Name: Pinnacles NP, High Peaks, Condor/Bear Gulch Loop, 5.9mi, 1425'
Start: 2024-11-18T09:45:00-08:00
End: 2024-11-18T13:45:00-08:00

* Please read this entire hike description before signing up for this hike. This hike involves getting to the park which is 76 miles South of San Jose so an early start to get to the trail head will be needed for those that will be driving down for the day. You’ll need to plan on the whole day since it involves up to four hours driving time in addition to the hike time. Alternatively, you can camp at the park, as I will be doing.
* **Description:** We’ll be starting the hike on schedule. If you are late, the route is identified in the hike description. Our route brings us to Bear Gulch Reservoir and past or through fault caves, a cave bypass trail is optional. We then hike climbs up to the namesake rocks of the park for expansive views of the surrounding valleys. Hopefully, we’ll get to see some California Condors flying below as we have on previous hikes. Some of the trails through the rocks are challenging passing along rock ledges, using cables to make our way and passing through multiple tight squeezes. This hike is not for the squeamish. This is the premier hike of the park.
* Hikes will be from the East Side of the park from the Pinnacles Visitor Center, 36.493545,-121.146646. See Directions below.
* **Fees:** There is a $30 per vehicle entrance fee which is valid for 7 days. Other passes like the senior pass are also valid. Carpooling is recommended.
* **Length:** 5.9 miles Route: Bear Gulch Trail --> Rim trail --> High Peaks Trail --> Condor Gulch Trail
* **Elevation Change:** 1425 feet
* **Difficulty:** Moderate to Strenuous (tight squeezes, cables, and ledges)
* **Preparation:** Bring sufficient water, lunch, snacks, a camera, and walking stick(s) if desired. Wear good hiking shoes and a hat. Bring a headlamp or flashlight and possibly knee pads for the cave.
* **GPS Route:** You can download a GPS route for this hike here. Just select download from the menu on the top right of the screen. [https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/pinnacles-np-condor-high-peaks-bear-gulch-loop?u=i](https://www.alltrails.com/explore/map/pinnacles-np-condor-high-peaks-bear-gulch-loop?u=i)
* **Directions:** Note, there are two entrances to the park East and West. There is no connection between the two sides except by trail. Most GPS devices guide you to the West side which is the wrong side. To get to the East side of the park take Hwy 101 south through the city of Gilroy to Hwy 25 south. On Hwy 25, go through the town of Hollister and continue about 30 miles on highway 25 to Hwy 146. Turn right on Hwy 146, then turn left into the Pinnacles Campground to check in at Pinnacles Visitor Center. From the campground, the Bear Gulch Area is 3.5 miles further into the park along Hwy 146. Parking is limited at Bear Gulch so we will concentrate into the minimum # of cars before heading up.
* **Links:** Map to Visitor Center [https://goo.gl/maps/zT4pR](https://goo.gl/maps/zT4pR)
* **Park info:** [http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm](http://www.nps.gov/pinn/index.htm)
* **Park Info:** [http://campingcalifornia.org/pinnacles-national-monument.php](http://campingcalifornia.org/pinnacles-national-monument.php)
* **Safety:** Please keep in mind that you always hike at your own risk and that you are ultimately responsible for your own safety. All hikers should carry sufficient water, a first aid kit, and a map of the hike route. If you are not sure about the nature of a specific hike, contact the leader via the private message feature on this website.
* **San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Meetup Group**, hike leaders and hosts assume ABSOLUTELY NO responsibility, including but not limited to injury or loss of any kind/form due to the use of information, or participating in activities found on this group/site. By becoming a member of the San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Meetup Group, you agree to the terms and conditions of the group.
* **Note:** This attendance list is managed. Priority given to hike leaders, hikers with good attendance and hikers with a portrait profile photo. Lowest priority to first time attendees.

San Jose Mid-Week Hikers Group

Travel & Outdoor

Stay-at-Home Dads

Social

New In Town

Walking

Hiking

Outdoors

Work At Home Moms

Work At Home

Working Dads

Weekday Hikes

Nature

Pinnacles NP, High Peaks, Condor/Bear Gulch Loop, 5.9mi, 1425'

Camping

This content is available only to members

Share this event

Pinnacles NP, High Peaks, Condor/Bear Gulch Loop, 5.9mi, 1425'

Details