Bear Gulch Cave is a unique cavern or, as they call it, talus cave in Pinnacles National Park. And if you ask me, it’s one of the most exciting hikes in Central California.
Last updated: February 20, 2025
Hiking the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails in Pinnacles National Park
A ranger stopped us as our car approached the East Entrance to Pinnacles National Park. There were no more open parking spaces. We had two choices: to ride a shuttle or walk to the Bear Gulch Cave trailhead, one of two talus caves in Pinnacles National Park we wanted to hike through.
As we rode that park shuttle, I tried to figure out how I felt about Pinnacles National Park. Described as not-worthy of your time by some people, it received an equal amount of avid supporters, especially among locals.
One thing you must agree on, Pinnacles National Park looks a world apart from the green hillocks you encounter on the way here. Surrounded by lush rolling hills, the region with pointed red rocks reminded me of Zion National Park. Yet unlike Utah’s giant cliffs that become even more profound as you drive deeper into the park, the size of the rock formations in Pinnacles National Park hardly changes.
Shrubs cluster denser to each other as you proceed farther into the park. And the peaks… well, oddly-shaped and drastically different in their color from the surrounding area, they have their own charm. What grabbed my attention at once, however, were condors gliding above those jagged pillars.
Pinnacles National Park was finally demonstrating its uniqueness. And I couldn’t wait to see what other secrets it hid inside Bear Gulch Cave.
HOW TO HIKE THE BEAR GULCH CAVE & RESERVOIR AND RIM TRAILS IN PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
Hiking the Bear Gulch Cave Trail in Pinnacles National Park
Bear Gulch Cave Trail
- Distance: 1.5-mile, round-trip trail
- Elevation Gain: Approximately 270 feet
- Difficulty: Moderate
- Time: 1-2 hours
The Hike from the Bear Gulch Cave Trailhead to Bear Gulch Cave
The first stretch of the Bear Gulch Cave Trail reminds of a hike or rather a walk in a local park or forest. Shaded by a dense tree canopy above, the picnic tables along the path divert your attention from the talus cave. The hike to the mysterious Bear Gulch Cave is easy at this point.
First Trail Junction: The trail gains a little bit of elevation when you pass through the picnic area and across a paved road leading to another parking lot. Along comes the first mini trail junction and a signage that states that the trail you are on is the Moses Spring Trail. It connects to the Bear Gulch Cave Trail in 0.5 mile. You need to hike only 0.2 mile to get to the Rim Trail from here.
More trees spread their lush canopy above your head. The signature pinnacles come into full view. Towering over an abyss to your right, they are the main attractions of this section of the trail.
If you encountered a small crowd at the Bear Gulch Cave trailhead before starting the hike, you are, for the most part, on your own at this point.
Second Trail Junction: The last chance to encounter a small group of hikers presents itself at another trail junction. Stay on the left fork. (The steeper right fork connects you to the Rim Trail via the Moses Spring Trail.) In about 200 feet, you’ll see the entrance, more like a hole in the cliff, to Bear Gulch Cave.
The Hike through Bear Gulch Cave
The green trees disappear at once. Instead tall sheer walls of the cave surround you on both sides. But you are not alone. All those hikers that you saw on the trail meet once again. Due to complete darkness and narrow passages, even the fastest walkers slow down. Needless to say, the cave feels overcrowded.
It all depends on the time of your visit, of course. Nowhere as crowded as other national parks in California, the small size of Pinnacles attracts far fewer nature lovers. But even on an early Friday afternoon, when we hiked the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails, it looked packed.
The uniqueness of Bear Gulch Cave is the culprit of occasional madness. Other trails, including the Rim Trail and even Bear Gulch Reservoir, couldn’t ask for more solitude and tranquility.
Inside Bear Gulch Cave
The trail dives into the lower section of the dark cavern, dragging all the hikers along. A series of bridges, boardwalks, and staircases aim at simplifying this part of the Bear Gulch Cave Trail.
At some point, the narrow path squeezes between two cold walls. The distance is so narrow that only one person can pass through. In some other places, the ceiling is extremely low. Hikers need to duck or kneel to get on the other side of this hanging barricade. A tiny creek runs through the canyon, slightly drowning out the voices of hikers in front and behind you.
The hike through this section of the Bear Gulch Cave Trail progresses at a snail’s pace. You need to adjust to the speed of people in front of you. There is no way around.
The Hike from Bear Gulch Cave to Bear Gulch Reservoir
The canyon releases its “hostages” almost as unexpectedly as it swallows them. On the other end of the cave, the hiking speed picks up once again. Those who led the hikers through the Bear Gulch Cave are way ahead now.
Alternative Hikes: The visitors that are just exiting the canyon are met with a few trails running in different directions. Feel free to explore. Pick any trail you like and see what views and peculiar rock formations it can bestow on you.
Bear Gulch Reservoir: If you’re determined to reach Bear Gulch Reservoir, hike straight, farther up. This section of the Bear Gulch Cave Trail is exposed to the sun. Temperatures can be really high even in early spring. Bear Gulch Reservoir is a stone’s throw away from here. But not until you puff through the narrow steps of a steep staircase.
Surrounded by the ragged rock formations, the reservoir is one of the highlights of Pinnacles National Park. The waterbody is a side effect of a dam completed in 1935.
TIP: Bear Gulch Reservoir and the adjacent dam entice humans and animals alike. So be extra careful since lizards, red legged frogs, and garter snakes thrive in and near the cooler water.
Hiking the Rim Trail in Pinnacles National Park
Rim Trail: From Bear Gulch Reservoir to Bear Gulch Cave Trailhead
- Distance: Approximately 1 mile
- Difficulty: Easy
- Time: 20-30 minutes
The Hike to Bear Gulch Cave Trailhead along the Rim Trail
You have several options to get back to the Bear Gulch Cave trailhead from Bear Gulch Reservoir.
- You can return the same way you came from, through Bear Gulch Cave.
- You can continue on along the High Peaks Trail. It’s a long, strenuous, 7.7-mile loop hike.
- Avoid the traffic inside Bear Gulch Cave and return to the parking lot by hiking along the virtually empty Rim Trail.
The third option is the easiest, except for the scorching sun that bakes every part of your exposed skin. If you hike the Rim Trail before descending into Bear Gulch Cave, prepare for a more strenuous adventure. The trail goes up at a steady pace until it hits Bear Gulch Reservoir.
If you choose to hike the Rim Trail back to the parking lot, none of this is of your concern. Once you conquer an insignificant ascent after bidding farewell to Bear Gulch Reservoir, the Rim Trail goes down steadily.
The Rim Trail connects to the Moses Spring Trail at the trail junction you passed earlier. Stay on this trail until you reach the Bear Gulch Cave parking lot.
The Best Time to Hike the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails
While the Rim Trail is open all year round, the Bear Gulch Cave Trail sticks to a seasonal schedule. Home to endangered bats, the dark cavern makes sure its inhabitants don’t get disturbed during their hibernation.
Bear Gulch Cave is closed from mid-May through mid-July. During warm springs, both upper and lower sections of the talus cave can be closed before mid-May.
Things to Know before Hiking Bear Gulch Cave & Reservoir and Rim Trails
Entrance
Pinnacles National Park charges an entrance fee of $30. You can use the America the Beautiful pass to access the area. It costs $80 and gives you access to all national parks and monuments for one year.
Limited Parking Spaces/Park Shuttle
Parking is limited inside Pinnacles National Park. Even on weekdays, the parking spaces can fill up quickly. Arriving early can help eliminate any delays at the entrance to the park.
Alternatively, use a free park shuttle. The bus normally operates on weekends, from 8:00 a.m until 6:30 p.m. (east side only).
Cell Phone Service
Download an offline map or use a hard copy map since there is no cell phone service in Pinnacles National Park.
Hiking the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails with Pets
No pets are allowed on the trails, including the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim hikes. Dogs on leash may be present in campground and picnic areas as well as parking lots.
Stay Hydrated
Bring along a large bottle of water. Some sections of the park are exposed to the sun, and the temperatures can reach 100 degrees Fahrenheit even in winter.
Pack a Flashlight
We failed miserably in this department. Luckily, our fellow hikers were more prepared for walking inside Bear Gulch Cave. The guiding lights of their headlamps ensured our safe passage through the dark canyon cavern.
Wear Non-Slip Shoes
The trail and steps inside Bear Gulch Cave can be wet and slippery. So, wear shoes with good traction.
Bring Hiking Sticks
Some of the sections of the Bear Gulch Cave and Rim Trails are practically flat. Many others are not. Even experienced hikers find it helpful to use a pair of hiking sticks. If it’s not your cup of tea, you can do just fine without them.
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