This other-worldly landscape, located east of Highway 101 near Soledad, is the vestige of an ancient volcanic eruption that occurred in Southern California. The formations at Pinnacles drifted north with the Pacific Plate, creating rocky spires, crags, caves and cliffs scattered across the area. (The rest of the volcano remained to the south.) Pinnacles is a great place for hikers and rock climbers—the trails range from a no-strain walk to daunting, arduous climbs. A variety of flora and birds live at the national monument. You should also plan to see the ruins of the Soledad Mission in Soledad. 105 mi/170 km southeast of San Francisco.
