|
|
PARKS
Pinnacles National Monument
California
Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. The Pinnacles are its last remnants, carved by the powerful forces of wind and rain, heat and frost. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons, and talus passages stand as evidence of millions of years of erosion, faulting, and tectonic-plate movement. These distinctive geological features are the reason why this area was set aside as a national monument in 1908.
 More than 30 miles of trails access the Pinnacles' geological formations, spectacular vistas, and wildland communities. People come here to hike, climb the sheer rock walls, explore caves, and picnic. Within the monument's boundaries lie 24,000 acres of diverse wildlands; the monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers.
A favorite time of year for many is spring, when a multitude of colorful wildflowers blankets the lush green hills. The hot, dry summer turns the hills golden brown. Fall brings quiet and the lowering light of late afternoon. The cool rains of the winter begin the cycle again. Pinnacles is a day-use park, but occasionally offers full-moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters. 
Return to  Top
RELATED GORP LINKS
GORP California Resources
GORPtravel Adventure Vacations
|
|
Related Pacific Coast Trips
Road Trip Guides
National Park Guides
Hiking Guides
Today's Gear Guy
Gear Guides
[from Outside magazine]
|
advertisement
Sign up for our Travel Deals Newsletter
|
