Moses Spring Trail

Overview

This is the park’s classic short hike through Bear Gulch: a moderate loop that strings together talus caves, stone stairs, and the photogenic Bear Gulch Reservoir. Do it as the Moses Spring–Rim Trail loop (2.2 miles total, about 500 feet of gain, 1–1.5 hours) or a shorter out-and-back to the reservoir (about 1.2 miles, ~40 minutes). Either way, you get a lot of scenery for not much mileage.

What you’ll see

The headline here is Bear Gulch Cave—a talus cave formed by massive boulders wedged into a narrow gulch—plus sculpted volcanic rock and a tranquil reservoir capped by CCC-built stairways and bridges from the 1930s. Expect narrow, low sections in the cave, uneven rock underfoot, and some short scrambly bits. Portions of the gulch are pleasantly shaded; the Rim segment trades shade for broader views.

Route and options

From the Bear Gulch Day Use Area/Nature Center, follow Moses Spring up the gulch toward the cave, then continue to Bear Gulch Reservoir and return on the Rim Trail to complete the 2.2-mile loop. If you’re short on time (or if the cave is closed), the out-and-back to the reservoir keeps the effort light while still delivering the good stuff. Stronger hikers can use the reservoir as a springboard to longer days on High Peaks or North Chalone Peak.

Cave status and safety

Bear Gulch Cave opens and closes seasonally for bat protection; check status at the entrance stations before you commit. When open, a headlamp or flashlight is required—some sections are pitch black and can be slick. Bring plenty of water (plan roughly a liter per hour), wear sturdy footwear, and watch for poison oak, stinging nettle, and rattlesnakes. Cell service is spotty. This trail isn’t stroller- or wheelchair-friendly.

Logistics and crowd intel

Parking at the Moses Spring/Bear Gulch area is limited and fills quickly—arrive early, especially on weekends and holidays. There may be shuttle service from overflow areas at busy times, but don’t count on it. Dogs aren’t allowed on park trails. If solitude is your priority, start at sunrise or come midweek.

Best time to hike

Cooler months (late fall through spring) and early mornings are the sweet spot. The gulch offers pockets of shade, but exposed stretches can heat up fast. Morning light plays nicely on the red volcanic walls, and earlier starts dramatically reduce parking stress.