Pinnacles National Park is one of California’s least visited national parks. That’s quite baffling considering its untamed beauty!
The charm of this volcanic gem lies in its jagged rocky peaks, after which it is named. It’s also known for its rare talus caves, canyons, soaring condos, and exceptional stargazing opportunities.
Pinnacles is a small park, meaning you don’t have to venture far to appreciate its splendor. However, some of its views are only awarded to those who explore it on their two feet. Here are the top 15 best hikes in Pinnacles National Park.
Key Takeaways
- Pinnacles National Park is divided into east and west sides, each with a different entrance. There are trails that traverse both sides of the park. But you can’t drive from one side to the other.
- Spring is the best time to visit Pinnacles National Park when the weather is cool, the falls are flowing, and wildflowers are in bloom.
- Two days are enough to experience the best hikes at Pinnacles National Park east and west.
- The most challenging hikes in Pinnacles National Park include Condor Gulch, High Peaks, Rim Trail Loop, and Juniper Canyon trails.
- Easy Pinnacles National Park trails include the Bench, Bear Gulch Cave, and Moses Spring trails.
KÜHL’s Top Pinnacles National Park Hikes
1. Condor Gulch Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Length: one mile to Condor Gulch viewpoint (one way)/5.3 miles loop
- Time: ~ one hour to the viewpoint and back/3-5 hours for the loop
- Difficulty level: moderate to strenuous
Let’s start with one of the most popular Pinnacles National Park hiking trails on the east side. The Condor Gulch Trail starts around the Bear Gulch Nature Center. It leads to the Condor Gulch viewpoint, about one mile away, with an elevation gain of 600 feet. For a longer hike, proceed past the viewpoint to connect with the High Peaks trail. The latter option offers better views of the Pinnacles and higher chances of spotting condors.
2. High Peaks Trail Loop
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: End of Chalone Creek Rd
- Length: 9.3 miles
- Time: ~ 4-5 hours
- Difficulty level: Challenging
The High Peaks trail gets you up close and personal with the pinnacles and other cool rock formations. It also offers higher chances of spotting California condors perched or in flight—no wonder it’s typically regarded as the most beautiful Pinnacles hike. The High Peaks Trail is 5.3 miles long. However, most people do it as a 9.3-mile loop comprising the High Peaks Trail itself, the Sycamore Trail, the Bear Gulch Trail, and the Bench trail. The High Peaks loop starts at a parking spot near the end of Chalone Creek Road.
3. Bear Gulch Cave Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Moses Spring Trailhead
- Length: 1.5 miles
- Time: ~ 1 hour
- Difficulty level: Easy
If you’re visiting Pinnacles National Park with kids and want an easy hike, the Bear Gulch Trail won’t disappoint. This is a short and easy hike on the east of the park. It leads to a must-see talus cave and a man-made reservoir, as well as incredible views throughout the way. We recommend parking at the Moses Spring Parking Area if you can snag a spot or the Bear Gulch Nature Center.
4. Balconies Cave Trail
- Location: West side
- Trailhead: Chaparral Picnic Area
- Length: 2.4 miles (round trip)
- Time: ~ 2 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The Balconies Cave Trail is a 2.4-mile (round trip) hike on the west side of Pinnacles National Park. You can also hike to this system of talus caves from the east side by following the Old Pinnacle Trail. Hiking this trail is more challenging than the Bear Gulch Trail. But the views of the peaks, surrounding rock formations, and inside the caves make it totally worth the effort. Plus, there’s a large parking area that rarely fills up. The parking for the Balconies Cave Trail is at the Chaparral Picnic Area.
5. Rim Trail Loop
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Chaparral Picnic Area
- Length: 2 miles (round trip)
- Time: ~ 1 hour
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The Rim Trail Loop comprises sections of the Moses Spring Trail, the Rim Trail, and the High Peaks Trail. This is a great, family-friendly Pinnacle hiking trail for exploring talus caves and various rock formations and getting to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. You can also plan your route to explore the Bear Gulch Caves. Parking for the Rim Trail Loop is at the Moses Spring Parking Area or Bear Gulch Nature Center. The Rim Trail Loop is about two miles long and takes about an hour to complete.
6. Chalone Peak Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Length: 8 miles
- Time: ~ 5 hours
- Difficulty level: Challenging
If you’re looking for challenging Pinnacles hikes, add the Chalone Peak Trail to the list. This ever-climbing trail starts at the Bear Gulch Reservoir and leads to the highest peak in Pinnacles National Park. The Chalone Peak Trail is about 8 miles (round trip) and has an elevation gain of 2200 feet. Parking for this trail is at the Bear Gulch Nature Center.
7. Moses Spring Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Bear Gulch Nature Center
- Length: 2 miles (out and back)
- Time: ~ 1 hour
- Difficulty level: Easy to moderate
This is another addition to your Pinnacles National Park hikes for families. Rated easy to moderate, the Moses Spring Trail starts at the Bear Gulch Nature Center and leads through Bear Gulch Cave before ending at the Bear Gulch Reservoir. The one-mile hiking trail (one way) is mostly shaded, and the cool cave offers a welcome respite from the hot temperatures outside.
8. Old Pinnacles Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: End of Highway 146
- Length: 9.3 miles
- Time: ~ 4-4.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The Old Pinnacles Trail is a moderate trail that starts at the end of Highway 146 (Chalone Creek Rd) on the east side. It joins the Balconies Cave Trail on the west side. Balconies Cave is roughly one mile from where the Old Pinnacles Trail and the Balconies Cave Trail meet. Be sure to check it out if you haven’t.
Hiking the 9.3-mile Old Pinnacle Trail takes 4 to 4.5 hours. Although it’s rated moderately challenging, the Old Pinnacles Trail is fairly flat, meaning it’s doable by most outdoor lovers.
9. South Wilderness Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: End of Highway 146
- Length: 9.3 miles
- Time: ~ 4-4.5 hours
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The South Wilderness Trail is one of Pinnacles National Park best hikes for hikers who enjoy exploring the unbeaten paths. The unmaintained trail that follows a seasonal creek, sometimes crossing it. To hike the South Wilderness Trail, enter the park via the eastern entrance and park at the Pinnacles Campground Parking Lot. Follow the Bench Trail for about 0.5 miles to the South Wilderness Trail. The South Wilderness Trail is five miles long and takes about an hour to hike.
10. North Wilderness Trail
- Location: West side
- Trailhead: Chaparral Trailhead Parking
- Length: 6.7 miles (one way)
- Time: ~ 3-4 hours
- Difficulty level: Challenging
The North Wilderness Trail is another excellent alternative for hikers who value solitude. This unmaintained hike starts at the Chaparral Trailhead Parking area in Pinnacles East. It covers 6.7 miles across the wilderness before intersecting with the Old Pinnacles Trail at the junction of Chalone Creek’s North and West Forks. At the trail's end, you can turn back the way you came or make a loop by taking the Old Pinnacles Trail and Balconies Cave Trail back to the Chaparral Trailhead Parking area.
11. Bench Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: Pinnacles Campground
- Length: 2.3 miles
- Time: ~ 1-2 hours
- Difficulty level: Easy
Starting at the Pinnacles Campground area, the Bench Trail is an easy hike to the start of High Peaks and Old Pinnacles trails. This mostly flat trail is a charming way of approaching the Bear Gulch with its stunning views of the high peaks. The Bench Trail is 2.3 miles long (one way) and takes 1-2 hours to complete.
12. Juniper Canyon Trail
- Location: West side
- Trailhead: Chaparral Trailhead Parking Area
- Length: 4.3 miles
- Time: ~ 2.5-3 hours
- Difficulty level: Challenging
The Juniper Canyon Trail starts at the Chaparral Trailhead Parking area on the west side. It follows a seasonal creek into a partly shaded canyon before zigzagging its way up the sun-kissed High Peaks of Pinnacles National Park. After a short break at the Trail Junction Restroom area, you can either turn back or make it a 4.3-mile loop by turning left on the High Peaks Trail, followed by another left on the Tunnel Trail. The strenuous loop hike has an elevation gain of 1200 ft.
13. Prewett Point Trail
- Location: West side
- Trailhead: West Pinnacles Visitor Center
- Length: 1.02 miles
- Time: ~ 30-60 minutes
- Difficulty level: Easy
This will probably be your best hike in Pinnacles National Park West if you don’t like crowded trails. Hiking the one-mile Prewett Point Trail, you’ll be treated to panoramic views of the Hain Wilderness, High Peaks, and Balconies Cliffs. The Prewett Point trailhead is at the West Pinnacles Visitor Center.
14. Jawbone Trail
- Location: West side
- Trailhead: West Pinnacles Visitor Center
- Length: 2.4 miles (out and back)
- Time: ~ 0.5-1 hour
- Difficulty level: Moderate
Next up is one of the newest trails in Pinnacles National Park. The Jawbone Trail is a 1.2-mile (one-way) hike that connects the West Pinnacle Visitor area to the Chaparral Parking Area. The trailhead for the Jawbone Trail is along the Prewett Point Trail. Where the Prewett Point Trail makes a Y junction, keep right. Follow the sign to descend onto Jawbone Trail at about 0.1 miles.
15. Blue Oak Trail
- Location: East side
- Trailhead: End of Chalone Creek Rd
- Length: 5.1 miles (out and back)
- Time: ~ 0.5-1 hour
- Difficulty level: Moderate
The Blue Oak Trail is a section of the High Peaks Trail. It starts around Chalone Creek Rd in Pinnacles East and ends where the Condor Gulch Trail intersects with the High Peaks Trail. The trail is 5.1 miles long (out and back) and climbs up to 2595 feet at its highest point. If you have the time, you can do a loop incorporating the Condor Gulch Trail, Bear Gulch Trail, and Bench Trail back to the parking area.
What to Bring on Your Pinnacles National Park Hikes
Clothing
A Pinnacles National Park backpacking checklist starts with comfortable clothing. For spring and fall visits, pack lightweight t-shirts and shorts to keep you cool in the hot desert weather. Don’t forget to include at least one pair of long pants and a long-sleeve shirt for warmth at night. You’ll love the fleece jackets in KÜHL women’s hiking clothing and men’s outdoor wear.
Grippy hiking shoes
Some hikes in Pinnacles National Park go over slick and uneven terrain. You’ll also be hopping over rocks, climbing steep stairs, and squeezing through tight corridors. Bring hiking shoes with more grip to stay sure-footed.
Hiking poles
A hiking pole or stick will come in handy when hiking trails have many ups and downs.
Water and food
Most Pinnacles National Park hikes don’t have much shade. We recommend bringing plenty of water to help you stay hydrated regardless of when you visit. For hiking food, choose non-perishable food items that are lightweight but energy-dense.
Sun protection
Your Pinnacles National Park camping checklist should include measures to protect your skin from the sun. Pack UPF clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunglasses to protect your head, neck, and eyes from harsh UV rays.
Bring a bottle of sunscreen (SPF 15 or higher), and remember to lather up at least every two hours during long hikes. Lastly, carry SPF lip balm to protect your lips from chapping and getting burned during hikes.
Electronics
You’ll need a small flashlight or headlamp for entering the caves. A pair of binoculars will be handy in spotting wildlife and soaring California condors.
First aid kit
A basic first aid kit will help you respond to minor injuries and illnesses when camping or backpacking Pinnacles National Park. Use this first aid checklist to create a customized kit at home.
Tips for Hiking in Pinnacles National Park
Research accommodation options
Pinnacles National Park has only one campground located on the east side near the visitor center. Pinnacles Campground offers various accommodation options, including RV, tent, and group sites. Dispersed camping is not allowed anywhere inside the park. Soledad is the best place to stay if you’re interested in Pinnacles National Park West.
Reserve a site if possible
Pinnacles Campground does not offer walk-up or first-come, first-served sites. All campsites must be booked in advance. You can reserve an individual or RV site up to six months in advance. Group sites are available for booking up to 12 months in advance.
Beware of raccoons
Pinnacles National Park has some of the cleverest and most brazen raccoons we’ve come across. Always store your food in the bear box, and never leave your car windows open.
Bring plenty of water
Most Pinnacles National Park hikes don’t have much shade. We recommend bringing plenty of water to help you stay hydrated regardless of when you visit. For hiking food, choose non-perishable food items that are lightweight but energy-dense.
Arrive early
There are currently no shuttle services in Pinnacles National Park, so parking lots tend to fill up fast. The fact that roadside parking is not allowed does not help. We recommend arriving by 8 AM if you want to secure parking in high-traffic areas like High Peaks and Condor Gulch trails.
Final Thoughts
If you’re visiting California and want to visit a stunning but uncrowded national park, Pinnacles is calling. This volcanic wilderness may be one of California’s youngest and smallest national parks. But in terms of ecological diversity, Pinnacles National Park packs a serious punch, just like Yosemite, Death Valley, and Sequoia National Parks.
Featured image by: Hanyun.
