Pinnacles — The Ancient Volcano
A Volcano Split by the San Andreas Fault · San Benito County
Pinnacles National Park is the eroded remnant of a volcanic field that erupted 23 million years ago — in what is now the Lancaster area of Southern California. Over millions of years, the Pacific Plate carried the volcanic rock 195 miles northwest along the San Andreas Fault to its present location. The spires and crags that make Pinnacles so dramatic are the result of 23 million years of erosion.
Timeline
The Neenach Volcano Erupts
A chain of volcanoes erupts in what is now the Mojave Desert near Lancaster, California. The lava flows and volcanic debris accumulate into a large field of rhyolite and basalt. Over millions of years, the Pacific Plate — moving northwest at about 2 inches per year — carries the volcanic remnants 195 miles to their current location.
The Chalon People
The Chalon Ohlone people lived in the valleys and foothills around the Pinnacles for centuries, using the area for hunting and as a travel route between the coast and the San Joaquin Valley. Rock art in the area attests to long human presence in the landscape.
Pinnacles National Monument
President Theodore Roosevelt designates the Pinnacles area a National Monument in 1908, recognizing its unique geological and ecological character. The monument is managed by the Forest Service, then later the National Park Service.
National Park Status
President Barack Obama signs legislation upgrading Pinnacles from a National Monument to a National Park on January 10, 2013 — making it California's ninth and the nation's 59th national park. The park is a critical sanctuary for the endangered California condor recovery program.
Visit these historical sites
Real places in our directory connected to Pinnacles — The Ancient Volcano.
Related reading from our blog
- Hollister: Gateway to Pinnacles and the San Benito Wine Country
Just a short drive from the picturesque cities along the Central Coast lies Hollister, a charming town that serves as the gateway to the stunning Pinnacles National Park and the delightful San Benito Wine Country. Nestled in the rolling hills of San Benito County, Hollister is a vibrant destination
- Silicon Valley to Pinnacles: A Wild Weekend at California's Newest National Park
Discover the wild beauty of Pinnacles National Park. This comprehensive guide covers everything from Silicon Valley day trips to local tips for your weekend adventure!
- Indigenous Culture and History of the Monterey Bay Region
Discover the rich indigenous culture and history of the Monterey Bay Region, where ancient traditions, stunning landscapes, and vibrant communities converge.
- Big Sur: Living and Visiting the Most Remote Stretch of California Coast
Big Sur, a stunning stretch of California coastline, is often considered one of the most picturesque areas in the United States. Stretching roughly 90 miles along the coast from Carmel-by-the-Sea to San Simeon, this rugged landscape is a harmonious blend of majestic cliffs, ancient redwoods, and swe