Crowley Lake Stone Columns

Crowley Lake Stone Columns are gray stone formations rising from the eastern shore of Crowley Lake, creating cylindrical structures marked by regularly spaced horizontal fractures. These formations extend across the landscape and vary in appearance from pale gray to reddish-orange tones.

These columns remained hidden until 1941 when construction of the Crowley Lake reservoir began triggering erosion processes. Water and weather have gradually exposed these formations over decades.

Scientists from UC Berkeley conducted extensive research using X-ray analysis and electronic microscopes to understand the formation process of these geological structures.

Access requires either a four-wheel drive vehicle over a steep dirt road or parking and hiking several kilometers to reach the site. Visiting during drier weather makes travel easier on the unpaved approach routes.

The columns display surprising color variations ranging from pale gray to vivid red and orange tones, reflecting different geological processes at work. Some structures stand upright while others tilt in various directions.