Pincushion Peak Trailhead, Friant CA

Because of all the rain we had, it looks so green and beautiful, the flowers during early spring are very diverse. There are several trails to get to the top, the shortest on is very steep but you can go around. Down by the road there is a small gate you go through, make sure to close it behind you, there will be cows in the pasture around the trail. Speaking of cows, make sure you wear closed show and watch for cow droppings, but nothing that takes away from this beautiful place so close to Fresno.

Great workout and beautiful views! My family and I attempted this hike without a lot of inside knowledge and we were pleasantly surprised at the strenuous nature of the last quarter mile and breathtaking views from the top! Not a casual stroll if you’re looking to go for a walk rather than a hike, but perfect if you want to get the heart rate up and get some good pictures to show off as a reward!

It was nice, but there was no signs and we didn’t know where we were going. I weigh 210 and with lung issues. If I could do it anybody could do it. Just don’t go when it’s hot because you’ll feel it.

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. Definitely get up there before it gets hot and dry. The trail head is behind a gate, the gate has what looks like a lock on it, but it's open. The beginning of the trail is pretty steep and then it somewhat levels out. It's a decent climb up. It levels out in the middle and then the last bit up to the top gets steep again. If you finish it you get a 360 view of the lake! I'm definitely going to go back before it's dry and finish the trail. Parking is free, you can park til 8 p.m, after 8, police to issue tickets.

Went for a walk on the trail. Was beautiful. You can have a nice walk along the lake. Plus there is lot of area for camping and spending the day there. You need to pay for parking to enter. A nice place close to fresno.

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.

Starting from San Joaquin Trailhead, the trail is a steady paced trail going until you about half-way then it gets a little more steeper. Once you're near the top, you have two options. 1. Climb or 2. Take the long loopy trail to the top.

Starting from Pincushion Trailhead, the trail is immediately moderately steep to really steep to moderately steep for about half of the trail. The rest is up and down some small hills until you get near the top. When you get to the fork, there's only one way up. Go left and up to the top.

Hope this was helpful. Enjoy!

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…. There were cows grazing but off the trail but their waste was all over the trails …. It’s about 2.5 miles hike back n forth …. Their picnic area near the parking is quite nice

Beautiful location for a great hike! Wild Spring flowers everywhere and the weather was perfect!

Start at the cattle corral as you get to the top of the road take the trail to the right much more scenic walk vs.staying on the road to pincushion. You'll still get to the peak just a nicer trail to walk

Fantastic hiking/trail running. The trail that starts here is steep. If you want a more gradual trail go all the way to the end of the road

Great spot to get a hike in. But please let's respect the property pack it in and pack it out. Please!

This is a good trail the beginning is pretty steep and the views are amazing and worth it.

It was a rough trail at the beginning with all the deep steeps but after that it was amazing. I'll be super sore tomorrow. I just know it. It was about a four mile hike. It made me rejuvenated but tired at the same time. But definitely not a hike for kids.

Trail is moderate short, can be challenging for beginners going up kinda steep, if you want to take the longer route going down around behind it's about 4 miles, it take us 2.5hr total with multiple little breaks and pictures at the top! The reward after is the lake! Take your floaties with you and have fun:)

Hiking distance are not too long not too short but perfect! There's about 7 different specie of flowers blooming and weather was perfect because it is still Spring. There are cows but there's nothing to be scared about them. There are up to like 7 different bird chirping sound.

Beautiful hike along the San Joaquin river! Very easy trail to follow. Watch your step, there's a lot of cow droppings. It gets a little difficult and very rocky towards the top. Dog friendly! Overall, great views, and an excellent workout. A must do!