1 m away
Balconies Cave and Cliffs Loop
A main attraction of Pinnacles National Park is the Balconies Cave––a cool passageway beneath giant boulders jumbled in a deep canyon.
Moderate Hiking
- Distance
- 4.2 km
- Ascent
- 108 m
- Descent
- 108 m
This lollipop loop provides a little-hiked and quite technical approach to the High Peaks in Pinnacles National Park.
Hiking Severe
This lollipop loop provides a little-hiked and quite-technical approach to the High Peaks Trail in Pinnacles National Park.
The route begins from the western side of the High Peaks by following the Juniper Canyon Trail. The singletrack starts off mellow, then climbs steeply up a series of switchbacks toward the High Peaks Trail. Take a right at the Y junction to follow the lollipop route as mapped, although technically, you can go either way. The upper section of the Juniper Canyon Trail traverses across a rocky mountainside before reaching the High Peaks Trail.
Once at the junction with the High Peaks Trail, turn left to hike the "Steep and Narrow" section. "This portion of the trail is where the real fun begins," writes Sonja Saxe on TheOutbound.com. "The trail snakes its way up and around the jagged pinnacles in a daring fashion: handrails and minuscule steps are put into place to help guide you up and down steep rocks faces."
After weaving around the rocks on the top of the ridge for 0.7 miles, you'll turn left onto the Tunnel Trail to descend back to the Juniper Canyon Trail. Take a right on Juniper Canyon to return to the parking lot where you began.
Severe
Hiking challenging trails where simple scrambling, with the occasional use of the hands, is a distinct possibility. The trails are often filled with all manner of obstacles both small and large, and the hills are very steep. Obstacles and challenges are often unexpected and can be unpredictable.
1 m away
A main attraction of Pinnacles National Park is the Balconies Cave––a cool passageway beneath giant boulders jumbled in a deep canyon.
Moderate Hiking
2.7 km away
Exciting trail along the jagged backbone of the Pinnacles, with steep stairs and drop-offs protected by metal rails.
Difficult Hiking
2.8 km away
The highest peak in Pinnacles National Park, rising to a height of 3,306 feet above sea level.
Difficult Hiking
2.8 km away
One of the most popular hikes in Pinnacles National Park
Moderate Hiking
5 routes · Hiking
63 routes · Alpine Climbing · Hiking