High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop: Overview

Length: 8.5 miles

Elevation Gain: 1,860 feet

Hiking Time: 4 to 6 hours

Route Type: Loop

Difficulty Rating: Moderate to hard

Pet-friendly? No

Hike Features: Unique rock formations, High Peaks (stunning views), and Balconies Cave

Pinnacles Entrance Fee

Entrance to Pinnacles National Park costs $30 per vehicle for a 7-day pass. However, if you have the America the Beautiful Annual Pass, your entry is free! For those who love exploring national parks, investing in the Annual Pass is a smart choice. At just $80, it grants you access to over 2,000 federal recreation sites across the country!

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.

Directions and Parking

High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop can be started from two trailheads: one located on the park’s east side and the other on the west side.

⚠️ Keep in mind, there is no road connecting the East and West entrances of Pinnacles National Park. The quickest way to travel between them is via Highway 101 through King City, a drive of approximately 57 miles that takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes.

When my husband and I hiked the High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop in 2023, we entered through the west entrance and parked on that side, as we were traveling from Monterey. Your choice of entrance will depend on where you’re coming from and which areas of Pinnacles National Park you plan to explore.

Chaparral Trailhead (West Entrance): Located on the west side of the park, accessible via Highway 146.

• This parking area has 43 parking spots available (and 1 spot for ADA). It can get full quick so make sure to arrive early!
• It is the closest parking for popular hikes such as the Balconies Cave Loop and Juniper Canyon Trail Loop.
• Amenities include restrooms, picnic tables, water bottle-filling station, trash/litter receptacles, and bicycle rack. Pets are allowed in the parking lot.
• If this parking lot is full, 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.

✨ READ THIS: 15 Ways to Avoid Crowds in the Great Outdoors

Old Pinnacles Trailhead (East Entrance): Situated near the park’s east entrance, this trailhead connects to the Old Pinnacles Trail, which leads to both the High Peaks and Balconies Cave.

• This gravel parking area is located past Peaks View and Manzanita Parking Areas along the Chalone Creek Road.
• It has 21 parking spots.
• Amenities include restrooms (seasonal), bicycle rack, and trash/litter receptacles.

Best Time to Hike High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop

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!

Tips for Hiking High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop

Start Early: Beat the crowds and enjoy cooler temperatures by starting your hike early in the morning, especially during peak season.

Bring Plenty of Water & Snacks: Carry plenty of water to stay hydrated, especially in the summer. Also, bring high-energy snacks to refuel and help maintain your energy during the hike.

Footwear and Gear: Some sections of this trail can be rocky, so wear comfortable, sturdy hiking shoes (or boots). Make sure you wear proper clothing for the season and bring layers just in case.

Bring a flashlight/headlamp: The Balconies Cave is pitch dark in parts, and you’ll need reliable lighting to navigate safely.

High Peaks: This section involves steep and narrow trails with exposed drop-offs, so wear shoes/boots with good traction, take your time, and be ready for a challenge!

Watch for Condors: Keep an eye out for California condors soaring above the High Peaks. The park is a critical sanctuary for this endangered species.

Check Cave Status: Caves may occasionally close due to flooding, rockfalls, vandalism, bat conservation efforts, or other emergencies. Be sure to check their status online or call the park before your visit to avoid surprises.

Leave No Trace: Stay on the trail, pack out all trash, and avoid picking plants or disturbing wildlife. Help keep Pinnacles National Park pristine for future hikers.

Summer Safety Tips:

• Be sure to bring plenty of water with you to stay hydrated, as dehydration can occur quickly in warm temperatures.
• Eat high-carb and salty snacks to help keep your energy levels up and replenish electrolytes.
• Wear lightweight, breathable clothing, a wide-brimmed hat, and sunscreen to protect yourself from the sun.
• Try to hike during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon.
• Take frequent breaks in shaded areas.

Trail Directions

Chaparral Trailhead

Most people begin this hike from the Chaparral Parking Lot and go counterclockwise by hitting High Peaks first then finishing off with Balconies Cave.

Juniper Canyon Trail

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.

High Peaks Trail

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.

Balconies Cave

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!

Unfortunately, I did not take any pictures of the caves while inside, but we did vlog our experience.

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! 🥳

Conclusion

Hiking the High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop is a must-add to your Pinnacles itinerary, offering a perfect blend of adventure, breathtaking views, and the chance to explore a cave! Whether you’re marveling at the towering rock spires, catching a glimpse of a majestic California condor, or exploring the dark, cool depths of the Balconies Cave, this trail offers something for every outdoor enthusiast.

If this guide inspires you to hike the High Peaks and Balconies Cave Loop, I’d love to hear about your adventure. Leave a comment and share your experience!