Walking & Hiking

Trails

Pinnacles National Monument has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, and you can plan a short loop or a longer all-day trip. Popular destinations are Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks, and the Balconies area.

Trails from Pinnacles Campground 

Pinnacles Visitor Center to Bear Gulch Day Use Area
2.7 miles one way - Moderate
elevation gain: 300 feet
Walk along Chalone and Bear creeks from the visitor center to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Portions of the Bench Trail are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

South Wilderness Trail
1 mile to junction and up to 3 miles one way– Easy to moderate
No elevation gain
This level trail is a good choice for hikers who are looking to get away from the park’s more popular trails. You can hike to the park boundary, or simply meander through the grove of valley oaks. This trail is and excellent choice for bird and other wildlife viewing.

Pinnacles Visitor Center to Balconies Cave
4.3 miles one way - moderate
elevation gain: 300 feet
Walk 2.3 miles along the flat and easy Bench Trail to the Old Pinnacles Trail junction, and after the trails merge, it is another two miles to Balconies Cave. Flashlights are required in the cave, and be prepared to scramble through talus passages. On the way back, double back over the cave on theBalconiesCliffsTrailfor views of the largest rock formations in the park.

Trails from Bear Gulch Day Use Area

Moses Spring–Rim Trail Loop
2.2 mile loop, 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 500 feet
Moderate
This loop is a good choice for rock formations, talus caves, and the reservoir on a short hike and also a good choice for children. Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally. Flashlight required in cave.

Condor Gulch–High Peaks Loop
5.3 mile loop, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Strenuous
Walk through the heart of the Pinnacles rock formations, particularly along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail. Add the Rim and Moses Spring trails to extend the loop to 6.1 miles.

High Peaks–Bear Gulch Loop
6.7 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,425 feet
Strenuous
Climb into the High Peaks and descend along the ridge through meadows of grasses and, in spring, wildflowers. Return to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area under the shade of sycamores along the Bear Gulch Trail.

Bench Trail–Bear Gulch Trail
2.3 miles one way, 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 300 feet
Moderate
Walk along Chalone and Bear creeks from the campground to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Portions of the Bench Trail are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.

Condor Gulch Trail
1.7 miles one way, 1 to 11⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Moderate to Overlook, strenuous beyond
This trail offers spectacular views of the High Peaks, whether you hike just a few minutes or the entire trail. The Overlook is one mile up. Ask about a geology trail guide.

Chalone Peak Trail
8.6 miles round trip, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 2,040 feet
Strenuous
Climb to the highest point in the park, North Chalone Peak, and b rewarded with views of the surrounding valleys. Continue on an unmaintained trail to South Chalone Peak for a longer hike.

Trails from Old Pinnacles Trailhead

Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
8.7 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
This sunny hike to Balconies Cave also leads to towering rock formations: Machete Ridge and the Balconies Cliffs. Begin at the Chalone trailhead parking area. Flashlight required in cave.

South Wilderness Trail
6.5 miles round trip, 3 to 4 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
Follow this unmaintained trail to the park boundary, or simply meander through the magnificent grove of valley oaks. Begin at the Bench Trail or the campground and turn at South Wilderness marker.

Trails from Chaparral Parking Area (west entrance)

Balconies Cliffs–Balconies Cave Loop
2.4 mile loop, 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 100 feet
Easy to Moderate
This trail through Balconies Cave may require a bit of scrambling through talus passages. Wading may be required in winter. Flashlight required in cave.

Juniper Canyon Loop
4.3 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours
elevation gain: 1,215 feet
Strenuous
This steep trail climbs along switchbacks to the heart of the High Peaks. At the top, circle through the rock formations along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail and the Tunnel Trail.

North Wilderness Trail Loop
9.7 mile loop, 5 to 8 hours
elevation gain: 1,020 feet
Strenuous
This unmaintained trail climbs along ridgetops and then descends into the Chalone Creek bed, where it is marked by rock cairns. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails.

High Peaks–Balconies Cave Loop
8.4 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,540 feet
Strenuous
Begin by climbing into the High Peaks, and the rest of the loop is downhill or flat. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails, going over or through the cave. Flashlight required in cave.

Climber's Advisory

The Routes
The majority of routes here involve steep, bolt protected face climbing. Generally, climbs below 5.10 are "run-out" and relatively poorly protected. It is not uncommon for climbers who lead 5.9 routes in other areas to find 5.6 routes at Pinnacles unacceptably dangerous due to brittle rock and poor pro.

In general, rock is more solid on the East Side than the West Side where the monument's longest routes are found. Get to know the rock before you push your luck on a hard route. If you normally lead 5.10+, try 5.6 or 5.7's for your first climbs here. Anticipate that climbs will take much longer than expected and test holds and bolts before you trust them. You can tap a hold hard with your fingertips and if it sounds hollow it is more likely to fail.

Placing pro
The rock at Pinnacles is very weak compared to the granite and basalt of many climbing areas. Protection placements that would hold a fall on more sturdy rock may fail at Pinnacles. Think hard when you place pro: your life may depend on it.

Bolting
Bolts are not maintained by the National Park Service!

1. Bolts do not improve with age; they get weaker and more prone to failure.

2. Pinnacles rock is relatively weak, so even new bolts may fail. DO NOT assume any bolt is bomber pro. If it looks bad, it probably is bad.

3. Older routes may be equipped with "hardware store bolts" such as 1/4" compression bolts or 3/8" Star Dryvin expansion bolts. These should be considered extremely suspect and never completely trusted. Old or damaged bolts may be replaced, but only by hand as power drills are not allowed. If done, use at least 3/8"x 3 1/2" five piece Rawl expansion bolts or another bolt specifically made for climbing. Please paint the hanger to match the rock. This process requires experience and knowledge. Read up on the subject and get help from experienced bolters before you try it for the first time.

4. By longstanding tradition, the first ascent ethic at Pinnacles is "ground up". Rappel placed bolts are not part of the Pinnacles first ascent ethic.

The National Park Service assumes no responsibility for maintaining or monitoring the condition of bolts and/or anchor stations.

Rock Fall
Natural and climber-caused rock fall is extremely common at Pinnacles. Remember to yell "Rock" when you knock a piece off. Wearing a helmet while climbing could greatly increase your life span. Also, please avoid climbing over hiking trails where rock fall or dropped gear could hit hikers.

Rescue and Emergency Contacts
If someone is injured, stranded on a route, or there is a law enforcement emergency, contact a ranger. If there is not a Ranger at the Station, use the pay phone and dial 911 for assistance. Do not go beyond your abilities and always allow yourself enough time, before darkness is imminent. Be Prepared. Here are some hints:

Use a helmet!
Know the route, carry a guidebook.
Know and practice self-rescue techniques.
Carry extra food, water and clothing.
Carry two ropes on a multi-pitch climb.
Carry a headlamp, spare batteries and bulbs.
Carry a first-aid kit and know how to use it.
Use redundant anchor systems.

Individual climbers assume responsibility for their own actions and decisions resulting from participation in the inherently hazardous sport of rock climbing.

Disturbance of Wildlife
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 Monument. Please check with park staff for current closures at the Visitors Center 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. (violators subject to citation, 36 CFR)

Erosion
Short cutting established hiking and climber access trails causes erosion, kills plants, and is strictly prohibited. Look for the sign of the locking carabiner mounted on 4x4" posts. This sign marks many of the designated climber access trails.

Damage to Scenery
Climbers today are learning to minimize their impact on park resources by using camouflaged bolts, using dark colored slings to blend with surrounding rock and using chalk balls or other alternatives to eliminate damaging chalk accumulation. Please use the least intrusive means possible to improve the park for all visitors. Also, keep in mind that chipping or chiseling holds or destroying plant life by scrubbing moss/removing vegetation from a route are PROHIBITED activities.

For additional information, refer to "Climber's Guide to Pinnacles National Monument", available in the Bear Gulch Visitor Center or Chaparral Ranger Station.

Enjoy your Pinnacles climbing experience!

For More Information
Frequently Asked Questions about Climbing at Pinnacles
Raptor Advisory Information

Related Links
Friends of PinnaclesA nonprofit rock climbing organization dedicated to working with the National Park Service to preserve rock climbing and the environment at Pinnacles National Monument.
Clint Cummins' Pinnacles Climbing Pages
A current list of new routes, rebolting work, and other notes or route info which is not yet in the guidebook.

Climbing FAQ

What regulations apply to climbing at Pinnacles?
1. Climbing is not allowed on routes where rock fall or dropped gear might injure people using established hiking trails. This ban includes but is not limited to routes 58 through 68 and 339a (as numbered in the Climber's Guide). This does not apply to routes above climber access or social trails.

2. No power drills may be used for bolting. By longstanding tradition, the first ascent ethic at Pinnacles is "ground up". Rappel placed bolts are not part of the Pinnacles first ascent ethic.

3. Some formations may be closed from January through July in order to protect nesting falcons and eagles. Check with a Ranger for information on specific routes or check the climbing information boards at the East and West trailheads. While the closures are voluntary, climbers or hikers who disturb nesting birds or other wildlife will be fined.
4. We highly recommend use of brown or gray webbing for anchors to reduce the scenic damage caused by webbing left behind on climbs. Also, the use of "chalk balls" instead of loose chalk is recommended to minimize the amount of chalk left on hand holds.

What is the rock like?
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.

Where are the closest places to climb?
On the Bear Gulch Side, the closest climbs are at Tourist Trap and Discovery Wall. These areas are 10 and 15 minutes up the trail respectively. Access trails to these areas are marked with 4x4" post with a locking carabiner.

On the Chaparral Side, the closest climbs are routes in the area of Passion Play and Game Show. They are approximately 15 minutes along the Balconies Trail from the Chaparral parking lot.

Where are some easier and intermediate routes?
Remember, any route at Pinnacles is dangerous and challenging due to the inherently weak rock and poor protection. On the Bear Gulch Side, some of the more popular easy/intermediate climbs are routes on First Sister (5.4 and 5.5), Portent on Discovery Wall, Ordeal (5.8) and Wet Kiss (5.9), also on Discovery Wall. On the Chaparral Side, Chockstone Dome has popular climbs in the 5.3 - 5.8 range, Destiny (5.8) on Machete Ridge. There are also Tilting Terrace (5.8) and Bits 'n Pieces (5.9) on the Flumes Formation. In the High Peaks, you can find Unmentionable (5.7), Pipsqueak Pinnacle (5.5), Photographer's Delight (5.2), South Finger (5.5), 5.2 and 5.6 routes on the Sponge, and Burgundy Dome (5.7).

Please remember that although many of these routes have ratings that show that they are easy or intermediate, that doesn't necessarily mean that they are the safest. Some of these routes can be run out or have aging bolts. Please use your best judgement when selecting a route.

Where can I do some top-roping?
There are only a few areas on the East Side where top-rope systems can be set. These are Top Rope Wall for routes in the 5.4 - 5.9 range, Back Door for routes in the 5.9 - 5.12 range, and on Upper Crust for routes in the 5.8 - 5.12 range. Most other formations require someone to lead first.

More detailed information about top-roping at Pinnacles is available from Friends of Pinnacles.

Where can I go bouldering?
There are very few bouldering opportunities at Pinnacles. You can check out Bouldering Rock on the West Side or the base of the rocks at Long's Folly in the High Peaks. Always keep your safety and the safety of those around you in mind. If you will be soloing or even climbing in a small group, sign in on the climbing registers listing your climbing destinations for the day. There are registers at the Moses Springs trailhead (east side) and the Balconies trailhead (west side). In this way, Rangers will be better able to assist in the event of an emergency.

For More Information:
NPS Climber's Safety Advisory
NPS Raptor Advisory Information

Related Links:
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 Monument.
Clint Cummins' Pinnacles Climbing Pages
A current list of new routes, rebolting work, and other notes or route info which is not yet in the guidebook.