SAN BENITO COUNTY, Calif. — Hikers heading to Pinnacles National Park should check the status of Bear Gulch and Balconies caves before choosing a trail. Access is subject to closures for bat protection, rising water, unsafe rock conditions and maintenance.

Why parts of Bear Gulch close

According to the National Park Service cave-status page, Bear Gulch has an upper and lower section, each with its own access rules. At the time described on the park’s public status page, the lower cave and Balconies Cave were listed open, while the upper Bear Gulch Cave was listed closed. These statuses can change without a fixed advance schedule; hikers should verify immediately before departure.

The park protects a colony of Townsend’s big-eared bats that use the caves. Upper Bear Gulch typically closes for extended periods to protect bat habitat, and the system can close during seasonal bat-rearing periods or for weather and safety hazards.

Plan for a different route

People visiting from Hollister, San Juan Bautista and other San Benito communities should be prepared to adjust their itinerary rather than enter a restricted area. NPS information describes alternate trail connections around portions of the cave system. Bring water and appropriate footwear, observe posted signs and avoid entering areas marked closed.

For a last-minute status check, consult the Pinnacles current conditions page or contact park staff. A closure intended to protect wildlife or prevent injuries is not optional.

Sources: Pinnacles National Park cave access; NPS current conditions.

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