Home › California › Friant › Pincushion Peak Trailhead
Pincushion Peak Trailhead
4.8 ★★★★★ 194 Google reviews · Running trail in Friant, California · Hours vary
Runner's snapshot
- Surface
- Not reported
- Distance
- Not reported
- Shape
- Not reported
- Shade
- Tree cover
- Access
- Not reported
Confirmed from Pincushion Peak Trailhead's own listing, the park or land manager's website, and runner reviews. Blank cells mean we could not verify that fact — we would rather say "not reported" than invent one. There is no Easy / Moderate / Hard rating on this page on purpose: a one-word difficulty score tells you nothing about whether a trail suits your run. Surface, distance, shade and hours do.
What runners say about Pincushion Peak Trailhead
“Pincushion is an easy trail offering stunning views of Millerton and the central valley.”
“To the west, the serene waters of Millerton Lake shimmer, while to the east, Kennedy Table stands majestically, with the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada wilderness stretching beyond.”
I've done this hike twice, once in the summer of 2020 and again today. I didn't complete the entire trail today though, I got to the trail head late and didn't want to risk getting lost in the dark. The views are AMAZING RIGHT NOW! The wildflowers are so beautiful, the hills are green, the temp was perfect.
Great hike! I recommend wear hiking shoes. Steep trails, loose gravel, and a lot of adults, kids, and pets to maneuver around. Took about 30 mins to get to the top from either San Joaquin Trail or Pincushion Trailhead.
Prepare Your Glutes: A Review of Pincushion peak trail This hike is like a never-ending Stairmaster, but with a view. No matter which way you choose to ascend, you'll be greeted by an incline that will have your quads screaming "mercy!
Have been wanting to do this short but very steep hike and the experience was out of this world,specially Lake Millerton on one side and Table Mountain on the other side is a sight to behold …. Specially now at this time of the year when it’s so lush green and beautiful….
Trail conditions & character
“Pincushion Peak trail is a great trail to hike that is steep at first but is more mellow the remaining 2/3rds of the hike to the peak.”
“Prepare Your Glutes: A Review of Pincushion peak trail This hike is like a never-ending Stairmaster, but with a view.”
“There's 2 main paths (one, starting at the end of the road and at lake level (harder) and one along the side of the road a ways up but limited parking) to get to the top.”
“The trail is went on is kid friendly pet friendly.”
“To the west, the serene waters of Millerton Lake shimmer, while to the east, Kennedy Table stands majestically, with the awe-inspiring Sierra Nevada wilderness stretching beyond.”
“You'll need the energy to fuel your descent, which will undoubtedly involve some light bouldering (think "gentle rock scrambling").”
Plan your run at Pincushion Peak Trailhead
The practical stuff
- AccessHours vary — hours are not posted for this trail, so check before an early or late run
- DistanceNot reported. Trail systems often quote total path mileage rather than a single loop, so measure the route you actually want before you drive out.
- ShadeRunners describe real tree cover here — it makes a summer afternoon workable
- LightingRunners report lights on the path — useful for pre-dawn and after-work miles. Lighting and opening hours are separate things, so check both.
- At the trailheadparking, restrooms — reported by runners
- DogsWelcome, per reviewers. Leash rules vary by park — the trailhead sign is the authority.
Running trails near Friant
Other trails within easy driving distance — useful when this one is flooded, gated, or just not the run you had in mind today.
Ruth McKenzie Table Mountain Preserve
4.6 ★★★★★ 29 reviews
Lost Lake Park
4.5 ★★★★★ 1,021 reviews
Relaxed park offering walking trails, swimming and kayaking options, plus camping.
Lewis Eaton Trail
5 ★★★★★ 1 reviews
Copper River Park
4.6 ★★★★★ 129 reviews
Park featuring a playground and picnic tables, as well as a basketball court.
Dry Creek Trailhead
4.6 ★★★★★ 271 reviews
Public park offering a walking/biking trail through a shaded area with picnic tables.
Sugar Pine Trailhead
5 ★★★★★ 3 reviews