Are dogs allowed on Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge?

Yes, dogs are allowed on Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge but must be kept on a leash at all times. Pack out waste and respect wildlife.

Do I need a permit to hike Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge?

No, Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge does not currently require a permit. Still check for seasonal closures or day-use fees with the managing agency before heading out.

How difficult is Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge?

Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge is rated easy. It is 1.4 miles long with 279 feet of elevation gain. Difficulty ratings reflect a combination of distance, elevation gain, and terrain — your experience will depend on your fitness level and trail conditions.

Is Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge suitable for kids?

Yes, Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge is considered kid-friendly. As always with children, bring water and snacks, pace yourself, and watch for weather changes and wildlife.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

We don't have current condition data for this trail. Check with the land manager before you go.

See California trail conditions

EasyOut and Back

Pinnacles National Park/California

Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge

Paicines, California

1.4 mi

Distance

279 ft

Elev. Gain

31m

Est. Time

Out & Back

Route Type

Easy

Difficulty

About This Trail

Imported description

The Balconies Cave and Bear Gulch Cave are closed due to flooding.

Trail Conditions

Unknown

We have no current condition data for this trail. Check with the operator before you go, and submit a report below if you've been recently.

No recent condition reports. Be the first to share what you see on the trail.

Elevation Profile

Min:418 ft

Max:445 ft

85 ft

Trail Details

Route Type: Out & Back
Surface: Dirt

Official sources & verification

Managed by National Park Service

Verify before you go

Source of truth

National Park Service unit page
Alerts, conditions, and the unit's plan-your-visit page.

Verify by phone or mail

Operator:831-389-4486
Address:5000 East Entrance Road · Paicines, CA · 95043

Reviews

No reviews yet

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Legacy import — verify before navigating

Path geometry came from our pre-launch legacy database. Routes have not yet been re-verified against the operator and may differ from the actual trail.

Status unknown — verify before visiting

Balconies Trail to Machete Ridge

About This Trail

Trail Conditions

Trail Conditions

Elevation Profile

Trail Details

Reviews

No reviews yet

Nearby Trails

Old Pinnacles Trail Loop

Balconies Cave Trail

North Wilderness Trail to Old Pinnacles Trail and Balconies Cave Loop

Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop

Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks

North Wilderness Trail to Twin Knolls

Other trails in Pinnacles National Park

Bear Gulch Day Use Area to Reservoir via Rim Trail

Moses Spring Trail to Bear Gulch Reservoir

Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies

Balconies Cave Trail

Juniper Canyon Trail to High Peaks

Condor Gulch Trail To Overlook

Campgrounds near this trail

Pinnacles Campground

Thousand Trails San Benito

Pfeiffer Big Sur State Park

The Fairpark RV

Monterey County San Lorenzo Park

Arroyo Seco

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