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| Bear Gulch Trail |
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Pinnacles National Monument has more than 30 miles of trails, ranging from easy to strenuous. Many trails intersect, and you can plan a short loop or a longer all-day trip. Popular destinations are Bear Gulch Reservoir, High Peaks, and the Balconies area.
Trails from Pinnacles Campground
Trails from Bear Gulch Day Use Area
Trails from Old Pinnacles Trailhead
Trails from Chaparral (west entrance)
Trails from Pinnacles Campground
Pinnacles Visitor Center to Bear Gulch Day Use Area
2.7 miles one way - Moderate
elevation gain: 300 feet
Walk along Chalone and Bear creeks from the visitor center to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Portions of the Bench Trail are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
South Wilderness Trail
1 mile to junction and up to 3 miles one way– Easy to moderate
No elevation gain
This level trail is a good choice for hikers who are looking to get away from the park’s more popular trails. You can hike to the park boundary, or simply meander through the grove of valley oaks. This trail is and excellent choice for bird and other wildlife viewing.
Pinnacles Visitor Center to Balconies Cave
4.3 miles one way - moderate
elevation gain: 300 feet
Walk 2.3 miles along the flat and easy Bench Trail to the Old Pinnacles Trail junction, and after the trails merge, it is another two miles to Balconies Cave. Flashlights are required in the cave, and be prepared to scramble through talus passages. On the way back, double back over the cave on theBalconiesCliffsTrailfor views of the largest rock formations in the park.
Trails from Bear Gulch Day Use Area
Moses Spring–Rim Trail Loop
2.2 mile loop, 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 500 feet
Moderate
This loop is a good choice for rock formations, talus caves, and the reservoir on a short hike and also a good choice for children. Bear Gulch Cave is open seasonally. Flashlight required in cave.
Condor Gulch–High Peaks Loop
5.3 mile loop, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,300 feet
Strenuous
Walk through the heart of the Pinnacles rock formations, particularly along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail. Add the Rim and Moses Spring trails to extend the loop to 6.1 miles.
High Peaks–Bear Gulch Loop
6.7 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,425 feet
Strenuous
Climb into the High Peaks and descend along the ridge through meadows of grasses and, in spring, wildflowers. Return to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area under the shade of sycamores along the Bear Gulch Trail.
Bench Trail–Bear Gulch Trail
2.3 miles one way, 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 300 feet
Moderate
Walk along Chalone and Bear creeks from the campground to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. Portions of the Bench Trail are accessible to visitors in wheelchairs.
Condor Gulch Trail
1.7 miles one way, 1 to 11⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 1,100 feet
Moderate to Overlook, strenuous beyond
This trail offers spectacular views of the High Peaks, whether you hike just a few minutes or the entire trail. The Overlook is one mile up. Ask about a geology trail guide.
Chalone Peak Trail
8.6 miles round trip, 3 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 2,040 feet
Strenuous
Climb to the highest point in the park, North Chalone Peak, and b rewarded with views of the surrounding valleys. Continue on an unmaintained trail to South Chalone Peak for a longer hike.
Trails from Old Pinnacles Trailhead
Old Pinnacles Trail to Balconies Cave
8.7 miles round trip, 4 to 5 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
This sunny hike to Balconies Cave also leads to towering rock formations: Machete Ridge and the Balconies Cliffs. Begin at the Chalone trailhead parking area. Flashlight required in cave.
South Wilderness Trail
6.5 miles round trip, 3 to 4 hours
no elevation gain
Moderate
Follow this unmaintained trail to the park boundary, or simply meander through the magnificent grove of valley oaks. Begin at the Bench Trail or the campground and turn at South Wilderness marker.
Trails from Chaparral Parking Area (west entrance)
Balconies Cliffs–Balconies Cave Loop
2.4 mile loop, 1 to 1 1⁄2 hours
elevation gain: 100 feet
Easy to Moderate
This trail through Balconies Cave may require a bit of scrambling through talus passages. Wading may be required in winter. Flashlight required in cave.
Juniper Canyon Loop
4.3 mile loop, 2 to 3 hours
elevation gain: 1,215 feet
Strenuous
This steep trail climbs along switchbacks to the heart of the High Peaks. At the top, circle through the rock formations along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail and the Tunnel Trail.
North Wilderness Trail Loop
9.7 mile loop, 5 to 8 hours
elevation gain: 1,020 feet
Strenuous
This unmaintained trail climbs along ridgetops and then descends into the Chalone Creek bed, where it is marked by rock cairns. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails.
High Peaks–Balconies Cave Loop
8.4 mile loop, 4 to 5 hours
elevation gain: 1,540 feet
Strenuous
Begin by climbing into the High Peaks, and the rest of the loop is downhill or flat. Return along the Old Pinnacles and Balconies trails, going over or through the cave. Flashlight required in cave.
Related information:
Virtual Tour of the Bear Gulch Cave at Cyberhikes
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