Cave Guides
Ultimate Guide to Bear Gulch Cave, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

Ultimate Guide to Bear Gulch Cave, California (Tours, Pricing, History, Map)

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The Pinnacles National Park is the result of an ancient volcanic eruption and is the home of Bear Gulch Cave. The canyon landscape and the oak woodland are home to wildlife. The rock formations of the Pinnacles National Park divide the park into East and West Districts, and trails interconnect these. More than 30 miles of trails are used to access wildland communities, geological formations, and several Talus Caves.

Bear Gulch Cave Cover Image
Photo Credit: National Park Service

There are two talus caves at the Pinnacles, and Bear Gulch Cave is closest to the east parking area. However, before visiting, one should check the website to know the status of the caves.

History of Bear Gulch Caves

Bear Gulch Caves is home to a colony of several hundred Townsend’s big-eared bats. Experts have opined that it is the largest colony between San Francisco and the Mexican border. The bats are said to be highly sensitive, and they have a habit of roosting on walls and ceilings of large rooms and not in the cracks and crevices as some people would like to believe. 

The colony was discovered in 1997, which led to the cave’s closure for several years so that the experts could study the bats. The studies were carried out to chalk out a plan so that both people and bats could use the cave.

It was seen that although bats tend to use the upper portion of the cave during most parts of the year, they use the whole cave during the mating season. The bats tend to leave the caves entirely during the spring and fall season.

During the breeding periods, the female bats use the cave for giving birth, nursing, and weaning the little ones. The maternity colony of bats uses the cave between May and September, and both males and females use the cave for overwintering from November to March.

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Geological Cave Formations

One would come across many rock formations, but this is not the place for stalactites, stalagmites et al. Bear Gulch Caves are an excellent example of talus caves which means that these caves were formed when large rocks and boulders fell into the narrow canyons. These rock formations have openings, and they are large enough to hike through in a standing position.

Wildlife

Bear Gulch Cave wildlife

Bear Gulch Cave houses a large colony of Townsend’s Big-eared bats. These bats generally feed on moths, but they pursue small insects also. The State of California has labeled these bats as ‘sensitive species. The Park has installed a gate to protect certain sections of the cave at certain times of the year so that the natural habitat of these bats is not damaged in any way. Apart from the bats, the visitors to the cave will also come across other animals such as garter snakes, frogs, and dragonflies.

Is Bear Gulch Cave Haunted?

The cave is amazing, and you need to experience it yourself to understand why it is so popular in the state. There has never been any news of the cave being haunted and no paranormal sightings either.

How Big is Bear Gulch Cave?

The trail up has an elevation of 275 ft, and it also involves a 1.5-mile hike up and down the Bear Gulch.

Bear Gulch Cave Tours

NPS conducts no tours at the Bear Gulch Caves.

Tour Prices and Discounts

No permit is required to hike Bear Gulch Caves, but Pinnacles National Park has an entrance fee of USD 20 (as of 2017). The NPS passes may be used in place of entry fees.

Is Bear Gulch Cave Cold?

The temperature inside Bear Gulch Cave hovers around 54 degrees F.

What to Wear?

Visitors to Bear Gulch Cave are advised to wear comfortable shorts, shorts, and non-slip shoes. You can also carry a light jacket as the temperature inside the cave is usually less than the outside temperature.

Bear Gulch Cave Hours

One can visit any time of the day between dawn to dusk.

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What to Do at Bear Gulch Cave (Beside Tours)

If Bear Gulch Cave is closed you can view the Balconies Cave, which is accessible from the Balconies Trail. Even when the cave is closed, Bear Gulch Cave area can be a great place to hike.

Best Time to Visit Bear Gulch Caves

The cave remains closed at various times to protect the natural habitat of the bats. The entire caves remain closed from mid-May to mid-July as the colony of bats raises their young. We suggest that you come here either in March or October as the full cave is open for the last week of these months.

How to Get to Bear Gulch Cave

If you want to get to the trailhead for Bear Gulch Cave, you must take Highway 101 north to King City and then exit First Street. Turn right at the ramp’s end and head North on First street for 1.3 miles. The road takes a right turn and becomes Country Road – G13. Take G13 out of the city, northeast for 14.3, to a T-junction with Route 25. Turn left and drive 14.2 miles to an intersection with Route 146. Turn left onto Route 146, following signs for Pinnacles National Park.

Drive west into the park, passing the general store and campground on the left to reach the East Entrance Station after 2.5 miles. Pay the entry and proceed another 1.3 miles to the only actual intersection on the park road. Make a left and drive south for another 1.4 miles to the Bear Gulch Day Use Area at the road’s end. For more detailed driving directions, you can click here.

Provide a safe bat habitat
Provide a safe bat habitat!

Hotels near Bear Gulch Cave

Pinnacles National Park has an excellent campground which the visitors can use as their base. The campground has quick access to hiking trails, a general store, a swimming pool, and a ranger station. It is an excellent site for RV campers and those coming in large groups.

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Visiting Bear Gulch Cave

Do you need more information before visiting Bear Gulch Caves? Call (831) 389-4485 or email NPS through the form for an information packet.

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