Bear Gulch Trail,
Pinnacles National Park
The Bear Gulch Trail is located at the east side of Pinnacles National Park. The west end of the trail begins at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center and the east end joins with the Bench Trail. The Bear Gulch trail follows a creek that runs along the south side of Bear Gulch Road. The trail crosses the creek where large ferns flourish under the shade of sycamore, buckeye and oak trees. This short hike is a good choice for children.
Elevation
The Bear Gulch Trail has a maximum elevation of 1,290 ft., a minimum elevation of 994 ft. and an elevation range of 296 ft.
Metrics
| [ A to B ] or [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Length 2 | Min Ele 3 | Max Ele 4 | Range 5 |
| 1.0 mi | 994 ft | 1,290 ft | 296 ft |
| [ A to B ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time 6 | Floors 7 | Gain 8 | Loss 9 |
| 22 min | 0.0 | 0 ft | 295 ft |
| [ B to A ] | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Time | Floors | Gain | Loss |
| 28 min | 24.6 | 295 ft | 0 ft |
Calories
The following chart shows the total calories that you may expend on the trail while hiking in both directions. The chart is based on data derived from a statistical model of energy expenditure that relates gross weight, typical speed and trail topography.
Topo Maps
Download the PDF Bear Gulch Trail topo map and the adjoining quads to plan your hike. These are full-sheet, 7.5 Minute (1:24,000 scale) topographic maps.
Adjoining 7.5' Quadrangle Legend
- Northwest Topo Map: Mount Johnson, CA
- North Topo Map: Bickmore Canyon, CA
- Northeast Topo Map: San Benito, CA
- West Topo Map: Soledad, CA
- Topo Map: North Chalone Peak, CA
- East Topo Map: Topo Valley, CA
- Southwest Topo Map: Paraiso Springs, CA
- South Topo Map: Greenfield, CA
- Southeast Topo Map: Pinalito Canyon, CA
FAQ
What is the length of the Bear Gulch Trail?
The length of the trail is 1.0 miles (1.6 km) or 2,117 steps.
How long does it take to hike the Bear Gulch Trail?
A person in good physical health can hike the trail in 22 minutes in one direction and in 28 minutes in the opposite direction.
Warnings
Prevent tick bites: Treat clothing and gear, such as boots, pants, socks and tents with products containing 0.5% permethrin.
(cdc.gov)
- The Brown dog tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus) may be present in this area. The Brown dog tick transmits Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.
- The Western blacklegged tick (Ixodes pacificus) may be present in this area. The Western blacklegged tick transmits Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease.
Footnotes
- Steps is a unit of distance equal to the sum of stride lengths that vary with the terrain.
- Length is the distance of the trail between the two trailheads, measured on the trail.
- Min Ele is the minimum elevation on the trail.
- Max Ele is the maximum elevation on the trail.
- Range is the difference between maximum and minimum elevation.
- Time is the typical total time required to hike the trail.
- Floors is the gain divided by twelve feet, the height of one floor.
- Gain (cumulative elevation gain) is the sum of every gain in elevation.
- Loss (cumulative elevation loss) is the sum of every loss in elevation.