Pets allowed
Not Allowed
Elevation Gain
335.00 ft (102.11 m)
Trail type
Loop
Distance
2.40 mi (3.86 km)
Please respect the outdoors by practicing Leave No Trace. Learn more about how to apply the principles of Leave No Trace on your next outdoor adventure here.

The Balconies Cave Loop Trail is one of the iconic hiking routes inside Pinnacles National Park. At 2.4 miles in length, the trail follows a single track path that meanders along the base of some high rock formations where hikers might catch climbers on their routes, and passes through darkened cave tunnels for the other half.

Beginning at the Chaparral parking area, the Balconies trail is clearly signed, and heads through a calm canyon as the towering rock formation enclose upon the trail. The trail fork occurs at three quarters of a mile, where hikers can opt to turn right and head through the cave tunnels, or continue left and climb up the rock formations following the Old Pinnacles trail. There is no benefit to opting for one direction over the other - we chose the Old Pinnacles Trail first so we could head through the caves last. 

The Old Pinnacles Trail begins a gradual climb, following dirt single track as it weaves along the base of some boulder formations. Hikers should keep their eyes open for climbers manuvering their way up these rock faces, it is amazing to watch. The trail has a couple bends offering great photo ops of the surrounding landscape, then eventually descends. At the far end, a right turn will lead into a cool, darkening canyon. Provided water levels are safely. low enough, proceed through a metal gate into a cave. 

Flashlights are needed here, as well as being willing to bend, duck, squat, and waddle your way through the extremely tight spaces. Occasional white arrows on the walls point the way, but you'll often need to follow foot prints and just trust that the narrow gap in front of you is the way through the caves.

It can get a bit confusing, and there is no cel service in the park to rely on. Eventually, the trail emerges on the other side, through another metal gate and out into the canyon bottom once again, where a short walk will lead back to the Balconies Trail/Old Pinnacles Trail fork, from where you can head back to the parking area.

The Chaparral parking area offers access to water, flushing bathrooms and covered picnic areas, and the limited parking will sometimes fill up. In which case there is additional parking near the Jawbone Trail trailhead, and a short connector trail which leads back to the Chaparral area.

The Jawbone Trail lies within Pinnacles National Park and is subject to all park rules, entry fees and operating hours. The park's west gate is open daily from 7:30am to 8pm.

Logistics + Planning

Preferable season(s)

Spring
Summer
Fall

Congestion

Moderate

Parking Pass

Park entrance fee

Open Year-round

Yes

Pros

Unique path through cave tunnels.

Cons

Can be hard to follow trail. Very tight spaces and wet climbing. Affected by water levels.

Trailhead Elevation

1,390.00 ft (423.67 m)

Highest point

1,485.00 ft (452.63 m)

Features

Bird watching
Cave
Potable water
Flushing toilets
Geologically significant
Big vistas
Waterfalls
Near lake or river

Typically multi-day

No

Permit required

No

Location

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