The Bench Trail to Sycamore Trail is a 2.3-mile route from the east side that follows Chalone Creek to Bear Creek, passing through groves of western sycamore and crossing several bridges over seasonal streams. Small waterfalls appear along the creek during wet winters, and the route ends at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area.
Overview
This is one of the greener walks in the park, following creek drainages through riparian woodland rather than exposed chaparral. The western sycamore groves along Bear Creek are particularly distinctive in fall, and the creek sections provide a habitat contrast to the rest of the park's dry landscape.
What to Expect
The trail starts from the Peaks View area, follows the Bench Trail before branching south along Bear Creek on the Sycamore Trail. Several wooden bridges cross seasonal creek channels. Elevation gain is gradual over 350 feet. A partial wheelchair-accessible section runs along the Bench Trail between Peaks View and the South Wilderness Trail junction.
Tips & Logistics
Best in spring when the creek is running and wildflowers are out. The Sycamore Trail terminates at the Bear Gulch Day Use Area — a good point-to-point walk if you can arrange a car shuttle. No water along trail. Poison oak is present along creek corridors.