Last updated: October 10, 2024
Thing to Do
Hike Bench Trail to Balconies Cave Trail
NPS Photo/Emily Novack
Hike along sunny Chalone Creek on the Bench and Old Pinnacles trails to Balconies Cave. On the return trip, cross over the cave via the Balconies Cliffs for views of formations.
A section of the Bench Trail between Peaks View and South Wilderness Trail may be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
A section of the Bench Trail between Peaks View and South Wilderness Trail may be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast. Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.
Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.
Details
Duration
4-6 Hours
Activity
Hiking
Age(s)
All ages, but minors must be with an adult parent or guardian
Pets Allowed
No
Activity Fee
No
No additional fee to hike but there is a park entrance fee. Learn more about Fees and Passes.
Location
Bench Trailhead
Enter the east side of the park via CA-25 to Pinnacles East Entrance Road. Trailhead starts at the end of the campground.
Reservations
No
Season
Year Round
Time of Day
Any Time
Accessibility Information
Difficulty: Moderate
Distance: Approx. 9.4 mile roundtrip
Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet
Maximum grade: 450 feet
Surface Composition: dirt, rock
Exposure: Limited shade, no shade on Balconies Cliffs Trail
Flashlight required in the cave; Watch for low ceilings, slippery rocks, and uneven footing. Wading may be necessary in the winter when precipitation creates; Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding.
*A section of the Bench Trail between Peaks View and South Wilderness Trail may be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs
*Service animals permitted
Distance: Approx. 9.4 mile roundtrip
Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet
Maximum grade: 450 feet
Surface Composition: dirt, rock
Exposure: Limited shade, no shade on Balconies Cliffs Trail
Flashlight required in the cave; Watch for low ceilings, slippery rocks, and uneven footing. Wading may be necessary in the winter when precipitation creates; Cave may be closed for short periods in winter due to flooding.
*A section of the Bench Trail between Peaks View and South Wilderness Trail may be accessible to visitors in wheelchairs
*Service animals permitted