Grab your hiking boots and explore Pinnacles National Park’s High Peaks Trail!
Distance: 6.1 miles
Elevation change: 1,633 feet
Difficulty: Strenuous
Hiking time: Three to six hours
Trail surface: Dirt
Best season: Fall, winter, and spring
Managing agency: National Park Service
Trailhead location: Moses Spring trailhead
Aerial photo with the High Peaks Trail loop. Red and orange parts are higher elevation. Graphic: Sean Burke
Description: Taking hikers through caves, along seasonal waterfalls, and up into Pinnacles National Park breathtaking rock formations, the High Peaks Trail loop is a Save Mount Diablo staff favorite.
Machete Ridge. Photo by Sean Burke
This hike can be started at three different trailheads, but we recommend starting at the Moses Spring trailhead so that you can hike through Bear Gulch Caves on the way to the High Peaks Trail.
In the winter and spring, you can see seasonal streams and waterfalls throughout the caves.
Waterfall in the Bear Gulch Caves. Photo by Sean Burke
As you start the hike, you’ll pass the Tourist Trap climbing area; it’s where Save Mount Diablo hosts many of its Discover Diablo: On Belay rock-climbing excursions.
Once you exit the caves, head up past the Bear Gulch Reservoir and take the Rim Trail to the High Peaks Trail.
Here, your hard work will be rewarded with views of famous Pinnacles rock formations, including the Citadel, Machete Ridge, and the High Peaks themselves.
Wildflowers blooming near the peaks at Pinnacles National Park in the spring. Photo by Sean Burke
Circle back on the Condor Gulch Trail to complete the loop.
This area is a habitat for numerous rare wildlife species including mountain lions, peregrine falcons, eagles, and California condors!
Juvenile California condor at Pinnacles National Park. Photo by Sean Burke
Bring your binoculars to potentially get a good look at the area’s resident condors.
Poppies blooming at Pinnacles National Park in the spring. Photo by Sean Burke
Though Pinnacles National Park is gorgeous year-round, the abundant wildflowers that bloom under the rocky spires make the area a sight to behold in February through May.
Hikers should proceed with caution in wet weather—there is a considerable slipping risk in rain, especially on the exposed rock staircases that make up parts of the High Peaks Trail.
If you choose to brave the High Peaks Trail in the summer, be aware of the heat risk; make sure to bring a lot of water and good sun protection. This is a strenuous trail with long stretches that have little shade.
Hiking the High Peaks Trail loop. Photo by Sean Burke
