Pinnacles National Park · California

Condor Gulch Trail

1.6 mi of trail, end to end · 1,000 ft of descent · 1,288 ft–2,320 ft · native surface · trail class Developed · hiking

Visitor centers

2,320 ft 1,288 ft · 1.6 mi high 2,320 ft

Along the way East Side Visitor Center

Hike Condor Gulch Trail the Park Service's write-up

60-90 Minutes · no dogs · season In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. There is no shade on trail. Bring plenty of water, salty snacks, a hat, and sunscreen.

Start Condor Gulch Trailhead

Rocky dirt trail on a mountain top with rolling mountains seen in the distance
Sunny afternoon view of Condor Gulch Trail on the way down from High Peaks Photo: NPS Photo/Kelsey Frusetta

This trail offers spectacular views of the High Peaks and is a popular area for birdwatching, whether you hike just a few minutes or the entire trail. Condor Gulch Viewpoint is only one mile up the trail where they tower overhead.

Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast . Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.

Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.

Accessibility Difficulty: Strenuous, Moderate to the viewpoint Distance: Approx. 1.7 miles one-way, 1 mile to the viewpoint Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet Maximum grade: 1,100 feet Surface Composition: dirt, rock Exposure: No shade In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. *service animals permitted

This hike on nps.gov

Hike Condor Gulch Trail to High Peaks Trail Loop the Park Service's write-up

3-5 Hours · no dogs · season Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day during summer and in warmer weather as there is no shade and temperatures in higher elevations easily become 10 degrees hotter than the parking areas.

Start Bear Gulch Day Use Area

Handrail and series of foot notches carved into steep rock.
Steep and Narrow section of High Peaks Trail Photo: NPS Photo

Walk through the heart of the Pinnacles rock formations , particularly along the Steep and Narrow section of the High Peaks Trail. Endangered California Condors frequent these rocks. Make sure to maintain a safe distance and keep wildlife wild.

Strenuous hike with excellent views; Loop hike of about 5.3 miles; Add Rim and Moses Spring trails to extend the loop to 6.2 miles; For a shorter option hike 1 mile to the Condor Gulch viewpoint and back for an elevation gain of about 600 feet.

Recreate Responsibly. Check park webpage alerts and weather forecast . Hiking, caving, and climbing can be fun but remember-if you get injured, you are a long way from medical help. Cell phones may not work in this remote park. Don't let your guard down when it comes to safety. Be prepared. Let someone know your plan before you go. Most of the trails are exposed. Bring a map and use the best judgement of your abilities. Drinking water is only available in developed areas-there is no water along any of the trails. Carry at least a liter of water for every hour of hiking. In winter, wear warm clothes and waterproof clothing. In summer, do not hike during the hottest parts of the day (10AM-4PM) especially on strenuous trails. Heat and dehydration can be fatal. Hiking steep trails requires more energy and results in greater water loss through sweating. Wear lightweight, light-colored, loose-fitting clothing. Wear sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses. Wear sturdy, non-slip shoes or boots with ankle support due to rocky, uneven terrain and slick and sometimes slippery rocks. In all seasons, carry plenty of water and salty snacks (ex. pretzels, crackers, chips). Stay hydrated with plain water and an electrolyte drink replacement. Stay cool in summer and warm in winter and take rest breaks. Know your limits and turn back if needed. Stay on established trails to help prevent erosion. Wildflowers, pine cones, rocks, and other natural and cultural features are beautiful, but please do not remove or destroy them;leave them for the enjoyment of other visitors. All plants, animals, rocks, and structures in the park are protected by federal law. Be careful where you sit, step, and place your hands: poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes are found here. Feeding, approaching, or hunting wildlife is prohibited. Using remotely piloted aircrafts like drones is prohibited.

Plan ahead and prepare. Take only pictures and leave only footprints, leaving objects as you find them. Observe wildlife from a distance and avoid loud voices or noises to be considerate of others.

Accessibility Difficulty: Strenuous Distance: Approx. 5.3 mile loop Trail width: Approx. 2 - 4 feet Maximum grade: 1500 feet Surface Composition: dirt, rock Exposure: No shade In summer, expect temperatures in the High Peaks and Chalone Peaks to be 10 degrees hotter than parking areas. Avoid hiking during the hottest parts of the day. *Service animals permitted

This hike on nps.gov

All 22 trails in Pinnacles National ParkFind a trailOn the parks mapPark on nps.gov

About this trail's facts

The lines are the National Park Service's public trails layer, the trailheads and the waterfalls, views, peaks and historic places along them the Service's public points of interest, read 2026-10-16 and simplified for the map; the length is the line's, end to end. The write-ups are the Service's own "things to do" text, unedited. Heights come from USGS 3DEP through Terrain Tiles on AWS (Mapzen/Tilezen), read along each line and rounded; a short trail on steep ground can be off by a few tens of feet. Closures change: check the park's own site before you go.