Pinnacles National Park is California’s youngest and smallest National Park. Pinnacles isn’t the most visited park in our state, but it’s packed with many wonderful spots to explore…join me this week as we hike Balconies Cave Trail.

Cave History

Balconies Caves are actually interconnected talus caves, which were formed when giant volcanic boulders (some weighting thousands of tons) tumbled into the faults & fractured gorge below long ago during earthquakes and landslides. These massive rocks piled up, creating unique cave-like ceilings. There is no substantiated evidence of Native American habitation in these caves, though extensive archeological work has not yet been done…local Native Americans (Mutsun and Chalone) did dwell in the surrounding areas. There are legends of these caves being used as hideouts and for holding hidden treasure in the 1800s, though they are mostly written off as tall tales.

Pinnacles was established as a National Monument in 1908, and early settlers and park workers used ropes and ladders to explore here. In the 1930s, the Civilian Conservation Corps built trails through the caves, along with surrounding stairways and bridges. And finally in 2013, Pinnacles became California’s ninth National Park.

Balconies Cave Trail

Pinnacles National Park is made up of two sides, the east side and the west side. There are no roads open to vehicles that connect the two sides inside the park, so most people consider hikes & points of interest as either “east side” or “west side” attractions. Balconies Cave is most easily accessed from the west side. Parking can be found at the Chaparral Trailhead (the farthest parking area from the west side park entrance).

From the parking area, you head off on the 2 mile out and back hike or go through the caves and lollipop around (for a total hike just under 3 miles). You can also hike to Balconies Caves from the east side of the park by taking Old Pinnacle Trail for a 5+ mile trip. From the west side, the first mile of this trail is minimally shaded…but after crossing the second bridge you’re greeted with the narrowing canyons and giant boulders. Some people prefer taking the trail clockwise to climb up into the caves (but I’ve climbed down counter clockwise and thoroughly enjoyed the experience). If you’re taking the loop counterclockwise you’ll reach a sign warning of wet slippery conditions, low ceilings and required headlamps ahead before you reach the cave gate. At both ends of the cave system there are gates built-in to the rock. Please stay safe by always respecting the signs and never try to enter if the gate is locked (this can mean there is dangerously high water or unstable rock).

Inside the Caves

After entering the gate (if hiking this loop counter clockwise), the first cave you reach will consist of narrow walkways, tight crevices and giant boulders. You’ll have to really duck and possibly crawl under some of these formations (see a close up in my YouTube video below)…this cave never gets completely dark, although you may want to use a headlamp here. As you scramble up the rough rock staircase, this is a great time to assess if you want to go on, because the next cave system is more physically demanding to explore as you enter a completely dark cave.

If you have a heightened fear of the dark, enclosed tight places, or if you are claustrophobic, this second cave might not be for you. As you boulder down into this cave, you descend down 15 feet through a narrow gateway of rocks into complete darkness, and then this cave magically opens up. It is imperative you bring a high powered flashlight or headlamp for this part of the journey. As you make your way through this cave, small white arrows help guide you along. The ground is sandy, rocky & very uneven and you absolutely can’t see your own hand in front of your face for a significant distance. Pinnacles is home to two major cave systems, Balconies on the west side and Bear Gulch on the east side. Both of these cave systems are home to multiple bat species, so if you look up here you may see a pair of eyes looking back at you. It’s also important to remain quiet inside the caves and avoid yelling/screaming…bats are resting in the dark crevices during the day and are sensitive to noise. Once you exit this cave through the gate, you can decide to return the way you came and enjoy round two of cave exploring, or you can loop up above and around the caves for a different perspective (both are rewarding options).

Know Before You Go

• Vandalism causes irreparable damage. Graffiti has resulted in the closing of this cave system multiple times over the past year. If you see something say something…help protect our national parks and call/text the NPS Tip Line at 888-653-0009 or call park dispatch at 559-565-3195 if you see someone leaving graffiti here, and report it to a ranger as soon as possible.

• Please follow the Leave No Trace Principles to keep this place beautiful for all to enjoy.

• Flashlights or headlamps are required to hike through the caves which are dark. It is best to wear sturdy shoes or boots with ankle support and tread that will prevent slipping and sliding as flowing water may cover the trail.

• Always stay on established trails and keep an eye out for poison oak, stinging nettle and rattlesnakes inside the park.

• Always carry and drink plenty of water. Bring hats, sunscreen, and layers as temperatures can fluctuate.

• The West Entrance gate has specific opening & closing hours, along with a one lane road…so always check the NPS website before your visit.

In Summary & Behind the Blog Video

Thanks so much for joining me in Pinnacles today. For a virtual visit of this wonderful cave system, check out my Behind the Blog YouTube video below. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!

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