North Chalone Peak

"This group trip to Pinnacles was planned well in advance, so when the weekend arrived with a hefty heat wave upon it, we had to improvise. Got started around 5 pm to avoid peak sun and made our way back down through the colors of sunset. Went through the caves going up and rim trail coming back. Nobody else on trail beyond the reservoir. Perfectly warm early evening weather for a tranquil hike in the park." — jodola • Jul 15, 2023

"Set out around 3:30pm, checked out the caves, and eventually summited around 5:20, staying at the summit for about 20 mins. I made it back to the reservoir by 6:45pm and back to the car around 7:30pm. Pretty easy, steady hike and the caves in the beginning were cool. Crazy after the rains too because of the rushing water. " — mchikes • Mar 15, 2023

"Had a fun weekend camping at Pinnacles National Park, despite less than ideal weather. The first night it rained all night, but when we got to the trailhead at about 9:00am, the parking lot (which is very small) was practically empty. Even better, the hike through the Bear Gulch Caves (about 1/2 mile into the hike) was very enjoyable as almost nobody else was around. The hike the remaining 3.5 miles to the summit was a pretty strong work-out, almost a constant grade, but nothing too steep. The low clouds left about the time we got to the summit so there were at least some views of the region. The hike back passed quite a few people, and back through the Bear Gulch Caves, it was extremely crowded (so thanks to the early morning rain gods for keeping the people away that morning!). " — marc • Mar 23, 2019

"Hiked from Bear Gulch past the reservoir and up the Chalone Peak Trail. There are two fences you have to cross when you encounter the gravel road to the summit via two wooden latters that are built into the fences. There is also a pit toilet just below the fire tower at the summit. " — Zardoz • Mar 8, 2018

"Fantastic first time in Pinnacles. Went through Bear Gulch Caves, past the reservoir to the summit, then looped up through the high peaks. Got about 100 ft from a pair of wild condors!" — Christopher • Feb 22, 2015