First time visited Pinnacles National Park. We didn't have too much time to spend, but we chose to visit the East side of the park to do the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. This was really the only trail we wanted to do during our visit, and it is 100% worth it. A lot of the trails in the area interconnect, so it's easier to add on if you're doing another hike in the area. We parked in the lot by the Moses Spring Trail and started that trail until it branched off to the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. The hiking portion itself was easy - incline wasn't that bad and the entire hike itself was only about 2 miles. Once you enter the caves, though, is where the fun (and the bit of difficulty) comes in. It's not a strenuous hike, but it does require squeezing and maneuvering through tight spaces, walking through water, and moving through the dark. If you're claustrophobic, this is probably not going to be the hike for you. All that aside, though, it was such a fun hike, and I found myself enjoying it much more than I anticipated. It was super cool to explore the caves, and once you're in the tighter areas, the hike is clearly labeled with spray painted white arrows. It is pitch black in some areas, so definitely bring a flashlight. You could probably squeak by with your cell phone light, but a small flashlight was ideal. Some areas of the water were also ankle deep, so wear appropriate footwear. After the caves, you'll pop out at Bear Gulch Reservoir. And let me tell you - pictures do not do it justice. It is so incredibly beautiful and peaceful. We spent much more time than we had planned just sitting on a rock and taking it all in. Highly recommend this hike when visiting the east side of Pinnacles National Park. read more

Bear Gulch Cave Trail - Bear Gulch Reservoir - Hiking Near Me - Paicines, California

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We very much enjoyed our 2mile ish hike through the cave, circling around the reservoir to come back down. We started on a weekday at around 830am and were able to park in the closest parking lot to the trailhead where there's a nice restroom. There is also more parking around, it just requires a bit further of a walk. The trail stays with a slight incline through some woods with tons of birds around. You eventually level out and start to enter the cave. You definitely need a headlamp or flashlight for the very dark parts. We went when it was very dry, so no worries about slipping for us. You do have to squeeze through some tight bits, but nothing too treacherous. After the cave, you pop out to the beautiful reservoir at the top. We did the loop and headed back down on a very sunny and scenic part of the trail. Watch for squirrels, chipmunks and birds along the trail, as there are many beautiful species around to enjoy. I suggest bringing binoculars and take pics along the way! read more

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