What?

Bear Gulch Cave Trail is an easy hike and good for families, but do take caution navigating through the cave since it can be quite dark, therefore a flashlight is required. The Bear Gulch Cave trail is open seasonally depending on the presence of the colony bats. The lower half of the trail is usually open from mid-July through mid-May each year and the entire cave will be open twice a year for at least one week and up to four weeks in March and October. The cave is closed from mid-May to mid-July while the bats are raising their young.

Where?

The Bear Gulch area is three miles from the visitor center. There is also free parking available for day use. Conveniently, during late spring and summer, there is a free park shuttle that runs from the East Entrance and other various trail heads.

How?

We stayed at the Pinnacles Campground overnight and hiked early the next morning. We trekked to the man-made Bear Gulch Reservoir, which offered great views and certainly a nice spot for a lunch break.

Bear Gulch Reservoir is a wonderful spot to take a rest or eat your lunch due to its relaxing atmosphere.