West Side Story

Hike Juniper Canyon Trail and See Balconies Cave at Pinnacles National Park

Hike Juniper Canyon Balconies Cave Pinnacles National Park

Located a couple of hours' drive from the east entrance, the west side of Pinnacles National Park feels a bit more rugged, not least because fewer people visit this part. Yet it offers access to some of the park’s premier trails and sites, including Juniper Canyon and Balconies Cave.

From the trailhead at the Chaparral Picnic Area, go right and get onto Juniper Canyon Trail to start a scenic and sometimes strenuous 4.3-mile lollipop loop. Meander through the shady canyon filled with chaparral, manzanita bushes, and several species of trees before the trail begins to climb rigorously in a series of switchbacks … for 1,215 feet of elevation gain.

Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Balconies Cave Pinnacles National Park

You’ll top out on a ridge near Scout Peak—a favorite condor hangout. Panoramic views of the west side of the park and beyond award your efforts before it’s time to tackle the next part of the loop: the adventurous High Peaks Trail. This is the most exciting part of the hike as you scale the multi-colored rock formations using metal rails, bridges, and steps carved into the stone.

Wonder why the rocks are so many different colors? It’s from the diversity of lichen in the park, with about 300 species growing here.

After exiting the rocky pinnacles and spires, take the turnoff for the Tunnel Trail, and more switchbacks. This section isn’t as steep, and the trail’s namesake tunnel makes a great place to cool off on hot days.

Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Balconies Cave Pinnacles National Park

Eventually the trail joins back up with the Juniper Canyon Trail, and from there it’s all downhill back to the parking lot.

BONUS CAVE: Go check out Balconies Cave, one of the talus caves in Pinnacles National Park! The entrance to the cave is just 0.6 mile from the parking lot and is an easy, mostly flat trek along a California buckwheat–lined trail. The journey through the cave is 0.4 mile of climbing and scrambling through dark, narrow cave passages. You’ll need your hands free to climb, so bring a headlamp for this one!

Balconies Cave Pinnacles National Park

After exiting the cave, either go back the way you came (through the cave, for a 2-mile round-trip journey) or continue onto the Balconies Cliffs trail to make it into a 2.4-mile loop. This less-traveled trail has amazing views of towering Machete Ridge.

Important: The west entrance is approximately a two-hour drive from the east entrance of Pinnacles National Park. The West Visitor Contact Station is the visitor center on this side of the park, but it is closed mid-week (Wednesdays and Thursdays). Pay entrance fee at one of the self-serve machines in the visitor center parking lot before continuing down the road to the Chaparral Picnic Area. The parking lot is small; get there early.

Trending Stories NorCal

View all Stories
  1. Gentle Giants

    Some people visit national parks to marvel at the iconic sights, while others come seeking solitude in nature. With visitation on the rise, it can be hard to find both. But in Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks, this pair of trails offers both....

    View
  2. A Hike to the Past

    This 5.2-mile redwoods hike through El Corte de Madera Creek Open Space combines a relaxing stroll with unique geologic formations and historical artifacts.

    View
  3. Golden Mile

    Dubbed the Golden Mile, this car-free stretch of road in Golden Gate Park features rotating art installations of murals, sculptures, and abundant bright yellow Adirondack chairs for kicking back to relax. See Naga, the recent new addition here, an impressive sea serpent art installation at Golden Gate Park's Rainbow

    View
  4. Sponsored

    Fall Coastal Hikes Guide

    Peninsula Open Space Trust (POST) is ready to fill your fall with bluffside trails, tranquil beaches, whale watching, a haunted distillery, and seasonal sweet treats.

    View

Trending Stories SoCal

View all Stories
  1. Montebello Mission

    Adorable animal feeding, peaceful bird watching, and delicious beer drinking? Hello, Montebello! This northeastern city has fantastic views of the hulking San Gabriels and a variety of green spaces, not to mention great spots for beer(s)!

    View
  2. Sponsored

    Chase Fall Colors & Family Fun in Reno Tahoe

    Ready to Reno? We’re so with you! Reno Tahoe is the ultimate urban basecamp for gathering family and friends for all kinds of fall fun and festivities.

    View
  3. Welcome to the Ice Age

    Only in LA can you stumble upon a lake of bubbling black goo right in the middle of the city—complete with a life-size family of mammoths frozen in time. Take a whiff and you’ll catch the unmistakable scent of asphalt: Yep, you’ve made it to the La Brea Tar Pits & Museum.

    View
  4. Mulholland's Most Majestic

    Take a leisurely drive along Mulholland Drive to discover beautiful urban scenery and unexpected wild beauty, right in the middle of the city. 

    View