Pinnacles National Monument: High Peaks Loop
See the result of millions of years of tectonic movement on this 7.9-mile loop beneath massive volcanic monoliths. Bring a flashlight for optional cave trails.
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Trail Facts
- Distance: 12.7
Waypoints
HPL002
Location: 36.4855766296387, -121.200973510742
Bear R @ Y; follow blazes for Juniper Canyon Trail as switchbacks steepen. Note The Fingers to W, Scout Peak to S
HPL003
Location: 36.4814987182617, -121.199279785156
View of Salinas Valley @ 5-way junction; L up High Peaks Trail
HPL004
Location: 36.4845504760742, -121.198348999023
Trail gets vertical; hold onto metal railings and ascend tiny rock steps
HPL005
Location: 36.4881172180176, -121.198516845703
Bear R @ Y and follow signs for High Peaks Trail
HPL006
Location: 36.4898681640625, -121.191436767578
Bear L @ Y toward Chalone ranger station; trail flattens, then descends
HPL007
Location: 36.4906349182129, -121.172164916992
L @ 3-way onto Old Pinnacles Trail along creek bed; cross bridges
HPL008
Location: 36.5015182495117, -121.181083679199
L @ Y, follow signs for Old Pinnacles Trail; watch for rattlers. Terraces along Chalone Creek mark “creeping” fault line once part of the San Andreas Fault
HPL009
Location: 36.5024681091309, -121.199447631836
R @ 3-way onto Balconies Cliffs Trail; switchbacks head up toward giant breccia rock face. Deep, narrow gorges and toppled boulders create talus caves
HPL010
Location: 36.497917175293, -121.203384399414
R @ 3-way onto Balconies Trail; cross bridge immediately, bear R @ Y. Machete Ridge to E. Spur: L @ 3-way onto Balconies Caves Trail; use light in cave
HPL011
Location: 36.4952507019043, -121.204948425293
Bear R @ Y, follow signs for Balconies Trail; L @ Y that follows
HPL012
Location: 36.4911994934082, -121.208450317383
L @ Y onto rock path; R @ 3-way back to Juniper Canyon trailhead