Balconies Cliffs Trails

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Features Views · Wildflowers

This trail is a great way to make a loop back to either Old Pinnacles Trail or Balconies Trail after having gone through Balconies Cave on the Balconies Cave Trail.

If accessing this trail from the Balconies Trail, turn northwest at the sign marking the trailhead and begin ascending passed a rock formation called The Flumes, which sits to the west of the trail. Shortly thereafter, the trail gets up close and personal with one of the most imposing rock formations in Pinnalces NP, The Balconies. For much of this trail, The Balconies' water streaked face looms large to the west while another imposing rock feature looms large to the east, Machete Ridge. Other rock formations along this route include Osiris, Smiling Simian, and Toogs. Eventually, the trail will flatten out and begin descending where it will meet the junction with Old Pinnacles Trail and Balconies Cave Trail.

Balconies Cave is situated in the gulch to east of this trail.

Pinnacles is currently one of five release sites for California Condors. The park hosts more than thirty of these scavengers. These birds are best seen in the higher regions of the park and can also often be seen on a hill behind the campsites. Pinnacles is also home to many species of raptors and other birds and is an excellent area for birding.

Wildflowers like Larkspur, California buckeye, Elegant clarkia, California buckwheat, Mariposa lily, Bush poppy, Gray mule-ears, Indian Warrior, California poppy and many others are abundant in spring.

Look for manzanita shrubs interspersed among patches of chaparral.

The park is also home to around 300 different species of lichens, which are easily visible on the many rock formations they color.