's left of an ancient volcano that the San Andreas Fault carried nearly 200 miles north. Rock spires, talus caves you squeeze through with a flashlight, and California condors riding the thermals overhead make it a great one-day trip from the Bay Area or the Central Coast. Spring is the season, with wildflowers and green hills. Summer highs often pass 100°F, so start at dawn. The east and west sides don't connect by road, so pick a side, or hike over the High Peaks between them.
TRAILS
1 OF 5
Condor Gulch and High Peaks Loop
Difficulty
Hard
Length
5.3 mi loop
Elevation gain
1,300 ft
East side · Bear Gulch Day Use Area — The best hike in the park. Condor Gulch climbs past an overlook to the High Peaks, where a narrow section with steps carved into the rock and metal handrails threads between the spires. This is the best place to spot California condors, so bring binoculars. There is little shade, so start early.
⚠︎ Hot and exposed in summer. The Steep and Narrow section is not for anyone uneasy with heights.
Photo: Clyde Charles Brown, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
2 OF 5
Bear Gulch Cave and Reservoir
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.2 mi loop
Elevation gain
500 ft
East side · Moses Spring trailhead — Duck and squeeze through a talus cave formed by boulders wedged into a narrow gorge, then climb out to a small reservoir ringed by rock towers. Come back on the Rim Trail for views down the gulch. You will need a flashlight or headlamp in the cave, and expect to get your feet wet after rain.
⚠︎ The cave closes at times to protect a bat colony or after heavy rain. Check cave status first.
Photo: Ken Lund from Reno, Nevada, USA, CC BY-SA 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
3 OF 5
Balconies Cave Loop
Difficulty
Moderate
Length
2.4 mi loop
Elevation gain
100 ft
West side · Chaparral trailhead — Walk under the towering Machete Ridge cliffs, then scramble through a dark boulder cave and come out to views of the Balconies rock walls. The low, rocky passages make it feel like an adventure for kids. From the east side, reach it on the flat Old Pinnacles Trail instead, about 5.3 miles round trip. Bring a light for every person.
⚠︎ The cave can flood or close in winter. Check cave status before you go.
Photo: Joyce Cory on Flickr as docentjoyce, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
4 OF 5
Juniper Canyon Loop
Difficulty
Hard
Length
4.3 mi loop
Elevation gain
1,200 ft
West side · Chaparral trailhead — The quickest way to the High Peaks from the west side. Juniper Canyon climbs steeply to the ridge, where you can walk among the spires and the Steep and Narrow section before looping back down the Tunnel Trail. Afternoon light on the west face is beautiful. It is short but steep, so take breaks.
Photo: Eugene Zelenko, CC BY-SA 4.0, Wikimedia Commons
5 OF 5
North Chalone Peak
Difficulty
Hard
Length
9 mi
Elevation gain
2,000 ft
East side · Bear Gulch Day Use Area — Climb past Bear Gulch Reservoir to the highest point in the park, with views from the Salinas Valley to Monterey Bay on clear days. The crowds fall away fast after the reservoir. Much of the trail is exposed chaparral, so it is best in spring or on a cool fall morning. Carry all the water you need.
Photo: Miguel Vieira, CC BY 2.0, Wikimedia Commons
Plan your Pinnacles trip
The Nova Bound app builds the whole trip around these trails: where to stay, where to charge, and what to see each day. Coming soon to the App Store.
Distances are round trip unless noted, from NPS.gov and rounded. Trails, permits and road openings change; always check nps.gov before you go. Trail write-ups by Nova Bound.