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An airy, unmaintained trail leading to views from Pinnacles National Park's second highest point.


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Map Key

1.6

Miles

2.7

KM

Point to Point

3,209' 978 m

High

2,630' 802 m

Low

579' 177 m

Up

525' 160 m

Down

13%

Avg Grade (7°)

31%

Max Grade (17°)

Dogs No Dogs

Features Views · Wildflowers

WARNING! After reaching South Chalone Peak, the trail continues to descend. However, following the trail further leads to nothing but open wilderness.

Check for raptor closures before attempting any off-trail hiking or climbing.

Bring lots of water! None is available along the trail.

Description

Near the end of the Chalone Peak Trail to North Chalone Peak, the trail continues on to South Chalone Peak, the second highest point in Pinnacles National Park. The beginning of the trail is marked by a lone barbed wire fence post located on the south side of a metal gate. Follow this unmaintained trail as it first descends into a saddle between two ridgelines. After descending, the trail ascends again to a second ridge line before ending at South Chalone Peak. The peak is marked by a small rock cairn. Head back the way you came!

Flora & Fauna

Pinnacles is currently one of five release sites for California Condors. The park hosts more than thirty of these scavengers. These birds are best seen in the higher regions of the park and can also often be seen on a hill behind the campsites. Pinnacles is also home to many species of raptors and other birds and is an excellent area for birding.

Wildflowers like Larkspur, California buckeye, Elegant clarkia, California buckwheat, Mariposa lily, Bush poppy, Gray mule-ears, Indian Warrior, California poppy and many others are abundant in spring.

Look for manzanita shrubs interspersed among patches of chaparral.

The park is also home to around 300 different species of lichens, which are easily visible on the many rock formations they color.

Contacts

Shared By:

Quin TCM

Trail Ratings

  3.7 from 3 votes

#24225

Overall
  3.7 from 3 votes
5 Star
33%
4 Star
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3 Star
67%
2 Star
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1 Star
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Trail Rankings

#2,420

in California

#24,225

Overall
3 Views Last Month
634 Since Apr 9, 2015
Intermediate Intermediate

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Photos

Harlem from North Chalone Peak
Oct 14, 2017 near Soledad, CA
Looking back to North Chalone Peak from South Chalone Peak.
Feb 20, 2016 near Soledad, CA
The old fire tower.
Feb 20, 2016 near Soledad, CA
Another gate climb on the trail that you need to traverse in order to get to the top of the peak.
Feb 20, 2016 near Soledad, CA
The trail gets narrow at this point and becomes less maintained.
Feb 20, 2016 near Soledad, CA
A view toward the west, with farmland and mountains in the distance.
Feb 20, 2016 near Soledad, CA

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Weather


Current Trail Conditions

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Check-Ins

Feb 26, 2022
Jeremiah Johnson
1.6mi
Dec 24, 2016
Tilman Giese
Apr 3, 2011
David Hitchcock
Out and back to the South Chalone Peak. Great views looking back to the North Chalone Peak. 3.2mi
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