Hello friends! Today we hiked the Pincushion Trail to the main peak. The trailhead sits just above Milerton Lake, tucked into the rolling foothills north of Fresno. We started mid-morning as a cool breeze drifted off the calm lake. The distance from the parking area to the top is about 1.2 miles. There are several trails that continue beyond Pincushion making it 12.7 miles in total.

The Pincushion trail begins with a gentle incline before leveling out in some spots, followed by some steeper climbs. Several switchbacks make the ascent more manageable. Here’s a short video clip taken roughly midway from the peak.

As the trail continues, the path grows steeper and the switchbacks tighter. By this point, you’re more than halfway up and can catch your first views of the lake’s eastern channel. (See video clip.)

From here we took a short break and snacked on some granola bars, and refilled on water. After our rest, we were back at it. The final stretch includes a few rocky sections that require a bit of climbing, so be sure to wear sturdy hiking shoes and watch your footing carefully.
The next clip shows the view from the top of Pincushion Peak, the climb was well worth it.

Thank you for reading my blog—I hope you enjoyed the videos and photos. Have you completed this trail? We’d love to hear about your experience. Let us know in the comment section below.

A Few Takeaways

This section of the trail is considered moderate due to its elevation gain and short distance. Bring plenty of water, pack a snack, and take your time if you’re new to hiking. It can get busy on weekends, so arriving early helps secure better parking. Note: the main parking lot was closed during our visit, so we parked in the nearby residential area by the entrance.
If you’re from the Central Valley or visiting the area, the Pincushion Trail is definitely a must‑do hike.

More Information:

State Parks PDF: Download the “Millerton Lake State Recreation Area” map from CA State Parks; it includes Pincushion Mountain labeled near the lake with surrounding trails and facilities.

– Follow for more hiking adventures!