High Peaks Trail,
Pinnacles National Park
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.
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 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 5.3 mi | 1,000 ft | 2,628 ft | 1,628 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 2.7 hrs | 126.4 | 1,517 ft | 1,198 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 2.5 hrs | 99.8 | 1,198 ft | 1,517 ft |
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
- Northwest Topo Map: Mount Johnson, CA
- North Topo Map: Bickmore Canyon, CA
- Northeast Topo Map: San Benito, CA
- West Topo Map: Soledad, CA
- Topo Map: North Chalone Peak, CA
- East Topo Map: Topo Valley, CA
- Southwest Topo Map: Paraiso Springs, CA
- South Topo Map: Greenfield, CA
- Southeast Topo Map: Pinalito Canyon, CA
Difficulty
The following chart illustrates the difficulty of hiking the High Peaks Trail compared to two other trails. The x-axis is cumulative elevation gain and the y-axis is maximum elevation. The length of the trail is reflected in the size of the bubble.
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)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.