Old Pinnacles Trail,
Pinnacles National Park

Located 8.0 miles from Soledad, California (CA)
4 Stars
4,482 Steps 1  (2.1 mi)
Trails National Parks Pinnacles Old Pinnacles Trail

The Old Pinnacles Trail is one of four trails that connect the east side of Pinnacles National Park with the west side. The east end of the trail begins at the Old Pinnacles Parking Lot. The west end of the trail joins with the Balconies Cliffs Trail. During the summer months and school breaks, the parking lot can fill quickly. Car parking is limited. The park service provides a shuttle bus that runs from the Pinnacles Campground. Check the National Park Service website for the schedule.

Old Pinnacles TrailOld Pinnacles TrailOld Pinnacles Trail

Elevation

The Old Pinnacles Trail has a maximum elevation of 1,201 ft., a minimum elevation of 1,040 ft. and an elevation range of 161 ft.

Metrics

[ A to B ] or [ B to A ]
Length 2Min Ele 3Max Ele 4Range 5
2.1 mi1,040 ft1,201 ft161 ft
[ A to B ]
Time 6Floors 7Gain 8Loss 9
51 min12.8153 ft16 ft
[ B to A ]
TimeFloorsGainLoss
48 min1.316 ft153 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 Old Pinnacles 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 Old Pinnacles Trail?
The length of the trail is 2.1 miles (3.3 km) or 4,482 steps.

How long does it take to hike the Old Pinnacles Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 51 minutes in one direction and in 48 minutes 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.