Hiking High Peaks and Condor Gulch Loop in Pinnacles National Park, California

High Peaks and Condor Gulch Loop GPX Track

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May 22, 2019 — After loving Pinnacles National Park after visiting a few years ago, I decided to take another trip out there to see the remaining trails I hadn't done yet. I was excited to see some of the fun ladders and steeper sections within the High Peaks region of the park. On my last visit, I took the northern route into the High Peaks via the Balconies Cave Trail, but this route would follow the High Peaks Trail from the south and descend on the Condor Gulch Trail.

Starting from the Bear Gulch Day Use Area, I headed along the Bear Gulch Trail that parallels the park road, and then headed into the mossy and lush section that drains from the Bear Gulch Caves. It's a unique area where bright mosses and algae lay on orange and brown rocks. The High Peaks Trail heads northwest out of the lush section shortly after entering, then switchbacks up a pretty ridge before getting to a saddle where there was a bathroom and a park bench. From here, I continued north into the heart of the High Peaks, passing a bunch of little staircases carved into the rock, weaving around a bunch of obstacles in the interesting way the NPS creates trails in order to prevent any real scrambling. The views are great.

After a fun hike along the High Peaks Trail, I took a short detour to check out Hawkins Peak, a YDS 5.6 flake climb to the high point of the High Peaks. I didn't climb it, but was scoping it out. Anyway, the trail intersected with the Condor Gulch Trail and led me down to the east on a mellow trail with some nice views of the surrounding rolling hills.

PEAKS ON HIKE
Elevation (ft) / Prominence (ft)

Peaks on hike

Elevation

Prominence

Hawkins Peak (Attempt)

2680 ft

880 rise

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Starting from the Bear Gulch parking area, headed along the Bear Gulch Trail.

The trail enters a lush section.

Really serene and cozy area with the mossy rocks and afternoon light.

A few switchbacks to get out of the mossy section of Bear Gulch and continue west.

Looking down into Bear Gulch.

Continuing toward the High Peaks.

High Peaks ahead.

Looking back the way I came, North Chalone Peak visible on the right.

The trails enters the High Peaks.

A small tunnel before the NPS cared about conservation.

Looking back the way I came as I enter the pinnacle-filled area.

Close-up of the pinnacles.

Continuing up toward the saddle.

Looking back the way I came, just below the saddle.

At the saddle, looking south.

Continuing along the High Peaks Trail.

One of a few stair sections, complete with handrails.

Another longer section of stairs.

Looking south back toward the way I came.

Continuing north along the High Peaks Trail.

An interesting section where the trail hugs the cliff face very closely.

Stairs leading down.

Some great rock formations.

A quick detour leading up to Hawkins Peak.

The 5.6 flake climb up Hawkins Peak that I didn't do. Just wanted to scout it out.

Back on the trail.

Condor Gulch Trail. North Chalone Peak visible on the right.

View back toward the High Peaks along the Condor Gulch Trail.

Hike High Peaks and Condor Gulch Loop Pinnacles National Park, CA

High Peaks and Condor Gulch Loop GPX Track

Hire me or show me some love!

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