Bear Gulch Reservoir
Bear Gulch Reservoir
4.5
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4.5
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BruinDan
Fullerton, CA3,344 contributions
Feb 2024 • Couples
One of the best-known sights on the east side of Pinnacles National Park is the Bear Gulch Reservoir. To get to the reservoir you follow a 2.4 mi/3.8.km out-and-back trail with a 314 ft/95.7 m elevation gain. My wife and I hiked this trail during late February 2024.
NOTE that the parking lot nearest the trailhead is small and fills up quickly, so it’s best to get there early. If it is full, you’ll have to use the overflow lot down the hill.
From the trailhead, you go up a gradual shaded incline, after which the trail changes from hard pack to rockier footing. You then go through a small tunnel as the trail continues its gradual climb. The trail eventually splits, with one path leading you into the caves and the other bypassing the caves.
If you take the bypass trail like we did (the caves were closed that day), be alert because the trail is a little hard to follow at a couple points. There is also a technical aspect to the hike as there is a bit of mild scrambling involved.
After the trails merge back together keep going straight and you’ll eventually enter a large opening in the rocks where the trail leads you toward the bottom of the section. Head toward the light and watch your step here because it’s a little dark, and the bottom area is pretty damp. Once you exit this bottom area, turn right and climb a set of stairs carved into the rock. From there you can follow the trail to the reservoir; it’s not that large, but it is a pretty sight.
This trail has a reputation for being fairly easy, but I found it a bit more strenuous than that. Still, we enjoyed the hike along the Bear Gulch Reservoir Trail and considered it was a memorable part of our visit to Pinnacles National Park.
NOTE that the parking lot nearest the trailhead is small and fills up quickly, so it’s best to get there early. If it is full, you’ll have to use the overflow lot down the hill.
From the trailhead, you go up a gradual shaded incline, after which the trail changes from hard pack to rockier footing. You then go through a small tunnel as the trail continues its gradual climb. The trail eventually splits, with one path leading you into the caves and the other bypassing the caves.
If you take the bypass trail like we did (the caves were closed that day), be alert because the trail is a little hard to follow at a couple points. There is also a technical aspect to the hike as there is a bit of mild scrambling involved.
After the trails merge back together keep going straight and you’ll eventually enter a large opening in the rocks where the trail leads you toward the bottom of the section. Head toward the light and watch your step here because it’s a little dark, and the bottom area is pretty damp. Once you exit this bottom area, turn right and climb a set of stairs carved into the rock. From there you can follow the trail to the reservoir; it’s not that large, but it is a pretty sight.
This trail has a reputation for being fairly easy, but I found it a bit more strenuous than that. Still, we enjoyed the hike along the Bear Gulch Reservoir Trail and considered it was a memorable part of our visit to Pinnacles National Park.
Written 9 December 2024
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
Build by the CCC, this reservoir collects water for the park. However, it is a great oasis in the park which can become hot as the day goes. By the time our hike reached the reservoir, the day was getting hot. However, the breeze over the water was nice and cool. A large number of people surrounded it. With little shade in the park, the reservoir is a great place to cool off. If you visit other than a weekend you will see smaller crowds and the water is a source for wildlife, frogs and birds.
Written 26 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.
Ashley
United States49 contributions
Dec 2022
If you hit this, make sure to also go to the bear gulch caves either on your way up to it or on your way back.
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.
Geo L
4 contributions
Apr 2022
Easy to access through the Bear Gulch Cave. I did not walk the trail to access the reservoir. Nice place for photos, catch your breath, looking for condors, and a snack.
Written 19 April 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.
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