Happy 101st Birthday, Pinnacles National Monument!

Today, Pinnacles National Monument begins its second 100 years. It's not exactly local to Los Angeles, but it's one of the many California wonders run by the National Park Service and here at LAist, we always encourage the exploration of the region and state.

As for a weekend trip, it's over 230 miles one way and could take about 5 hours to go up the 5 Freeway and then west into the Gabilan Mountains. There are plenty of events to celebrate the birthday this weekend, but Michael Rupp, Pinnacles Centennial Ranger, says this is only "the first of many events launching the park into its second century."