Pinnacles National Monument  (P, $, C, IC, R)

The monument is widely known for its spring wildflowers, rock-climbing, and spectacular geology of eroded volcanic pinnacles and rockfall caves.  Gray pine/blue oak woodlands, chaparral, and riparian canyons attract a diverse bird life.

Location:  From Salinas, take Highway 101 south to Soledad.  Exit and follow signs to the monument, about 10 mi. east of Soledad at the end of Highway 146 (Shirttail Cyn. Rd.).  The east entrance can be accessed via Highway 25 south of Hollister in San Benito Co.

Highlights:  prairie falcon, plain titmouse, canyon and rock wren, sage and rufous-crowned sparrow, Lawrence’s goldfinch, migrating spring passerines.

Best season:  spring-summer.