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Stunning. Visited in early Feb. 2026. Weather perfect, sunny and mid-50's. Saw many condors along High Peaks and vultures on the descent. Loved Bear Gulch Cave.
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Loved high peaks area and trail down had stunning rock formations. Condors on north side. Vultures on the way down.
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This route has it all. Riparian up Old Pinnacles, “caving”, rock formations and stunning blue oak grassland.
Chose tunnel trail over high route as we’d hiked the high peaks route the previous day. Just one short tunnel. High route better.
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This was a fun hike through the Bear Gulch Cave. It was really neat to explore this area. As my son put it “It’s like we’re in the Goonies!” We returned on the Rim Trail which had some great scenic views of the surrounding area. Would for sure do again!
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Very fun hike. Hard to fun after the bend though make sure you are sure of where you are going before you do it.
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Started before 6am, so it was totally dark! This allowed us to see a screech owl a few minutes into the hike and active bats when we went through the caves. Took the Rim Trail up to High Peaks and caught the sunrise on the way. Came down Condor Gulch and as the sun was heating up the area, we did get one condor flying over us across the gulch. Not a very difficult route, though sections through the cave and up on the High Peaks can be very narrow, so it can be difficult for some people.
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This hike was amazing. When five condors flew around us, circling, as close as 20 feet from us at the high peaks, my friend wept because it was so beautiful. We had no idea how majestic this park was. Don’t skip the high peaks if you are a person who appreciates a view from up high!
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Fantastic loop, well laid out trails and signs. Bathrooms and a bench at the top with a beautiful view off the back side.
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Great place to visit. Trails are well maintained. The steps around the peak are a piece of art of their own
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Nice, short loop, but exposed and hot on the balcony section. Rock scrambling and flashlights necessary to get through the caves.
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Aril 30 '22. Arrived at the park by 6:45 am and found parking at the trailhead for Bear gulch - only one other car - air temp. was 34F! Hiked up to the reservoir and then up to the High Peaks Trail (counterclockwise), encountering only one other person before I reached the narrowest section. The overlooks across the rocks and into the valleys are great! Saw several condor along the way (total 12 sightings, about 6 individual birds, based on the shoulder tag colors). Passed the narrowest section meeting 3 more people, then continued down through Condor Gulch Trail. The maximum temperature I saw was 64F at the top, and coming downhill in the most exposed parts of the trail. Perfect for hiking! I'll be looking for the next chilly day to come back .... maybe in the fall.
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Got to the trail around 7:15am and got the last spot in the lot at that time. Cave was the best part of the whole hike and just incredible. Steep and narrow section was unique and awesome. Went clockwise and definitely glad we went that way.
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Hot and dusty with little to no shade. Unremarkable and little fun.
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A good workout, steady climb that wasn’t too hard. Very exposed so go when weather is cooler like October and November. Bring warm clothes for late afternoon when Sun goes down.
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Kept stopping and taking pictures of different perspectives. I was able to leave right from my house and hike around today. I am eager to rock climb some day and explore other trails. Love pinnacles very much.
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Had to get there early to find parking. This was mid November and temps were at a high of 80. This area is hot and you will definitely need a lot of water. My preference would be to go counter clockwise so you’ll end up with the shade at the last portion of the loop. Some nice views at the peak. No sight of tarantulas or condors on this trip.
The scenery is ok. It wouldn’t be fair to compare it to the more popular national parks. But its quiet and peaceful. Best to go during the winter months or early spring. I would not attempt it during the summer months, unless that’s your thing. The sun is my kryptonite.
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Great hike. Distance about 8.5 mi, Elevation about 2400 ft. (not 1253 ft as shown for the hike)
Lots of wildflowers in spring. Loop can go either clock- or counter-clockwise. Perhaps clockwise is best. In the Bear Creek Caves most of the foot traffic goes uphill = clockwise on the loop. Also, uphill on Condor Gulch Tr can be very hot in the sun.
Advice to non-locals ... Pinnacles is generally very hot in the summer. Check temperature forecast.
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