Exploring volcanic spire-infused Pinnacles National Park is one of the best things to do in Central California.
Last updated: September 14, 2026
Visit Pinnacles National Park
Overlooked by many, Pinnacles National Park is a hidden nature pocket in the central part of California. A trip to the park is a journey across a rocky landscape and through pitch-dark talus caves – two major things that set Pinnacles apart from all other parks in the state.
Pinnacles National Park is one of nine national parks in California. It joined the national park system relatively recently, in 2013. Yet the area was first recognized for its unique natural features and protected as a national monument in 1908.
The sites and wildlife that forged this transition are indeed exceptional. The area of volcanic origins, Pinnacles National Park is home to two distinct talus caves and more than a hundred endangered California condors.
But this is just the tip of the iceberg. Pinnacles National Park offers many other places to explore, trails to hike along, and things to do and see that upon closer inspection leave no doubt about the uniqueness and distinct diversity of the area.
TOP THINGS TO DO IN PINNACLES NATIONAL PARK
1. Hike though Bear Gulch Cave (via Sycamore-Moses Spring Trail)
Distance: 1.5-2.2 miles, round trip (depending on the loop trail)
Bear Gulch Cave was a hike that lured us to the region in the first place. This moderately difficult, completely dark, and utterly exciting trail is one of the best things to do in Pinnacles National Park whether you are here for a day or a quick, a few-hour stop.
The trail starts at the Moses Spring Parking Area near the Bear Gulch Nature Center and runs through a diverse terrain. From a virtually flat path with several picnic tables near the trailhead to cliff edges with imposing volcanic pillars on the other side of the canyon, you get to see different facets of Pinnacles National Park.
The pinnacle of the hike is one of the park’s two talus caves, Bear Gulch Cave. The talus cave is a natural tunnel formed by large boulders falling into a narrow canyon. It’s pitch-dark inside. Some sections of Bear Gulch Cave are really narrow with the ceiling so low that you have to kneel and crawl to get on the other side.
The tunnel is just a small section of the trail, spanning only roughly 100 feet.
TIP: Bear Gulch Cave has some stairs and is completely dark inside. Make sure to bring along a flashlight.
Note: The talus caves in Pinnacles National Park close seasonally to protect Townsend’s big-eared bats.
2. Continue on to the Bear Gulch Reservoir
Once you’ve made it to the other side of Bear Gulch Cave, hiking to the Bear Gulch Reservoir is the next best thing to do in Pinnacles National Park. Exit the cave via a short, but steep stone staircase and walk (approximately 0.2 mile) straight until you reach the shore of the waterbody.
TIP: If the cave is closed for the season, you can reach the Bear Gulch Cave Reservoir via the Moses Spring Trail. The hiking path is well-marked and bypasses the dark cavern. It runs for approximately 1.3-1.5 miles, round trip.
The Bear Gulch Reservoir is a man-made “lake”. It appeared on the map of the Pinnacles region around 1935. The Civilian Conservation Corps built the dam to prevent the downstream flooding.
Today, the reservoir fulfills mostly the aesthetic duty and houses some interesting park’s species, including the threatened California red-legged frog. The frogs, in their turn, attract hunters, yellow-striped garter snakes.
3. Explore Different Terrains of Pinnacles along the High Peaks Trail
If you are up for a challenge, then hiking the strenuous High Peaks Trail should be on top of your list of things to do in Pinnacles National Park. The trail ranges from 5.4 miles (the Condor Gulch and High Peaks loop) to 6.7 miles (the High Peaks and Bear Gulch loop).
It’s one of the most challenging hikes in the park with the elevation gain of 1,400 to 1,800 feet and features different demanding terrains. The hike takes 3-5 hours to complete.
TIP: If you intend to go to Pinnacles National Park to conquer this strenuous trail, make sure to plan your trip in fall, winter, or spring. Summers in this region of California can be exceptionally hot.
4. Watch California Condors from the Condor Gulch Overlook
The famous overlook can be reached via the Condor Gulch Trail. It’s the only hike Roshan and I did on our own, leaving Dylan and his grandma to regain their strength after an uphill walk to Bear Gulch Cave and the Bear Gulch Reservoir.
The Condor Gulch Trail is short, 1 mile each way or 2 miles, round trip, but moderately challenging. It steadily climbs uphill, gaining approximately 535 feet in elevation and hardly offering any shade.
At the end of the trail, at the spot overlooking the park, you can sit down, set up your tripod (if you bring it along), and admire and photograph the endangered California condors.
TIP: The birds still fly pretty far above this elevated area. If you are hiking to the Condor Gulch Overlook for the epic condor images, bring along a telephoto lens.
5. Adventure along the Balconies Cave Trail
Hiking through the dark caverns are hands down the most popular things to do in Pinnacles National Park. The Balconies Cave Trail is your second ticket to the coveted talus cave.
The trail is a little bit longer than the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. It spans 2.7 miles, out and back, gains roughly 380 feet in elevation, and showcases some intricate rock formations along the way.
TIP: Just like in Bear Gulch Cave, a flashlight is essential here. Furthermore, the cave may hold onto a significant amount of water. In spring, it may reach up to your knees.
Direction: To get to Balconies Cave (accessible from the West Entrance of Pinnacles National Park) from Bear Gulch Cave (located near the East Entrance), you need to exit the park and drive around along winding roads outside of the park’s boundaries. The trip takes on average 1 hour 30 minutes.
6. Hike the Juniper Canyon Trail
The Juniper Canyon Trail is a strenuous, 4.3-mile, round-trip hike in the west side of Pinnacles National Park. It runs along steep switchbacks, gains more than 1,200 feet in elevation, and takes you through a hand-carved stone tunnel, known as the Rock Tunnel.
The trail is challenging and requires at least 2.5 hours to hike through.
READ MORE: 4 Day California Road Trip: Yosemite, Pinnacles, Big Sur
Things to Know before Visiting Pinnacles National Park
No Connecting Road
There is no road that connects the East and West Entrances of Pinnacles National Park. To get from one section to the other, you need to exit the park and travel for nearly 1 hour 30 minutes.
Hiking trails, however, do connect both sides of the park.
Extreme Summer Heat
Summer temperatures often rise past the 100°F mark. So, bring lots of water, a wide-brim hat, and sunscreen while hiking in Pinnacles in the summer.
Beware of Rattlesnakes
Rattlesnakes live in the rocky area of the park. Thus, watch the trail carefully as you hike, especially near the rocks and dense bushes.
Bring a Headlamp or Flashlight
These are necessary when hiking through the pitch-dark talus caves.
Talus Cave Closures
The talus caves in Pinnacles National Park may be partially or fully closed during the bat pupping season. Normally it’s mid-May through mid-July. Occasionally, the caves close due to high water or storms. Be sure to check the caves’ statuses before planning your trip to Pinnacles National Park.
