High Peaks Trail,
Pinnacles National Park

Located 8.0 miles from Soledad, California (CA)
4 Stars
11,742 Steps 1  (5.3 mi)
Trails National Parks Pinnacles High Peaks Trail

The High Peaks Trail winds through the Pinnacles formation at the heart of the park. The trail is challenging and requires some climbing but handrails are provided. From the High Peaks, you can see miles of beautiful mountainous landscapes to the east and west. Bring plenty of water and check your route at every intersection. This is one of the best trails at Pinnacles National Park.

High Peaks TrailHigh Peaks TrailHigh Peaks Trail

Elevation

The High Peaks Trail has a maximum elevation of 2,628 ft., a minimum elevation of 1,000 ft. and an elevation range of 1,628 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
5.3 mi1,000 ft2,628 ft1,628 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
2.7 hrs126.41,517 ft1,198 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
2.5 hrs99.81,198 ft1,517 ft
Data Accuracy
5 Stars
Data Reliability
5 Stars

Calories

The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.

Topo Maps

Download the PDF High Peaks Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.

Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend

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  1. Northwest Topo Map: Mount Johnson, CA
  2. North Topo Map: Bickmore Canyon, CA
  3. Northeast Topo Map: San Benito, CA
  4. West Topo Map: Soledad, CA
  5. Topo Map: North Chalone Peak, CA
  6. East Topo Map: Topo Valley, CA
  7. Southwest Topo Map: Paraiso Springs, CA
  8. South Topo Map: Greenfield, CA
  9. Southeast Topo Map: Pinalito Canyon, CA

FAQ

What is the length of the High Peaks Trail?
The length of the trail is 5.3 miles (8.5 km) or 11,742 steps.

How long does it take to hike the High Peaks Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 2.7 hours in one direction and in 2.5 hours in the opposite direction.

Warnings

Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin. (cdc.gov)

Footnotes

  1. Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
  2. Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
  3. Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
  4. Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
  5. Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
  6. Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
  7. Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
  8. Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
  9. Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.