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The Pinnacles Trail
The Pinnacles Trail leads one mile out and back through the Sand Creek Canyon.
Plan Around The Pinnacles Trail
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Use this detail page to confirm that the stop is worth it, then carry that decision into a trip draft while the park context is still fresh.
The Pinnacles Trail Details
Seven miles south of Phantom Ship Overlook, on Pinnacles Spur Road, the Pinnacles Trail leads one mile out and back through the Sand Creek Canyon. The easy trail takes you to lookout points where you can see fossil fumaroles -- needles of pumice stone projecting upwards from the canyon floor. The passage of gasses through the volcanic rock as it cooled over thousands of years left the striking curvature visible in the rock today. The trail starts at 6,500 feet and is considered easy: it actually loses 100 feet of elevation on the way out to the pinnacles (don't worry, you'll get to climb those 100 feet on the way back!). Estimate around 30 minutes for the half mile round trip. There is also a scenic overlook at the parking lot.
Difficulty
Low
Distance
.5 mile
Estimated time
30 minutes
Region
N/A
Nearby Parks Around The Pinnacles Trail
Compare nearby parks around The Pinnacles Trail when deciding whether to expand the route after this stop.
Nearby Points of Interest Around The Pinnacles Trail
Use nearby POIs to quickly expand your options beyond The Pinnacles Trail while the map context is still fresh.
2.6 mi away
Lost Creek Campground
This is the park's smaller, more secluded campground.
5.1 mi away
Crater Peak Trail
This trail winds up Vidae Ridge, passing through hemlock and fir forest.
5.3 mi away
Vidae Falls
Vidae Falls is a 100-foot, spring-fed waterfall located on the side of East Rim Drive.
5.5 mi away
Kerr Notch and Phantom Ship Overlook
The Phantom Ship Overlook at Kerr Notch offers great views of the Phantom Ship, a 300-foot-long, 16-foot-high island of jagged rock.
5.6 mi away
Mount Scott Trail Head and Picnic Area
Mount Scott is the highest point in Crater Lake National Park.
