Hiking
Hiking is by far the park's most popular activity, and the only way to get between its east and west sides, as no roads traverse the Pinnacles. There are some 30 miles of trails, most of them starting from the west side's Chaparral Parking Area and the east side's Bear Gulch Day Use Area. The best hikes across the park are either the flat and easy 3-mile Old Pinnacles Trail or by climbing up and through the High Peaks, which can entail anything from a 5- to 8-mile trek and some serious elevation gains. In summer when it can get very hot in the park, try to tackle the steeper, more arduous trails in the morning or early evening.
Flashlights are required in the Bear Gulch and Balconies cave systems—you won't be able to get through the caves without one. Penlights won't do the job; the best choice is a hands-free, head-mounted light. Also, although the hikes to the caves themselves are easy and short, getting through the caves requires much scrambling, ducking, climbing, and squeezing. Make sure you have suitable, closed-toe shoes.
Easy
Balconies Cliffs–Cave Loop. Grab your flashlight before heading out from the Chaparral Trailhead parking lot for this 2.4-mile loop that takes you through the Balconies Caves. This trail is especially beautiful in spring, when wildflowers carpet the canyon floor. About 0.6 mile from the start of the trail, turn left to begin ascending the Balconies Cliffs Trail, where you'll be rewarded with close-up views of Machete Ridge and other steep, vertical formations; you may run across rock climbers testing their skills before rounding the loop and descending back through the cave. Easy–Moderate. Pinnacles National Park, California.
Bear Gulch Cave–Moses Spring–Rim Trail Loop. Perhaps the most popular hike at Pinnacles, this relatively short (2.2-mile) loop trail is fun for kids and adults. It leads to the Bear Gulch cave system, and if your timing is right, you'll pass by several seasonal waterfalls inside the caves (flashlights are required). If it's been raining, check with a ranger, as the caves can flood. The upper side of the cave is usually closed in spring and early summer to protect the Townsend's big-ear bats and their pups. Easy. California.
Moderate
Condor Gulch Trail. The trailhead starts at the Bear Gulch Day Use area, and it's a short but somewhat strenuous 1-mile hike uphill to the Condor Gulch Overlook, where you can get a good view of the High Peaks above. You can turn back the same way you came, or continue another 0.7 mile up to the High Peaks Trail (a total elevation gain of 1,100 feet)—and extend your hike by following it in either direction. If you're feeling ambitious, continue into the park's west side, to the Balconies Cliffs Trail, returning back via the level Old Pinnacles Trail. Moderate–Difficult. Pinnacles National Park, California.
Pinnacles Visitor Center to Bear Gulch Day Use Area. This 4.6-mile round-trip hike (allow about three hours) follows the Chalone and Bear creeks first along the level Bench Trail for about 1½ miles, where it meets up with the Sycamore Trail, which ascends gradually through a tree-shaded ravine on its way to Bear Gulch. Purchase an interpretive map at the visitor center and keep your eyes open for signs pointing out where you might be able to spot the rare red-legged frog or the native three-spined stickleback fish. Moderate. Pinnacles National Park, California.
Pinnacles Visitor Center to South Wilderness Trail. This 6½-mile round-trip hike with no elevation gain is an easy if somewhat long stroll, first on the Bench Trail and then alongside the Chalone River to the park's southeastern boundary. A favorite of wildlife-watching enthusiasts, it's a lovely trail for listening to birds sing along the creek, and it leads through magnificent groves of valley oaks. Easy–Moderate. Pinnacles National Park, California.
Difficult
Chalone Peak Trail. If you choose this strenuous 9-mile round-trip hike (2,040 feet of elevation gain), you'll be rewarded with views of the surrounding valleys from the highest point in the park at 3,304 feet, North Chalone Peak (where there are pit toilets). If you want to extend the hike, proceed south along the unmaintained portion of the trail for 1.6 miles to South Chalone Peak (3,269 feet). Difficult. Pinnacles National Park, California.
Juniper Canyon Loop. This steep 4.3-mile loop climbs into the heart of the dramatic High Peaks with a 1,215-foot elevation gain. Summer temps can soar, so bring plenty of water. From the trailhead follow the switchbacks up for 1.2 miles, where the trail veers right; stop at Scout Peak, where you'll find restrooms and fantastic views in all directions—keep an eye out for the occasional California condor in flight. Follow the High Peaks Trail north through a steep and narrow section, where you hug the side of rock faces until reaching a short, nearly vertical staircase that has a railing to help you up. Then pick up the Tunnel Trail to complete your loop back to the trailhead via the Juniper Canyon Trail. Difficult. Pinnacles National Park, California.
