Name: Pinnacles High Peaks, Balconies Caves Loop, 8.4mi, ~1500'
Start: 2024-11-19T09:45:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-19T15:15:00-08:00

Please read this entire hike description before signing up for this hike.

This hike involves getting to the park which is 76 miles South of San Jose so an early start to get to the trail head will be needed for those that will be driving down for the day. You’ll need to plan on the whole day since it involves up to four hours driving time in addition to the hike time. Alternatively, you can camp at the park, as I will be doing.

We’ll be starting the hike on schedule. If you are late, the route is identified in the hike description.

This hike goes through the Balconies Caves, through the West Pinnacles picnic area then climbs up Juniper Trail. We branch off onto the Tunnel Trail making our way to the High Peaks Trail. This hike does not go through the High Peaks Rocks but instead continues down the High Peaks Trail to the Old Pinnacles Trail and back to our start point. Hopefully we’ll get to see some California Condors flying below.

**Route:** Old Pinnacles Trail --> Balconies Trail --> Juniper Canyon Trail --> Tunnel Trail --> High Peaks Trail --> Old Pinnacles Trail
**Distance:** 8.4 miles Elevation: 1500 feet (estimated)
**Difficulty:** Moderate to Strenuous (rock scrambles in wet cave)
**Duration:** 5.5 hours
**Terrain:** exposed, forested, sandy,
**Fees:** There is a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which is valid for 7 days. Other passes like the senior pass are also valid. Carpooling is recommended.
**Facilities:** restrooms at Visitor Center and at West Picnic Area.
**Preparation:** Bring sufficient water, lunch, snacks, a camera, and walking stick(s) if desired. Wear good hiking shoes and a hat. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and possibly knee pads for the cave.
**Directions:** Hikes will be from the East Side of the park from the Pinnacles Visitor Center, 36.493545, -121.146646. See Directions below. After meeting up we will consolidate into fewer vehicles and drive to the Old Pinnacles trailhead.
**Route:** https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/pinnacles-np-high-peaks-and-balconies-loop?referrer=gpsies.com&fileId=focogarizogdwnhc
**Park info:** https://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm
**Park Info:** http://campingcalifornia.org/pinnacles-national-monument.php Map to Visitor Center: https://goo.gl/maps/zT4pR

**Directions:** There are two entrances to the park East and West. There is no connection between the two sides except by trail. Most GPS devices guide you to the West side which is the wrong side. To get to the East side of the park take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25, go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles on highway 25 to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146, then turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. From the campground, we drive in to the Old Pinnacles Trailhead. We will concentrate into the minimum # of cars before heading up.

**Safety:** Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. All hikers should carry sufficient water, a first aid kit, and a map of the hike route. If you are not sure about the nature of a specific hike, contact the leader via the private message feature on this website.

**San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Meetup Group**, hike leaders and hosts assume ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility, including but not limited to injury or loss of any kind/form due to the use of information, or participating in activities found on this group/site. By becoming a member of the San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Meetup Group, you agree to the terms and conditions of the group.

**Note:** This attendance list is managed. Priority given to hike leaders, hikers with good attendance and hikers with a portrait profile photo. Lowest priority to first time attendees.

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Pinnacles High Peaks, Balconies Caves Loop, 8.4mi, ~1500'

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Pinnacles High Peaks, Balconies Caves Loop, 8.4mi, ~1500'

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