The peak of an ancient volcano eroded, forming the spires that lend California’s Pinnacles National Park its name. Half of the volcano now sits 200 miles east in Lancaster, California, torn from the Pinnacles by the shifting tectonic plates of the San Andreas Fault. Endangered condors and falcons fly overhead (High Peaks) while advanced rock climbers below try their best to surpass challenging obstacles (The Pig Fence).

The park is naturally split between East and West, connected by hiking trails but no roads, with most of the developed areas in the east of the park. It’s a wonderland for more advanced climbers and hikers who want to enjoy stunning scenery without the crowds of more popular parks.