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Making America's Best Idea Even Better
Pinnacles National MonumentThe Moses Spring Trail in winter
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Pinnacles National Monument
Natural Features & Ecosystems

natural features & ecosystems includes:

Geology
Cave / Karst Systems
Faults
Geologic Formations
 
 
Flashlights are required in the cave.

The Balconies Cave is a narrow canyon with a roof of talus.

Pinnacles National Monument gets its name from rock spires and crags that are remnants of an ancient volcano. The volcano eroded over millions of years as it moved northward along the San Andreas Fault. Rock debris in the form of boulders has weathered and settled, leaving behind spires of volcanic rock and talus caves.

Starry skies. Photo courtesy of NASA.  

Did You Know?
The night sky is vital to many plants and animals that call Pinnacles home and it holds many meanings for many cultures. An unpolluted night sky is especially valuable to humans wishing to experience natural darkness, shooting stars, or the Milky Way.

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Last Updated: December 20, 2006 at 16:44 EST