The Bear Gulch Cave Trail is a gorgeous path leading past tall cliffs and huge boulders in Pinnacles National Park. It leads up to a hilltop ridge with stunning views of the rocky gulch. Admire the spectacular natural scenery as you hike along this narrow trail for a 1.5-mile (2.4-kilometer) loop back to the day use area.
The route is fairly easy, with just 240 feet (73 meters) of elevation gain. Bring a flashlight, as the path travels through short sections of dark cave. The trail is narrow, its width between a single and a double track.
Before heading up the trail, check signs in the Bear Gulch Day Use Area. The caves are closed during the times bats are raising their young inside.
Be alert for wildlife along the path. You may see deer, ground squirrels, raccoons or foxes. Coyotes and bobcats also live in the wilderness, but are rarely seen. Bring binoculars to gaze at birds of prey soaring in the wind currents in the gulch.
Consider bringing a picnic to enjoy as you gaze at Bear Gulch Reservoir at the top of this trail. For the descent, follow a short section of the Moses Spring Trail to enjoy slightly different scenery before reconnecting with the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. For a longer and more challenging hike and additional impressive views, continue upward beyond the reservoir along the High Peaks Trail.
Find the Bear Gulch Cave Trail a little west of Frog Canyon and Bear Valley, in the heart of Pinnacles National Park. Drive south from Paicines for 22 miles (35 kilometers) to get here in a little more than 30 minutes. Drop off your vehicle in the trail’s parking lot.
Explore the surroundings for other natural landmarks such as Peaks View, McCabe Canyon and the Resurrection Wall. Pay the weekly or annual use fee for entry to Pinnacles National Park or purchase an annual pass for access to this and hundreds of other National Park Service locations.
