Hiking Options Within Pinnacles National Park

Pinnacles National Park is a unique wilderness area located in central California. The park is home to an array of rugged rock formations, deep canyons, and diverse wildlife, making it a popular destination for hiking enthusiasts. With over 30 miles of hiking trails, Pinnacles National Park offers something for hikers of all abilities, from easy nature walks to strenuous backcountry treks. In this article, we will explore some of the best hiking trails in Pinnacles National Park.

Bear Gulch Trail

Bear Gulch Trail is a popular hiking trail in Pinnacles National Park that leads to one of the park’s most iconic features, Bear Gulch Cave. The trail is a 2.4-mile loop that begins at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area and climbs up through a steep canyon, passing by towering rock formations and lush vegetation along the way.

At the end of the canyon, hikers will arrive at Bear Gulch Cave, a series of narrow passageways and caverns that wind their way through the heart of a massive rock formation. The cave is open year-round, and hikers are required to bring a flashlight or headlamp to navigate the dark and sometimes narrow passages.

After exploring the cave, hikers can continue on the loop trail, which passes by Bear Gulch Reservoir, a popular spot for picnics and birdwatching. The trail then descends back down to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area, offering stunning views of the surrounding landscape along the way.

High Peaks Trail

The High Peaks Trail is a challenging hike that leads to some of the highest points in Pinnacles National Park, offering sweeping views of the park’s rugged terrain. The trail is a 5.3-mile loop that begins at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area and climbs up through a series of switchbacks and steep ascents, eventually reaching the summit of Scout Peak, one of the highest points in the park.

Along the way, hikers will pass by towering rock formations and unique geological features, including the Balconies Cliffs, a sheer rock face that rises hundreds of feet above the surrounding landscape. The trail also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of the park’s resident California condors.

At the summit of Scout Peak, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness areas, including the Salinas Valley and the San Andreas Fault. The trail then descends down through the High Peaks, passing by a series of narrow passageways and rocky outcroppings before arriving back at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area.

Condor Gulch Trail

Condor Gulch Trail is a moderate hiking trail that offers stunning views of Pinnacles National Park’s rugged terrain and diverse wildlife. The trail is a 3.2-mile out-and-back route that begins at the Chaparral Trailhead and climbs up through a series of switchbacks and steep ascents, eventually reaching the Condor Gulch Overlook.

Along the way, hikers will pass by a variety of unique geological features, including towering rock formations and narrow canyons. The trail also offers opportunities for wildlife viewing, including sightings of the park’s resident California condors, which can often be seen soaring overhead.

At the Condor Gulch Overlook, hikers will be rewarded with breathtaking views of the surrounding wilderness areas, including the High Peaks and the Salinas Valley. The trail then descends back down to the Chaparral Trailhead, offering stunning views of the park’s rugged terrain along the way.

Moses Spring Trail

Moses Spring Trail is an easy hiking trail that leads to a natural spring and offers stunning views of Pinnacles National Park’s unique geological features. The trail is a 2.2-mile out-and-back route that