02/27/2026
We visited Pinnacles National Park in Paicines, California, known for its ancient volcanic geology, dramatic spires, its unique talus caves and its status as a critical habitat for the California condor. It is a prime spot for hiking, rock climbing, and wildlife viewing.
We started off on the Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave, but decided to turn back due to high water river crossings (if you go after rain, bring knee high galoshes).
Distance: 5.3 miles round trip, 3 to 5 hours
Elevation: None
Difficulty: Moderate
This is one of the park’s most popular hikes, taking you along Chalone Creek to Balconies Cave, which features massive rock formations like Machete Ridge looming overhead. The caves offer an exciting passage, especially for younger explorers.
Next we hiked on the Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Cave where you find more massive boulders that create a complex cave systems that is home to waterfalls, a river, and bats! The hike is offers adventurous, though sometimes challenging, exploration (bring a headlamp or flashlight!).
After the caves we continued on the Moses Spring trail, had lunch at the reservoir, and then returned on the Rim Trailer.
Moses Spring to Rim Trail Loop
Distance: 2.2 miles round trip, 1 to 1-1/2 hours
Elevation: 500 feet
Difficulty: Moderate
This hike can be done as a loop and offers the quintessential Pinnacles experience with impressive rock formations, and caves. The trail is short yet packed with diverse landscapes and fun for all ages.
An Amazing Day Of Hiking!
https://youtu.be/xjJNFSIU57g
Pinnacles National Park in Paicines, California is special for its ancient volcanic geology forming dramatic spires, its unique talus caves created by fallen...
