Embark on an exhilarating journey on the High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop in Pinnacles National Park! This hike takes you up to breathtaking granite spires, where the stunning views will leave you in awe. Picture vibrant wildflowers and lush oak groves as you make your way along the trail, and keep your eyes peeled for majestic California condors gliding overhead!
The adventure really kicks in when you enter Balconies Cave! The cool, mysterious atmosphere inside invites exploration of its fascinating rock formations and hidden nooks. As you make your way back to the trailhead, you’ll feel a rush of excitement! When’s the next trip?? This hike is perfect for all types of hikers and adventurers. It is an unforgettable experience waiting for you!
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Know Before You Go
Pinnacles National Park Entrance Fee
Entrance into Pinnacles National Park is $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. If you have the Annual Park Pass (America the Beautiful Pass) then you get in for free! If you don’t have an Annual Pass and you visit National Parks frequently, we highly recommend making the purchase. It costs $80 but totally worth it!
Best Time to Go
The best time to visit Pinnacles National Park is during the spring (March to May) and fall (September to November). In spring, you’ll enjoy mild temperatures, blooming wildflowers, and vibrant greenery, making the scenery even more stunning. Fall offers cooler weather and fewer crowds, perfect for hiking and exploring.
Summer can get very hot! If visiting in summer, make sure to start your hikes early in the morning. Also, bring lots of water and salty snacks to avoid dehydration and loss of electrolytes. Winter can bring cooler temperatures and even some rain, but it’s also a quieter time to enjoy the park’s beauty. Overall, spring and fall are ideal for comfortable hiking and enjoying all that Pinnacles has to offer!
Balconies Cave
Balconies Cave is known as a talus cave, and it was formed by ancient volcanic activity resulting in giant boulders falling down on each other. The cave features narrow passages and impressive rock formations that showcase the area’s unique geology.
Make sure to bring a flashlight or headlamp to navigate the darker sections, as well as sturdy shoes for the rocky terrain. Don’t forget to carry water and snacks to keep your energy up during your exploration!
Keep in mind that the cave can be subject to closures. Flooding, rockfalls, vandalism, sensitive bat populations, and other emergencies and events can cause the cave to close. Always check the park’s official website for the latest updates on accessibility and trail conditions before you go.
Leave No Trace
Before you go, please make sure you understand the Leave No Trace principles. These seven principles help reduce our environmental impact from outdoor recreational activities. Nature is meant to be enjoyed and respected. 🌱
- Plan ahead and prepare
- Travel and camp on durable surfaces
- Dispose of waste properly
- Leave what you find
- Minimize campfire impacts
- Respect wildlife
- Be considerate of others
About the Trail
High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop
Location: This hike is located in Pinnacles National Park in California.
Length & Elevation Gain: It’s about 8.5 miles with an elevation gain of 1,860 feet.
Hiking Time: It takes an average of 4 to 6 hours to complete this hike.
Route Type: This is a loop hike.
Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard depending on fitness level.
Terrain: This trail consists of hard dirt, steep rocky/stone steps, gravel/rocky, creek crossings, and through 2 cave sections with some easy rock scrambling.
Pet-friendly? No, pets are not allowed.
How to Get to the Trailhead
The trailhead to High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop is located at the Chaparral Trailhead / Parking Lot. This parking area has 43 parking spots available. It can get full quick so make sure to arrive early!
Put this address in Google Maps: Parking | Chaparral Trailhead, Parking lot, 2011 Chaparral Drive, Soledad, CA 93960
OR
Chaparral Picnic Area, Paicines, CA 95043
Chaparral Parking Lot full?? Never fear! There is another parking area about 0.5 miles down the road called Jawbone Parking Area which has 30 parking spots. There is a connector trail from the Jawbone Parking Lot to the Chaparral Parking Lot.
Trail Directions
High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop
Most people begin this hike from the Chaparral Parking Lot and go counterclockwise by hitting High Peaks first then finishing off with Balconies Cave.
Start by hiking along the Juniper Canyon Trail towards High Peaks by staying right at the first junction in the trail.
Follow the Juniper Canyon Trail. Be prepared for some switchbacks as you gain elevation!
At the next junction, stay straight to remain on the Juniper Canyon Trail.
The views along this portion of the hike are insane! Take your time, soak in the beauty, then tackle a few more switchbacks.
At the next junction take a left onto High Peaks Trail. There will be a sign warning you that this trail is “steep and narrow”, and they weren’t kidding!
Be careful with your footing, take your time, and eventually you will reach High Peaks! Take a break, eat a snack, and enjoy the views.
Onward! Continue hiking along the High Peaks Trail. Stay straight at the next two trail junctions.
Eventually you will reach the Old Pinnacles Trailhead parking area. Take a left to get onto the Bench Trail which will soon merge into the Old Pinnacles Trail.
Follow this trail until you reach the Balconies Cave Trail! Make sure to take a left at the trail junction to head towards the caves. The trail to the right is the Balconies Cliff Trail. You can absolutely include that trail into your hike and add in an extra small loop into the big loop!
For the purpose of this blog post, hop onto the Balconies Cave Trail and let’s head towards the caves! You will be going through two caves. Get your flashlights ready!
To find the entrance of the cave, follow the creek. The cave entrance has a gate, but it should be open. Always check if the Balconies Cave is open before hiking this trail!
This is the best part of the whole hike! The caves are not difficult to get through but does involve a bit of rock scrambling and the rocks may be wet and slippery. Just take your time and be careful!
Phew, you made it out of the caves!
At the next trail junction, continue straight onto the Balconies Trail until you reach the Chaparral Parking Lot. Congrats, you did it! 🥳
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