Juniper Canyon to High Peaks Loop

The Juniper Canyon to High Peaks Loop path combines portions of several designated trails near the West Entrance at Pinnacles National Park to create a 4.4 mile route that combines serious climbing, epically wide views, steps carved into stone and a tunnel through a boulder.

Beginning at the Chaparral parking area, the trail begins be climbing beneath shade oaks through Juniper Canyon. A stream runs alongside the path in several places, and you'll often see families along this portion of trail as the scenery is great and the serious climbing hasn't yet begun.

At just over a mile, the climbing begins, as a series of switchbacks leave the canyon behind and rise onto the side of the mountain, while dramatic geologic formations take over the trail and surrounding landscape. At about 1.25 miles, the trail forks with the Tunnel Trail. This is the start of the lollipop section of the loop, and while you can continue hiking the loop in either direction, proceeding in a counter clockwise direction will save the tunnel for the end. The trail continues rising, though more hugging the landscape now than switching back, until it reaches a bench and outhouse located at an intersection with multiple trails. Following the sign for the High Peaks Trail will keep you on the loop.

Up here, it might be possible to spot California condors that are released in the area. After a 1000'+ climb, there are also fewer hikers up here. The trail rises and falls around the rock formations, at some points vertical steps are carved into the stone itself, and at other points, bridges and poles help guide hikers where access would be incredibly tricky otherwise. There are some narrow passages and low ceilings with lots of ducking involved here, however beyond the high point, the trail begins its downhill slope and becomes less technical.

Passing through the tunnel through the stone is the last landmark, before meeting up with the fork of the Juniper Canyon Trail again, which can be followed back down 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.