[HOME]-[PINNACLES3]

Pinnacles 3- Path

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 California's wildlands, including coastal chapparal, oak woodlands and savannahs, lush stream corridors and lichen-covered rock and scree outcroppings. The monument is renowned for the beauty and variety of its spring wildflowers; A rich diversity of wildlife can be observed throughout the year.

© Christoph Bartneck, 2000