High Peaks to Balconies Cave Loop

The route shares the Balconies access briefly, then turns into Juniper Canyon's usually dry creek bed. It crosses the wash several times beneath oaks, cottonwoods, buckeyes and gray pines. After the last crossing, the grade steepens into repeated switchbacks below Resurrection Wall. A rocky crest opens up toward the Balconies and Machete Ridge; the climb continues across a more open, pale slope before the High Peaks junction.

The path threads narrow ledges, fissures and steep chiseled steps. Steel rails help at the tightest bends, but some overhangs make you duck or press close to the rock, and there are exposed edges. Take your time through this section; passing room is limited. Civilian Conservation Corps crews finished the carved steps in 1933. The trail then reaches a high ridge with broad views over the surrounding valleys.

Follow the High Peaks and Blue Oak trail connection toward Old Pinnacles. The terrain eases after the climb, and the route spends more of its return on lower, flatter ground. Old Pinnacles brings you back west toward Balconies, where the rock corridor narrows again. From the Balconies Cliffs shelf, the jagged chimneys stand above the drainage; the cave's second passage also has a narrow shaft of daylight across its boulders.

This is a talus cave: large rocks fell into a narrow gorge and wedged together to make a roof. The through-route has two boulder passages with a short open break between them. One section is low and very dark; the second has a crevice that lets in a little light. Bring a flashlight or headlamp. Expect low ceilings, uneven slick rock and slow footing. Winter rain can flood the cave, and the passage may close; the higher Balconies Cliffs Trail goes over the cave if you need to bypass it.

The spires are volcanic breccia and rhyolite from a volcanic field that formed about 23 million years ago. Movement along the San Andreas Fault carried the rocks roughly 195 miles north from where they began, while erosion exposed the formations you see today. High Peaks is also a good place to look for California condors and falcons riding the air above the ridges.

Chaparral Parking is on the west side of the park. The lot is small, and there is no drinking water on the trail, so fill up before you start. Pets are not allowed on park trails; service animals are permitted. Park entry is charged separately from parking.