The Pinnacles is a fascinating geological landcape. Obviously the primary reason it is being touted as our next national park per news reports has much to do with that region's business and commercial interests as well as California political clout to do so. That however ought not be primary factor in making it one our our national parks.
Compared to our other national parks, the monument is quite small at 40 square miles, about 10 miles long averaging about 4 miles wide. Some might think that is in any case rather sizeable. However the actual area of the geological features where all the trails are is far smaller, maybe just 4 square miles. Could trails expand into those peripheral areas? Sure but those landscapes are rather ordinary much without outstanding features. In fact much is chaparral that has burned over the decades in periodic wildland fires. Those peripheral areas are valuable to the park's wildlife so have value but not as outstanding or unusual scenery any more than other parks in the region or Los Padres National Forest.
Like much of the inner Coast Range, the Pinnacles is really only pleasant during fair weather periods of spring. Its seasonal streams flow, grasses and wildflowers are nicely green, and its creatures are out and about. By late May anything green other than trees has turned dry brown with daytime temperatures often as unpleasant as in the adjacent Salinas Valley. And most of its creatures other than birds then only venture out during dawn, dusk, and evening hours.
Although it is true making PNM a national park would increase its tourism value, nearby Point Lobos State Reserve, the 17 mile drive on the Monterey Peninsula, and Big Sur Coast state parks all have higher natural scenic and interest values. It would increase numbers of non-Californias and international tourist visits but I would expect many of those visiting outside of spring would be disappointed reducing their confidence that those areas we designate as national parks are worthwhile visits. Another similar park in the Coast Range is Carrizo Plain National Monument. Absolutely incredibly World Class with vast wildflower displays every few years or so during wet years for a brief month or two and then long periods where it is hot, dry, baked, dormant, of low interest and not scenic.
http://www.davidsenesac.comEdited 3 time(s). Last edit at 08/16/2012 09:09AM by DavidSenesac.
