Bear Gulch Caves
Bear Gulch Caves
4.5
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Challenging, popular hiking trail located in the Pinnacles National Monument.
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4.5
88 reviews
Excellent
60
Very good
22
Average
5
Poor
0
Terrible
1
Ashley
United States49 contributions
Dec 2022
This was such an amazing experience. There are two caves that are really beautiful and unique. Bring along a flashlight (your phone is good enough) as it is really dark. Take your time and really enjoy them. Best place in pinnacles NP. The trail leading up to it is very lush as well. I would recommend visiting the reservoir and doing the grand loop in the same hike as well
Written 18 January 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
gr8ful4222
Campbell, CA1,926 contributions
Feb 2022
This is a really fun hike, with the caves to explore and a pretty little reservoir at the end. It's an easy walk through the caves, and you definitely want to bring a strong flashlight so you can look at all of the small waterfalls and pools of water inside. The upper cave has a dramatic exit with a large rock hanging over a tall, narrow staircase that takes you out to the reservoir. The reservoir itself is small but pretty, with perfect reflections of the surrounding rocks. We took Rim trail back to the parking lot, which was an easy downhill hike with views of Bear Gulch from above. The trail was well signed, and the hike had a lot of shade.
I was worried about parking, but there were plenty of parking spots at Bear Gulch Nature Center on a Tuesday morning in February, at least until around noon. There are flush restrooms in a small building across the road from Bear Gulch Nature Center, along with a water refill station.
I was worried about parking, but there were plenty of parking spots at Bear Gulch Nature Center on a Tuesday morning in February, at least until around noon. There are flush restrooms in a small building across the road from Bear Gulch Nature Center, along with a water refill station.
Written 8 February 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
atlas993
Elk Grove, CA549 contributions
Dec 2021 • Family
We did the Bear Cave Gulch Trail, but went on the Moses Spring trail to reach the cave. So we were entering the cave where many people were exiting the cave. Probably not the best choice when it’s a busy day. We had a 4 year old and 10 year old and they both did a great job with the trail. It took us about an hour to complete the loop. Make sure to bring a flashlight, but a few headlamps would work best as you need your hands free to hold on to the rails as you walk through the cave.
Written 17 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Grover R
Pensacola, FL22,712 contributions
Mar 2022
If you come here on a Spring weekend as we did you may want to skip the dark cave portion and enjoy the Talus cave portion with a link to Moses Springs Trail. I wanted to walk in the caves from the reservoir to the parking area. However, nearly every Cub Scout in the Bay area was at the park to do this hike in the opposite direction, emerging from the gated area like a never ending clown car. My wife and friends did walk the first half of the cave and they were traumatized by the tight spaces and constant noise. Again, it may be great when you are alone in the park but on a weekend, I might just do the portion between the reservoir and the Moses Spring Spring Trail connector. It was interesting to see the talus caves.
Written 29 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Lauren Harvey
San Luis Obispo, CA96 contributions
Jan 2020
I am not a frequent cave-goer, nor do I particularly enjoy dark, enclosed spaces. However, my experience in Bear Gulch Caves was fantastic!
The paths were well-laid out, with hand rails and easy to navigate. Climbing up the center of the cave, with water running down stream, is simply beautiful.
My phone camera was not equipped for the darkness, so my pictures didn't come out great, but believe me when I say these are rare views and scenes!
Nature's theme park.
There's an easy hike you can do if you're just stopping through Pinnacles briefly. It will take you through the Caves, then up and out, to look down at the rock formations. Definitely worth it.
The paths were well-laid out, with hand rails and easy to navigate. Climbing up the center of the cave, with water running down stream, is simply beautiful.
My phone camera was not equipped for the darkness, so my pictures didn't come out great, but believe me when I say these are rare views and scenes!
Nature's theme park.
There's an easy hike you can do if you're just stopping through Pinnacles briefly. It will take you through the Caves, then up and out, to look down at the rock formations. Definitely worth it.
Written 6 February 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mikegeijin
Mountain View, CA56 contributions
Jan 2020 • Couples
It was our first hiking in Pinnacles. It’s fantastic. We parked in the Bear Gulch day use parking area. We next hiked to the Bear Gulch caves and climbed through these. It’s very cool. We then went to Bear Creek Reservoir; a beautiful area. We then did the High Peaks Trail loop, about 5 miles. It’s a great hike. I’m terrified of heights and had no problem with it. You’ll initially do about 3 miles of climbing followed by 3.5 miles of descent. It took us about 4.5 hours and we stopped for lots of pictures. The park ranger recommended hiking to Bear Gulch first and then climb up High Peaks followed by the descent into the parking area. We definitely recommend that. We carried sandwiches, lots of water and snacks.
Written 20 January 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Nikko Gandia
Monterey, CA316 contributions
Oct 2021
i hiked the bear gulch caves/reservoir, moses spring and rim trail loop on 10/8/21 and posted a video that includes a vlog, tips and suggestions for all hiking levels, so future visitors can be prepared. you’ll find a link to my youtube on my profile or you can search “nikko gandia”.
$30 parking fee. you have to enter through the east entrance to park next to the trailhead.
pets allowed in picnic areas, campground, parking lots, and on paved road but are prohibited on all trails.
rated as moderate but i think it’s on the easier side. some tight spaces you have to get through in the caves section but overall was an easy 3-4 mile hike for me.
$30 parking fee. you have to enter through the east entrance to park next to the trailhead.
pets allowed in picnic areas, campground, parking lots, and on paved road but are prohibited on all trails.
rated as moderate but i think it’s on the easier side. some tight spaces you have to get through in the caves section but overall was an easy 3-4 mile hike for me.
Written 16 January 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sanjosejohn
San Jose, CA107 contributions
Oct 2020 • Couples
Went yesterday 10 29 2020, weather was perfect 70 degrees. In July, August, sept, everyday is about 90 degrees. You are way back in a dry, desolate valley. We entered through the east, South of Hollister. Once you leave Hollister its about 35 min drive.
Got in free due to building a new guard shack. Parked at bear gulch, great snack shop, bathrooms, shady benches. Next to the r.v. park. Hardly anyone there. Hike to the reservoir was 3 miles round trip. Moderate level, I'm 67 and made it with no sweat.
Bring water! And maybe an apple or something to eat once you get to the reservoir.
Saw couple condors flying overhead, as well as a huge tarantula on the trail. Its mating season for them now. Get there about 10am and you'll be done with the hike and back to your car by 1pm..bear gulch trail. Or, there are plenty more longer 8 to 10 mile hikes if you prefer. We went on a Thurs, few people. I'm sure on the weekend its packed. Have fun...
Got in free due to building a new guard shack. Parked at bear gulch, great snack shop, bathrooms, shady benches. Next to the r.v. park. Hardly anyone there. Hike to the reservoir was 3 miles round trip. Moderate level, I'm 67 and made it with no sweat.
Bring water! And maybe an apple or something to eat once you get to the reservoir.
Saw couple condors flying overhead, as well as a huge tarantula on the trail. Its mating season for them now. Get there about 10am and you'll be done with the hike and back to your car by 1pm..bear gulch trail. Or, there are plenty more longer 8 to 10 mile hikes if you prefer. We went on a Thurs, few people. I'm sure on the weekend its packed. Have fun...
Written 30 October 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
JBRetired
Apple Valley, CA489 contributions
Mar 2022 • Couples
Great cave experience and relatively easy. First you need a flashlight and it takes about 15 minutes for the lower cave. There are a fair amount of steps but you can do it. A lot of neat sights along the way. You do have to crouch down a lot at the end. Recommend continuing up to the reservoir and returning on the loop trail. A couple hour hike. We are in our 70’s and made it so easy for you.
Written 21 March 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
catahoulagirl
2 contributions
Sept 2022
When the trail to the the caves is open, and you're not afraid of caves... DEFINITELY go! It's a col respite from the summer heat, and SO beautiful. My son has been doing this trail since he was 4. Consider bringing a headlamp or flashlight!
Written 8 February 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Is this trail high traffic? Is it safe for female solo hiker?
Written 5 August 2021
Does anyone know if this hike is suitable for people with a fear of heights?
Written 16 July 2017
Not sure of the extent of the fear of heights but the Bear Gulch Caves trail has some steep inclines out of the caves to the reservoir with hand rails along the trail up to the reservoir where it flattens out. With that said there is no big drop off. This trail connects to the high peaks trail which does offer some steep views of the terrain below so I would check with a park ranger at the visitor center before your hike.
Written 16 July 2017
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