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Things to do in Pinnacles

Every hike and activity the park service lists for Pinnacles National Park, with how long it takes, when to go and whether dogs can come.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

Hikes and walks (16)

Hike What it is Time, season, pets
Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes 3 to 4 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike 4 to 6 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes 1 to 2 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Moses Spring Trail to Rim Trail Loop East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike 1 to 2 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Jawbone Trail West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes 30 to 60 Minutes · All year · No pets
Hike High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop West Side Trails, Stenuous Hikes, Loop Hike 4 to 5 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Bacon-Butterfield Ranch Trail East Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Bicycle and pet friendly 30 to 60 Minutes · All year · Pets with limits
Hike Juniper Canyon Trail Loop West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike 2 to 3 Hours · All year · No pets · Reservation needed
Hike Prewett Point Trail West Side Trails, Easy Hikes, Accessible Trail 30 to 60 Minutes · All year · No pets
Hike Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave East Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Cave Hike 3 to 4 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike North Wilderness Trail Loop West Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike 5 to 8 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Condor Gulch Trail East Side Trails, Moderate Hike to Viewpoint, Strenuous Hikes 60 to 90 Minutes · All year · No pets
Hike Chalone Peak Trail East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Highest Peak 3 to 5 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike High Peaks to Bear Gulch Loop East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike 4 to 5 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop East Side Trails, Strenuous Hikes, Loop Hike 3 to 5 Hours · All year · No pets
Hike Balconies Cliffs Trail to Balconies Cave Trail Loop West Side Trails, Moderate Hikes, Loop Hike, Cave Hike 1 to 2 Hours · All year · No pets

Other things to do (8)

Activity What it is Time, season, pets
Become a Junior Ranger at Pinnacles National Park junior ranger programs 10 to 30 Minutes · All year · Pets with limits
Biking in Pinnacles National Park biking, road biking All year · Pets with limits
Birdwatching in Pinnacles National Park birds, birdwatching All year · Pets with limits
Night Sky Viewing At Pinnacles National Park night sky, stargazing All year · Pets with limits
Rock Climbing the West Side of Pinnacles National Park rock climbing All year · No pets
Rock Climbing the East Side of Pinnacles National Park rock climbing All year · No pets
Wildlife viewing in Pinnacles National Park wildlife, wildlife viewing All year · Pets with limits
Picnicking in Pinnacles National Park East and West side, picnic areas All year · Pets with limits

Before you set out

Trail conditions change with snow, fire and storms. Check the park’s current alerts, carry the ten essentials and read know before you go.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

What are the best hikes in Pinnacles?
Popular hikes the park service lists include Hike Bench Trail to South Wilderness Trail, Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail, Hike Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail.
Can I bring my dog on trails in Pinnacles?
Pets: of the 16 hikes the park service lists here, 1 allow pets (some with limits). Where pets are allowed they must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet.