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Pinnacles National Monument |
Description:
Rising out of the chaparral-covered Gabilan Mountains, east of central California's Salinas Valley, are the spectacular remains of an ancient volcano. Massive monoliths, spires, sheer-walled canyons and talus passages define millions of years of erosion, faulting and tectonic plate movement. 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 rich diversity of wildlife can be observed throughout the year.
Pinnacles National Monument is divided into East and West Districts that are connected by trails, but not by a vehicle road. More than 30 miles of trails access geological formations, spectacular vistas and wildland communities. The Pinnacles' rock formations are a popular destination to challenge technical climbers. Pinnacles is a day-use park, but occasionally offers full moon hikes and dark sky astronomical observations led by ranger-interpreters.
Designations:
National Monument (January 16, 1908)
Accessibility:
The Bear Gulch Visitor Center and the Chaparral Ranger Station are wheelchair accessible.
Getting Around:
Pinnacles National Monument is primarily a hiking park. Bicycles and vehicles may be used only on paved roads within the Monument.
Activites:
Climbing | Educational Programs | Hiking | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | And more.
Facilities:
Visitor_Centers | Picnic Areas | Comfort Stations | Museum Exhibits | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Caves | And more.
Directions to Pinnacles National Monument
Car:
Pinnacles National Monument consists of two districts: east and west. The West District is accessible from Highway 101 near the town of Soledad, then east along Highway 146 to the Chaparral area. The East District entrance is reached via Highway 25, south of the city of Hollister, then west on Highway 146. The districts are NOT connected by a road. It is not possible to drive through the Monument from one side to the other.
Public Transportation
There is no public transportation available. Greyhound Bus lines stop at King City, which is located 32 miles south of the monument.
Attractions:
Pinnacles Campground, Inc.
Phone:831-389-4462
Fremont Peak State Park
Henry Coe State Park
Phone:408-779-2728
San Juan Bautista State Park
Phone:831-623-4255
Los Padres National Forest
Phone:831-385-5434
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