Last updated: August 1, 2024
Thing to Do
Rock Climbing the West Side of Pinnacles National Park
NPS Photo/Kurt Moses
The West side of Pinnacles provides popular rock climbing areas including The Balconies, Elephant Rock, Chockstone Dome, and Machete Ridge. Climbing routes are located near The Balconies trails and the High Peaks which are accessed from the Chaparral Parking Area. These areas offer a wide range of difficulties, but are recommended for experienced climbers. If you are learning to climb or want to expand your skills, a class or guide is recommended. When hiring a climbing guide, ensure they are permitted to work in the park.
The majority of routes here involve steep, bolt protected face climbing. The rock at Pinnacles is very weak compared to the granite and basalt of many climbing areas. Bolts are not maintained by the National Park Service. Use extreme caution, plan ahead, and practice good climber etiquette.
Disturbance caused by climbing near nesting birds and bats is strictly prohibited. A voluntary program of closures is in place to protect nesting prairie falcons and other raptors. Seasonal closures for nesting raptors affect many formations in the Park. Please check with park staff for current closures or the climbing information boards on both sides of the park. Climbing in these restricted areas can cause the death of young birds. PLEASE! Do not climb in these sensitive areas. (disturbing wildlife subject to citation, 36 CFR)
Please use existing climber access routes to minimize impact to park resources. Learn more about climbing, advisories, and closures on the park website. Additional information about climbing advisories can be found on Friends of Pinnacles, a nonprofit rock climbing organization dedicated to working with the National Park Service to preserve rock climbing and the environment at Pinnacles National Park and Mud 'N Crud. Guidebooks are available for purchase at the West Visitor Contact Station and Park Store. A handout of a modified version of climbing areas of A Climber's Guide to Pinnacles National Monument (2007) is available from the East Entrance Station and West Visitor Contact Station.
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.
The majority of routes here involve steep, bolt protected face climbing. The rock at Pinnacles is very weak compared to the granite and basalt of many climbing areas. Bolts are not maintained by the National Park Service. Use extreme caution, plan ahead, and practice good climber etiquette.
Disturbance caused by climbing near nesting birds and bats is strictly prohibited. A voluntary program of closures is in place to protect nesting prairie falcons and other raptors. Seasonal closures for nesting raptors affect many formations in the Park. Please check with park staff for current closures or the climbing information boards on both sides of the park. Climbing in these restricted areas can cause the death of young birds. PLEASE! Do not climb in these sensitive areas. (disturbing wildlife subject to citation, 36 CFR)
Please use existing climber access routes to minimize impact to park resources. Learn more about climbing, advisories, and closures on the park website. Additional information about climbing advisories can be found on Friends of Pinnacles, a nonprofit rock climbing organization dedicated to working with the National Park Service to preserve rock climbing and the environment at Pinnacles National Park and Mud 'N Crud. Guidebooks are available for purchase at the West Visitor Contact Station and Park Store. A handout of a modified version of climbing areas of A Climber's Guide to Pinnacles National Monument (2007) is available from the East Entrance Station and West Visitor Contact Station.
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
Activity
Rock Climbing
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian.
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
No additional fee to climb but there is a park entrance fee. Learn more about Fees and Passes.
Location
Chaparral Parking Area
Enter the west side of the park via HWY 101 or Metz Road to HWY146/Chaparral Road to Chaparrral Parking Area.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
If you'll be coming during January - July, please take a look at our raptor advisories to ensure that you avoid sensitive areas.
Time of Day
Day, Dawn
Accessibility Information
*Climbing routes are not wheelchair accessible.
*Service animals are permitted
*Access trails to climbing areas are marked with 4x4" post with a locking carabiner
*Recommended for experienced climbers
The rock here at Pinnacles is volcanic breccia. If you are used to granite, it is wise to take a cautious approach. If this is your first trip, you should lead well below your usual level to get used to the weak rock and often questionable or non-existent protection.
Here are a couple of helpful safety precautions to take:
- Tap potential holds hard with fingertips. If it sounds hollow, there is a good chance it will pull off in your hand.
- Keep in mind that many of the bolts at Pinnacles are old, damaged, or incorrectly installed. Inspect them carefully before trusting your life to them!
- Always use redundant systems.
- Wear a helmet! Particularly on the West Side where there are a lot of loose rocks, helmets can and have saved lives at Pinnacles.
- Be prepared. Carry a headlamp with extra batteries and bulbs, extra clothing and plenty of food and water. Morning, day and evening temperatures can change drastically.
- If you plan to rappel, make sure that your rope is long enough. Some routes require a 70 m (230 ft) long rope for rappelling.