Moses Springs Trail

Located directly on the San Andreas fault line, Pinnacles National Park was once part of a volcano that has been ripped in half and moved 150 miles from its original location. In 2013 President Barack Obama converted Pinnacles National Monument into a National Park, making it the country's newest addition to our National Park system. Moses Springs Trail is an easy to moderate hike that starts near the Pinnacles Nature Center. The hike leads through a shady picnic day use area and on to the trail. The hiking trails are well defined with some moderate inclines. About halfway through the hike the trail leads through Bear Gulch Cave, one of two Talus Caves located in the park. Upon entering the cave the temperature drops by as much as 20 degrees, which is a welcome relief from the hot and arid climate above. You'll reach Bear Gulch Reservoir after you leave the cave, and you will have the option to take a much longer trail that encircles the park or one that continues onto Rim Trail and loops back via the Moses Spring Trail. Rim Trail has a few nice viewpoints that capture some of the iconic pinnacles for which this park was named. There are many signs denoting where the various rock climbing areas are. With an abundance of wildlife and over 100 species of flora and fauna, you will find yourself stopping frequently to appreciate the nature around you. The tall peaks of the Pinnacles are ideal for rock climbing, and they are also a preferred release site for the endangered California Condor. There are two different entrances to this park that do not connect to each other. Camping and day use picnicking are available. A parking lot, restrooms, and swimming pool are located at the visitor center and convenience store, and you will also find a shuttle that will take you to the different trailheads. Check out the Nature Center for informational kiosks as well as talks on the history and geology of the area.