reporting from pinnacles national monument, Calif.—
THE BEST WAY TO PINNACLESFrom LAX, United, American and US Airways fly to Monterey, 12 miles from Salinas. Restricted round-trip fares begin at $286. Or you can drive the 235 miles from Los Angeles.
PINNACLES NATIONAL MONUMENT
(831) 389-4485, http://www.nps.gov/pinn. $5 entrance fee, good for seven days. Parking is limited. There is no road through the park connecting its east and west entrances.
WHERE TO STAY
Inn at the Pinnacles, 32025 Stonewall Canyon Road, Soledad, Calif.; (831) 678-2400,http://www.innatthepinnacles.com. From $200 a night. Breakfast, early evening wine and cheese.
WHERE TO EAT
Frankie's Grill, 185 Kidder St., Soledad, Calif.; (831) 678-3499. Inexpensive barbecue and Mexican restaurant.
TO LEARN MORE
Ventana Wildlife Society, http://www.ventanaws.org
California
Mexico
Las Vegas
Hawaii
Europe
