Explore Crowley Lake Columns: California’s Most Distinctive Rock Formations
Photo by depositphotos.com
After Crowley Lake was first created in Mono County, California in 1941 due to the construction of the Long Valley Dam, onlookers noticed some striking rock formations along the eastern shore that looked like spindly columns. At first glance, casual observers wondered if they had stumbled upon an ancient temple that had been lost in the sands of time. Geologists ultimately determined that the rounded columns were crafted entirely by nature due to a volcanic eruption that took place over 700,000 years ago.
The visibility of Crowley Lake’s distinctive volcanic columns varies, depending on the water level of the lake. When the water level is high, it is much more difficult to view the columns. To access the columns by land, visitors can drive on a rugged dirt road. You must have a car that is equipped with four-wheel drive in order to access the parking area.
If the water level is low, visitors can hike around and explore Lake Crowley’s distinctive rock formations. The columns look like a sandcastle constructed by Beetlejuice director Tim Burton. Visitors can walk beneath what appears to be a fantastical stone archway and explore a handful of small volcanic caves.
Crowley Lake is also home to one of California‘s most popular fishing camps. Crowley Lake Fish Camp features cozy cabins, a marina with boats for rent, and a campsite. The waters of Crowley Lake are teeming with plump trout. Crowley Lake Fish Camp also features a small restaurant called the Pelican Point Grill, where visitors can order hot dogs, burgers, and tacos. In true California style, Pelican Point Grill even has a veggie burger on the menu.
Visitors who are interested in exploring Crowley Lake via kayak can swing by Caldera Kayak—which is located in nearby Mammoth Lakes, California—to rent a kayak. Caldera Kayak offers a brief kayaking lesson and tips about nearby sites to explore, including Crowley Lake’s magnificent columns.
Photos of Crowley Lake’s surreal landscape hardly do California‘s most distinctive rock formations justice. The strange and beautiful columns of Crowley Lake are something that you simply need to see with your own eyes in order to believe, California is home to countless natural wonders, but the ornate columns at Crowley Lake are certainly in the top tier of the Golden State’s unique landscapes. No survey of California‘s striking beauty is complete without a day spent exploring the otherworldly beauty of Crowley Lake.
Location on Google Maps.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Crowley Lake Stone Columns, eastern shoreline of Crowley Lake, California, USA (formation-area reference; not a land trailhead)
- Coordinates
- 37.6095923, -118.7203897
- Access
- Visit Mammoth identifies the responsible viewing route as boat or other watercraft from Crowley Lake Fish Camp, about 1.5 miles east. Land approaches are strongly discouraged because routes are unstable, may cross restricted LADWP property and can damage fragile formations. The Fish Camp’s 2026 season ends at noon Sunday, October 25; confirm launch and lake conditions before setting out.
- Admission
- There is no separate ticket for viewing the columns from the lake. For 2026, Fish Camp lists $10 daily parking plus $10 daily lake-use/launch; boat rental is extra. These are launch logistics, not an admission fee charged at the formations. Fish Camp closes for the season at noon October 25, 2026.
- Time needed
- Visit Mammoth recommends about 1.5–2 hours on the water for the crossing and viewing; the columns are roughly 1.5 miles east of Fish Camp.
- Best season
- Visit Mammoth recommends late spring through early fall for safer boating; boat rentals are typically offered May–October. Lower late-summer/fall reservoir levels can expose more columns. Verify water level, weather and launch availability; rentals end with the Fish Camp season.
- Opening hours
- The formations have no published visiting hours and should be viewed from watercraft. Fish Camp’s posted front-gate hours are daily 07:00–21:00, with mussel inspections until 19:00; it closes for the 2026 season at noon Sunday, October 25. The daily gate schedule does not extend the seasonal closing date—confirm launch availability before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-09-29
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-14
Map marks the area, not a visitor entrance.
Location
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