A seismic stretch by the San Andreas Fault 23 million years ago created 24,514 acres of volcanic monoliths, spires, and narrow canyons 12 miles east of Soledad, California. Boulders were cast down narrow cliffs, forming caves that are testament to nature's awesome power to upend its furniture in fits of tectonic fury. These days, displays of spring wildflowers bring riots of color—and hoards of people. California condors and falcons are also attractions but sometimes force closure of select trails and climbing routes during nesting season.

At Pinnacles, the site of an ancient volcano, you have your choice of 20 climbing routes and over 30 miles of trails. You'll find climbs ranging from moderate 5.4s to tougher 5.12s, challenging even the most experienced. Climb carefully, for the breccia rock is brittle.

Trails from easy to strenuous take you through oaks, pines, and chaparral into a rugged landscape of canyons, caves, and cliffs. The eight-mile High Peaks Loop is a workout with a 1,600-foot elevation gain, crossing creeks and including a tight squeeze through a narrow cave with a four-foot-high ceiling. To get away from the crowds, take the lightly used South Wilderness Trail for a flat 6.5-mile wander through an oak grove and along a creek. Another fun option is the two-mile Balconies Cave and Cliffs loop, which will get you exloring one of the talus caves formed by the San Andreas shakedown—bring a flashlight!

While there is no camping or lodging in the monument, you can unfurl the canvas at a commercial campground by the east boundary, which offers easy access to Pinnacles' rugged scenery by way of an eight-mile trail. Although the monument closes nightly at 5 p.m., ranger-led night hikes are a popular way to experience the ancient volcanic landscape by moonlight.

Move on to Sonoran Desert, Arizona

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