High Peaks Trail begins in the eastern district of the monument at the Chalone Creek Picnic Area. From the trailhead it leads west toward the High Peaks area in the middle of the park. At mile marker two the Condor Gulch Trail forks to the left and leads 1.7 miles to the Bear Gulch Visitor Center.

The High Peaks Trail continues leading westward. In a half mile the trail forks again. The right side of the fork is the Tunnel Trail, this leads around the eastern side of the High Peaks. The High Peaks Trail leads to the left and around the eastern side of the High Peaks, providing hikers with an excellent view point of the eastern side of the monument. In .7 miles the trails converge and High Peaks continues to lead southward, descending to the Bear Gulch drainage.

From the High Peaks the trail leads 1.5 miles to Bear Gulch. High Peaks Trail turns northward and follows the Bear Gulch drainage .5 miles to the visitor center. The total mileage for this trail is 5.3 miles. It is rated as strenuous and steep by the monument staff.

Directions: From East Entrance Station, Follow the park road to Chalone Creek Picnic Area. The High Peaks Trail begins from there and ends at the Bear Gulch Visitor Center, which is 1.6 miles south.

Elevation: 1,030 feet

Ending Elevation: 1,260 feet

Elevation Gain: 1,300 feet

Usage: Moderate

Difficulty: Strenuous

Visitor Information