Crowley Lake Stone Columns

Gray stone columns rise from the eastern shore of Crowley Lake, forming cylindrical structures with regularly spaced horizontal cracks at one-foot intervals.

The columns remained hidden until 1941 when the construction of Crowley Lake reservoir and subsequent water erosion gradually revealed these geological formations.

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

Visitors need a four-wheel drive vehicle to access the columns through a steep dirt road, or they can park and hike two miles to reach the site.

The site contains approximately 5000 columns spread across three square miles, displaying variations from straight gray poles to reddish-orange tilted structures.

Location: California

GPS coordinates: 37.60964,-118.72024

Latest update: March 3, 2025 02:35