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A short, scenic run to explore Balconies Cave.


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Map Key

2.6

Miles

4.3

KM

89%

Runnable

1,462' 446 m

High

1,199' 365 m

Low

400' 122 m

Up

399' 122 m

Down

6%

Avg Grade (3°)

30%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Birding · Cave · Views · Wildlife

Overview

This run is a great opportunity to explore one of the natural talus caves of Pinnacles National Park. Be sure to bring a flashlight which is required if you want to explore the cave!

Need to Know

The caves can be closed suddenly due to storms and high water. Please check before your visit to get the most current cave status. A flashlight is required to enter the cave. Also, check for raptor closures before attempting any off-trail activities.

Runner Notes

A flashlight or headlamp is required for the cave portion of the Balconies Cave Trail. The section through the cave may require some scrambling or climbing so be prepared to slow down and take your time through the cave.

Description

Parking for this run is located at the Chaparral Picnic Area parking lot. From here, start out on the Balconies Trail. This is an easy, flat trail leading to the Balconies area of the park. The trail is at first open and airy, offering views of two of Pinnacles most imposing rock formations, Machete Ridge to the east and the Balconies to the west.

At the third small bridge crossing, however, the trail enters the Balconies area and gets close to the rock formations. The trail passes formations called the Shepherd, Hummingbird Spire, the Gameshow, and the obviously looming large, Machete Ridge. The trail ends at a junction with the Balconies Cliffs Trails and the Balconies Cave Trail after a small bridge crossing.

Take a right onto the Balconies Cave Trail. The trail begins by climbing over a large rock formation next to Machete Ridge, which sits to the east, and beneath another rock formation called Chockstone Dome. Continue through a metal gate and pass beneath a series of smaller chockstones inside of a gravel-filled cleft.

From here, continue climbing and scrambling through the cave, using your flashlight or headlamp to reveal the path. Eventually, the cave opens up near another metal gate. Pass through the metal gate and follow the small stream by scrambling over some more rocks until the trail opens up a bit before coming to a junction with Old Pinnacles Trail and the Balconies Cliffs Trails.

Take a left onto Balconies Cliffs Trails. For much of this trail, the Balconies' water streaked face looms over the trail. Other rock formations along this route include Osiris, Smiling Simian, and Toogs. Eventually, the trail will connect back to the Balconies Trail which you'll follow back to the parking lot to finish out the run.

Flora & Fauna

Keep an eye open for California condors, prairie falcons, golden eagles, and other birds.

Contacts

Shared By:

Kristen Arendt

Trail Ratings

  4.5 from 20 votes

#656

Overall
  4.5 from 20 votes
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Recommended Route Rankings

#108

in California

#656

Overall
26 Views Last Month
5,249 Since Feb 1, 2016
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Photos

Pinnacles National Park on the Balconies trail.
Feb 2, 2016 near Soledad, CA
Starting the hike to Balconies Cave. Our visit was at the end of April, wildflowers were in bloom and the grass was green and pretty against the rocks.
May 8, 2022 near Soledad, CA
You can best see the impressive rock formations from Balconies Cliffs Trail
Aug 6, 2017 near Soledad, CA
Looking towards Machete Ridge from the Balconies Trail.
Feb 27, 2016 near Soledad, CA
The Balconies Trail is stunning.
May 26, 2015 near Soledad, CA
Some rocks along Balconies Trail.
May 26, 2015 near Soledad, CA

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