Bear Gulch Loop, Pinnacles National Park, California

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
4/8/2026	2.2 miles	1 hour 58 minutes	366'	1.6 mph	70.3

Parking: 

• Bear Gulch Nature Center

Map:

• Gaia GPS app
• National park map, available at the nature center.

Directions:

• Take the High Peaks Trail from the trailhead. Where the trail splits, keep left onto the Moses Spring Trail. Where the trail splits, take the Bear Gulch Cave Trail. Go through the cave and then continue on the Moses Spring Trail. Take it to the Bear Gulch Reservoir. Turn back and return to the Moses Spring Trail. At the cave entrance, stay left on the Moses Spring Trail. Continue on the High Peaks Trail back to the trailhead.

Phyllis and I met up with Dian in Sacramento and drove to Pinnacles National Park. On the way there, we saw a sign on the highway for 20 avocados for $1. We were intrigued and had to stop in. They were very mini avocados, but we did indeed buy 20, which we used to make 2 large batches of guacamole during our stay.

We parked at the Bear Gulch Nature Center, which is small and not open every day. From there we did the Bear Gulch Loop. We went through a cave - which was rocky and we did need headlamps. This hike is on the east side of the park. No roads connect the east side and the west side of the park, so there is a long drive around the park to get between the entrances. We stayed in Soledad, on the west side of the park, so we had over an hour drive to get to our hotel after hiking. So far, I really like Pinnacles National Park! This is my 26th national park.

Orange Bush Monkeyflower, frequently seen on this hike

Sacramento, California

April 7th, 2026

Today was spent sightseeing. I had never been to downtown Sacramento, despite visiting my brother in Sacramento multiple times. 

First, we visited the Delta King Hotel, a hotel on a boat built in 1927. We walked around and enjoyed the view of the river - where we saw sea lions basking in the sun.

From there, we walked over to the California State Railroad Museum. The train museum is fabulous. I wish I could have sat down and sketched there. Their trains were pristine! They also had a huge model train exhibit.

This was followed by a trip to the California State Capitol. I did end up sketching there, while my brother and Phyllis took a tour.

Checking out the Delta King Hotel

Sea lions

Old town Sacramento

Snowplow train

Hidden Falls Regional Park, Auburn, CA

Date	Distance	Time	Elevation Gain	Average Moving Time	Year to Date Miles
4/6/2026	4.3 miles	3 hours 24 minutes	637'	2.0 mph	68.1

Parking: 

• Hidden Falls Regional Park | Placer County, CA Reservations are required some days.

Map:

• Gaia GPS app
• Hidden Falls Regional Park | Placer County, CA

Directions:

• Misc trails heading to and from the waterfall.

Phyllis and I visited my brother in Sacramento. We took him to a regional park so we could get a California hike in. Nice park - not overcrowded due to limited parking.

Tufted Poppy