History, Hiking, and Tasting

By Ruth Ann Angus

September and the harvest is happening. Days are getting shorter and by late afternoon there is coolness in the air. But this is a great time to hop in the car and go on a road trip. We're not going too far — we realize gas prices have climbed so we want to conserve a bit.

Start early in the day and head up the 101 Freeway past Paso Robles and San Miguel until you come to the turn-off to Route 198. This is a windy, hilly, and pretty back road heading east towards Coalinga, but we are not going that far. About 14 miles down the road make a left turn on Route 25.

You will be traveling through a valley between the Coast Range of mountains on the left and the Diablo Range on the right. Ranches and farms are prevalent here and you will see cattle and horses in the fields. In a good rain year there are carpets of poppies and other wildflowers. Just beyond the turnoff to the town of San Benito you will find the entrance to Pinnacles National Monument, a world class hiking destination.

Pinnacles National Monument

This geological marvel has unique features and none are more spectacular than the story of its development. Pinnacles' volcano came into existence over a period of time about 23 million years ago. This occurred near Lancaster, California, some 195 miles to the south of its present location. At one time it was five miles wide, 15 miles long, and eight thousand feet high. But this was before two-thirds of it went on a long but relentless ride northwest along with the Pacific plate. As it did this some of its bulk sank down and erosion worked on the exposed ramparts. What are left are the massive walls and lonely pillars that are now the crowning glory of the Pinnacles.

There are several trails that will bring you closer to viewing the huge rocks that have, over time, tumbled against one another and which are a complete contrast to the smooth hills surrounding the location. The trails will take you into caves and past sheer cliffs. Many wildflowers grow here along with live oaks, sycamores, and buckeye trees. Possible sightings of wildlife include rabbits, black-tailed deer, gray foxes, bobcats, reptiles, and rodents. Bird watchers will enjoy searching for California Quail, Brown Towhee, woodpeckers, and more.

A visitor center is located at the east entrance, open from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m., is where you can obtain information on the various trails and their degrees of difficulty. There is a day use fee.  A nature center is also located at the Bear Gulch Trailhead.

After your hike, perhaps a picnic is in order at the monument, or, if you didn't come prepared, drive back down Route 25 to the G13 turnoff to King City.

King City

For some people, King City is just a stop on the highway for a Big Mac or Carl's Jr. Angus Burger. So why go there for anything else?  Because this little town, located in the south end of the Salinas Valley, is brimming with agricultural history.

A visit to San Lorenzo Park at the end of Broadway will bring you to the Agricultural & Rural Life Museum. This complex is maintained by Monterey County and contains six historic structures including La Gloria Schoolhouse, circa 1887, Spreckels House, circa 1898, King City Depot, circa 1903, Blacksmith Shop, Gazebo, Irrigation Building, and large Exhibit Barn. The barn houses vintage farm equipment, old area photographs, life-sized dioramas, featuring the development of the Salinas Valley agriculture and rural life from the late 1700's to 1910 King City.

Visitors can learn about dairies, dry farming, row crops, and other enterprises that have shaped Monterey County. Here too, tourist information is available in the form of numerous brochures and a manned information booth. Docent tours are available Friday, Saturday, and Sunday from 11 A.M. to 3:30 P.M. The Museum is open Tuesday through Thursday from 10 A.M. to 4 P.M., Friday from 12 P.M. to 4 P.M., and Saturday and Sunday from 11 A.M. to 4 P.M.

Pleasant Valley Wine Trail

Okay, the day is not complete without a stop at one of the area wineries so head down the 101 Freeway to the exit for San Miguel for a stop at just one of the 10 wineries on the Pleasant Valley Wine Trail. Take 10th Street to Mission Street, turn left and proceed to 14th Street and cross over the railroad tracks onto River Road. At the junction of Cross Canyon Road turn left and proceed to Pleasant Road and turn right. Just driving on these country roads on a sunny afternoon is a good reason to come out this way, but a stop at Silver Horse Winery will make for a pleasant ending for your road trip day.

The Spanish hacienda style tasting room is surrounded by acres and acres of vineyards and the view from the hill goes on forever. Inside there is a cozy feel with a wood burning fireplace and comfy chairs to lounge on. Taste the Spanish and French Bordeaux varietals that winemaker Stephen Kroener produces in an adjacent area. You can see the winemaking action through a viewing window in the tasting room. You might want to play a game of horseshoes out in front of the tasting room or just sit on a lounge chair and enjoy your wine.

Heading home take Pleasant Road south and turn right on Estrella and then left on Airport, which will lead you to Route 46 and west to the 101 Freeway.