Near Balconies Cave Trail
Starting the hike to Balconies Cave. Our visit was at the end of April, wildflowers were in bloom and the grass was green and pretty against the rocks.
Near Balconies Cave Trail
You can best see the impressive rock formations from Balconies Cliffs Trail
Near Balconies Cave Trail
Sami in Balconies Cave
Near Balconies Cave Trail
Tight spaces through the Balconies Cave - flashlight required! We hiked the Balconies Cave Loop trail on September 11, 2017. Very nice!
Near Balconies Cave Trail
Rocks that have to be climbed over in the cave. You can notice the creek running through the cave.

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Driving Directions
Hike Trail

Balconies Cave Trail

4.9 (8 Ratings)
An excellent example of a talus cave that requires scrambling and climbing to get through.
0.4
mi
Distance
195
ft
Gain
moderate
Difficulty
CaveFamily FriendlyRiver/Creek
Access Issues
Check for raptor closures before attempting any off-trail rxhing or climbing. Bring a headlamp or flashlight!

Route Details

Flatter
Steeper
0.39mi
Distance
195ft
Elevation Gain
291ft
Elevation Loss
60%
Max Grade
1,369ft
High Point
1,188ft
Low Point
Path Type
Point to Point
Description
If entering from the Balconies Trail, begin this trail by climbing over a large rock formation next to Machete Ridge, which sits to the east, and beneath another rock formation called Chockstone Dome. Continue through a metal gate and pass beneath a series of smaller chockstones inside of a gravel filled cleft. From here, continue climbing and scrambling through the cave, using your flashlight or headlamp to reveal the path. Eventually, the cave opens up near another metal gate. Pass through the metal gate and follow the small stream by scrambling over some more rocks till the trail opens up a bit before coming to a junction with Old Pinnacles Trail and the Balconies Cliffs Trails. This trail requires some small stream crossings in parts.

Route Conditions

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Contributors
Quin TCM