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 Reporter |
Summary: This place is awesome. there are thirteen California condors that call the Monument home, and they can be best spotted on this outing. Many of the condors roost in the High Peaks area, and can frequently be seen flying there. The trail itself gains almost all of its elevation very shortly. If you leave early enough, you can avoid the hot afternoon temperatures. The High Peaks Trail is cut right out of the rock giving this trail a decidedly acrophobic feel. It is magnificently beautiful and quite a sight to behold. The Balconies Cave is rather short, though completely dark. My eyes adjusted just fine, but the ranger says you should bring a light, you aren't allowed without one, and it is a wise idea. you really can't see very well even with great night vision. Lots of wildlife and wildflower opportunities present themselves in this fantastic park. Trailhead: From Soledad on the 101 exit Highway 146 east and follow it for more than 12 miles to the entrance of the park. The trailhead begins in the fenced area just across from the ranger station. The Pinnacles formations are visible when driving into the park. The trail consists of several trails, consult the map and speak to a ranger. Start on the Juniper Canyon Trail and head counterclockwise around the park. When you reach the top of the Pinnacles, continue on the High Peaks Trail. Head down and turn left onto the Old Pinnacles Trail at Chalone Creek, and continue back to the parking lot on the Balconies Cave Trail. Bring a flashlight! (Lat:36.49126 Lon:-121.20854) Trail Guides for Pinnacles NM - High Peaks/Balconies Cave Loop: California Hiking by Tom Sinestra and Ann Marie Brown (Avalon Travel) Best Seasons: Fall, Spring, Winter, User Groups: Hikers, Ranger Contact: Pinnacles national Monument Visitor Center (831) 389-4485 Localhikes Reporter: This hike was submitted by Allen Riedel, who has posted 123 other hikes on this site. To visit this reporters web site, click here. Trail Reviews Submit your own review 
Reviewed by Tim on 6/14/2009 Great hike! This hike has something for everyone. However, it can get a little hot during the summer. Don't forget to bring lots of water or a camel pack. An alternative route is to take the high peaks trail and circle back down through the tunnel trail and return to the parking lot. Also, the Balconies cave is fairly close to the park entrance, so this can be explored and you can return on the balconies trail. This gives a great view of the rock climbing walls. You can see Condors, lots of lizards, and deer.
Reviewed by Cheryl on 2/24/2008 Fantastic! Great hike, absolutely gorgeous views. Relatively easy/short hike, highly recommended. 
Reviewed by Particle Man on 2/10/2008 Hey Riedel, no one has reviewed your trip... may be one day I will chk it out and post my review Notice: Traveling in the backcountry can be hazardous. You are responsible for informing yourself about these hazards and taking necessary precautions. Information on this web site comes from volunteer reporters and may contain errors or omissions. A current guidebook and proper equipment are essential for safe enjoyment of the hikes posted on this site. Keys: California Hiking, California Trails, California Hikes, Monterey County Hiking, Monterey County Trails, Monterey County Hikes | |||||||||||||||||||||||||||