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Pinnacles National MonumentA bridge along the Old Pinnacles Trail
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Pinnacles National Monument
Natural Features & Ecosystems
 
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.

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Did You Know?
National monuments are created by a presidential proclamation, and national parks are set aside by acts of Congress. Other units of the National Park System include recreation areas, seashores, national historic sites, and memorials.

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