Standing in from of the reservoir, you see the small body of water about 100 feet wide and extending back, out of sight, for about 1000 feet. The water is surrounded on both sides by cliffs, rocks, and rock spires. Walk over the cement and stone dam to your left to sit on some rocks for lunch. The reservoir is dark in color but on a sunny day, the reflection of the rocks can be seen in the water. Snakes, frogs, birds, and countless insects call this reservoir home.

One of Pinnacle's most iconic sights, the dam creating Bear Gulch Reservoir was completed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Created to prevent flooding down stream but mainly for its aesthetic value, the reservoir is still a highlight for visitors, surrounded by Pinnacle's rock formations. This is a great spot to have lunch or watch the sunset. To get there, hike one mile up the Moses Spring trail from the Moses Spring Trailhead. Depending on the time of year, you can go through another park highlight, the Bear Gulch caves, on your way. Make this hike a loop by returning on the Rim Trail. The reservoir is important habitat for the red legged frog, a threatened species in California.  

A view of the reservoir filled with water, surrounded by jagged rock formations on all sides.

Bear Gulch Reservoir

One of Pinnacle's most iconic sights, the dam creating Bear Gulch Reservoir was completed in 1935 by the Civilian Conservation Corps. Created for its aesthetic value, the reservoir is still a highlight for visitors, surrounded by Pinnacle's rock formations. The reservoir is home to the red legged frog, a threatened species in California.

Location

Significance

Some 23 million years ago multiple volcanoes erupted, flowed, and slid to form what would become Pinnacles National Park. What remains is a unique landscape. Travelers journey through chaparral, oak woodlands, and canyon bottoms. Hikers enter rare talus caves and emerge to towering rock spires teeming with life: prairie and peregrine falcons, golden eagles, and the inspiring California condor.