Awesome hike through all major attractions of Pinnacles including both caves and High Peaks.

Location: Pinnacles National Monument

» Official Trail Map: Nice map showing all hiking trails.

» Old trailmap preserved by U Texas Library: Good map, very similar to the official trail map. This one shows creeks more prominently.

Trailhead: This hike goes through both Bear Gulch Day Use Area (eastern park entrance) and Chaparral Ranger Station (western park entrance). So you may start at either trailhead.

Highlights: This hike takes you through both caves and through High Peaks, which offer beautiful views of the entire park.

Route: From Bear Gulch Day Use Area, take Bear Gulch Trail (0.5 miles) → Moses Spring Trail + Bear Gulch Cave Trail (0.7 miles) → Rim Trail (0.4 miles) → High Peaks Trail to Scouts Peak (2605 ft) (1.5 miles) → Juniper Canyon Trail (1.8 miles) → Balconies Trail (0.6 miles) → Balconies Cave Trail (0.4 miles) → Old Pinnacles Trail (2.3 miles) → High Peaks Trail (2.0 miles) → Condor Gulch Trail (1.7 miles).

Location: Pinnacles West Entrance on Highway 146 . No street address. Parking area is visible in Google Maps if you zoom in sufficiently.

Directions: (Borrowed from Pinnacles Official Website)

From the San Francisco Bay Area: Take Hwy 101 south to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east. Take care as you're driving through town; the highway takes a few turns. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into Pinnacles National Monument.

From the South: Take Hwy 101 North to the town of Soledad, and then take Hwy 146 east. Take care as you're driving through town; the highway takes a few turns. Follow Hwy 146 for 14 miles into Pinnacles National Monument.

Google Maps:

Parking Fees: $5 per vehicle (last visited: March 2010)

Capacity: Dozens of cars may be parked here.

Latitude: 36.491736     Longitude: -121.209481