Читать книгу 101 Hikes in Northern California. Exploring Mountains, Valleys, and Seashore онлайн

77 страница из 132

Backpacking Information: Campsites and water are abundant in Pine Valley. A valid campfire permit is required.

Nearest Campground China Camp (9 sites, free) is adjacent to the trailhead. No water is available.

Additional Information www.fs.usda.gov/lpnf, ventanawild.org

Highlights Monoliths of towering volcanic rock, prairie falcons, and California condors

Distance 5.3 miles

Total Elevation Gain/Loss 1,650'/1,650'

Hiking Time 3–4 hours

Recommended Map USGS 7.5-min. North Chalone Peak

Best Times October–May

Agency Pinnacles National Park

THE STORY OF THE PINNACLES began some 28 million years ago when the Pacific tectonic plate first made contact with North America near present-day Los Angeles, and pushed an active underwater volcanic ridge beneath the continent. Widespread geologic havoc followed, and the first strands of the San Andreas Fault began forming. Shortly after this collision, 23.5 million years ago, rising magma escaped onto the surface through one of the many newly formed fractures and created a large, short-lived stratovolcano 24 miles long and roughly 8,000 feet high. Straddling the young San Andreas Fault, the volcano was quickly ripped in two as lands west of the fault were pushed northwest. The western half of the volcano was then tilted by associated splinter faults, protecting it from erosion until it was once again exposed at the surface. It slowly weathered to form the spectacularly unique peaks of the Pinnacles, 195 miles away from its eroded-rock counterpart in Southern California.