Balconies Caves – Bench Trail – Southern Section loop from Shuttle Bus Stop

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

San Benito County

Balconies Caves – Bench Trail – Southern Section loop from Shuttle Bus Stop

Moderate

4.5

(9188)

14,559

hikers

Balconies Caves – Bench Trail – Southern Section loop from Shuttle Bus Stop

04:44

17.5km

220m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Mostly walkable paths. Sure-footedness required. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Tips

Includes short out-and-back sections

Your route doubles back at waypoints. If this isn’t intentional, adjust those waypoints’ positions.

After 9 m for 144 m

After 2.59 km for 89 m

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

81 m

Pinnacles National Park East Entrance, Visitor Center

Highlight • Rest Area

Worth to look at the museum exhibits in the visitor center and get trail advice from the rangers. Often they can point you to the place where a ranger is …

Tip by

2.63 km

Pinnacles National Park, Peaks View Area

Highlight • Viewpoint

Entering from the East you can bike deep into the National Park and reach several trailheads.
The first good view of the peaks comes right after this entrance sign to the right. There's water at a picnic area with restrooms

Tip by

5.00 km

Balcony Cave, Pinnacles National Park

Highlight • Cave

8.29 km

Balconies Caves

Highlight • Cave

Nice hike, especially when it's hot, this part is a little more shadowed. Flashlight strongly recommended. May be seasonally closed, see Park's website in advance.

Tip by

14.6 km

Bench Trail – Southern Section

Highlight (Segment) • Trail

Flat and easy trail that connects the Pinnacles Campground with the Old Trailhead Parking. It's a leisurely hike, not the most visually striking of the park but you do get …

Tip by