Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
A comparatively level creek-corridor hike to Balconies Cave and towering rock walls.
Route overview
Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave in California.
The route follows Chalone Creek beneath Machete Ridge and Balconies Cliffs to the seasonal cave passage.
Trail facts
- Country
- United States
- Region
- California
- Distance
- 8.53 km
- Typical duration
- 180-300 minutes
- Difficulty
- Moderate
- Elevation gain
- 0 m
- Best season
- Check current official seasonal access and conditions
- Trail type
- out-and-back
Access and logistics
- Permits and access
- Entrance pass required; parking is limited and roadside parking prohibited.
Safety context
Carry a headlamp and all water. Wet weather can make the trail impassable; do not enter a closed or flooded cave. Check current official conditions, closures, weather and access rules before departure.
Carry a headlamp and all water. Wet weather can make the trail impassable; do not enter a closed or flooded cave.
Highlights
Old Pinnacles Trail, Balconies Cave, Chalone Creek, Machete Ridge
Why find a buddy
Match on cave comfort, lighting, water load, creek conditions, and turnaround time.
Primary source
Explore and prepare
Discover hikes by intent, read the hiking guides, review hiking safety, prepare a BuddyPack, or browse hiking plans.
Route conditions, access, services and transport can change. Verify time-sensitive information before departure.