Last updated: August 5, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop
NPS Photo/ Kelsey Frusetta
Strenuous hike to and through High Peaks. Begin west up towards High Peaks for excellent views, return on Old Pinnacles and the Balconies trails, in or around the cave.
*Access from the East Side, take Blue Oak to High Peaks retuning in or around cave to Old Pinnacles Trail.
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
*Access from the East Side, take Blue Oak to High Peaks retuning in or around cave to Old Pinnacles Trail.
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
Details
Duration
4-5 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian
Recommend ages 10 and older
Recommend ages 10 and older
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
No additional fee to hike but there is a park entrance fee. Learn more about Fees and Passes.
Location
Chaparral Parking Area
Start on the west side of the park from HWY 146/Chaparral Road to Chaparral Parking Area. Begin ascent on Juniper Canyon, returning on Balconies Trail.
From the east enter the park via CA-25 to Pinnacles East Entrance Road. Begin ascent along Blue Oak Trail to High Peaks returing in or around the Balconies Cave and Old Pinnacles Trail.
From the east enter the park via CA-25 to Pinnacles East Entrance Road. Begin ascent along Blue Oak Trail to High Peaks returing in or around the Balconies Cave and Old Pinnacles Trail.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. There is no shade on trail. Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, a hat, and sunscreen.
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Difficulty: Strenuous
Distance: Approx. 8.4 mile loop
Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet
Maximum grade: 1,540 feet
Surface Composition: dirt, rock, sand
Exposure: Mostly no shade, limited shade on Old Pinnacles Trail
In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Flashlight required in the cave; Watch for low ceilings, slippery rocks, and uneven footing. Wading may be necessary in the winter when precipitation creates; Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding.
*Service animals permitted
Distance: Approx. 8.4 mile loop
Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet
Maximum grade: 1,540 feet
Surface Composition: dirt, rock, sand
Exposure: Mostly no shade, limited shade on Old Pinnacles Trail
In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day.
Flashlight required in the cave; Watch for low ceilings, slippery rocks, and uneven footing. Wading may be necessary in the winter when precipitation creates; Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding.
*Service animals permitted