The Crowley Lake Columns are a strange, otherworldly site in the thin strip of California east of the Sierra Mountain range. These pale, natural columns along the edge of Lake Crowley look almost like the remains of an ancient temple--not the results of a volcanic explosion (check out that link to learn more about how these columns were formed). Visiting Crowley LakeCrowley Lake is situated in the Mono County, known for the Mammoth Lakes area, a winter ski destination, and another famous lake: Mono Lake. Besides the columns, Crowley Lake's main attractions include fishing and watersports, as this is one of the few local lakes where you're allowed to drive up to the water's edge. Fishing season is the last Saturday in April through November 15, and boats are available for rent, though you generally have to call first. I visited in early summer, when the temperature was moderately cool and there were relatively few people, but some areas nearby were still snowed in. Mid to late summer generally brings more crowds, but a majority of the snow will have melted by then, giving you easy access to some of the area's more unique sights, like Devil's Postpile National Monument, and Tionga Pass, the fastest route to nearby Yosemite. Close by, you'll find Crowley Lake Fish Camp and Tom's Place providing most of the area's amenities. There are campsites and cabins available to rent, but for much more than that, your best bet is to head twelve miles north to the resort town of Mammoth Lakes The Crowley Lake ColumnsI spent an hour exploring the columns in the main cove, as seen above. The lake's water level was high enough that I couldn't reach the other coves without getting at least a little wet, but the columns actually stretch on for at least a mile in either direction, and I'm pretty sure there are trails which will take you over to look at the other areas. The main beach boasts the most impressive columns, with those on the far side reaching about 15 feet (3 meters) in height, going at least four feet back into the rock. Some small caves are littered throughout the pale stone, and dozens of swallows swooped overhead, as they had made their nests in the rock itself! How to Get HereThere are loads of people offering directions to the columns online, all saying the same thing: turn right off Highway 395 onto Benton Crossing Road, and follow that for a ways until you reach a dirt road which takes you to the beach. I puttered around on the dirt road they pointed out, but with all of the offshoots, I wasn’t quite sure which direction I was supposed to head. Fortunately, there's a much easier, more direct way! I can only assume the road I ended up taking was newer, created after these bloggers wrote their posts. Driving up Highway 395 from Bishop, follow signs to Tuff's Campground and continue along Owens Gorge Road -- take that until you cross the dam, then drive uphill a short ways until you reach a sharp left turn (about a quarter of a mile beyond) at Forest road 4 South 45. You can hike it from there, like I did, as it's about a mile's walk, but if you have a high-clearance, 4 wheel drive vehicle, you can drive all the way down (just go straight and ignore the offshoots). When in doubt, consult Google Maps and search for the Crowley Lake Columns parking area. It’s a little over half an hour to get there from Mammoth Lakes, or fifty minutes north of Bishop. When you get there, please be mindful of your impact--these are old, beautiful columns, and they deserve to be protected. This is one part of California which has to be seen to be believed. These strange, swirling columns are hard to access, but definitely worth the trip. Know Where You Walk: This land is traditionally home to the Eastern Mono/Monache and Northern Paiute peoples. Like this post? Why not share it?If you enjoyed this article, please leave me a comment telling me what you think! Or, if you found it useful, share it with your friends! You'll be helping me turn my passion for travel into a business, and more importantly, you'll be helping your friends out with any travel questions they might have, too. See more adventures!If you liked this post, you may also like:
6 Comments
Kris
7/11/2019 01:48:24 pm
They were pretty incredible! I highly recommend making the trek out to visit them if you're ever in the area! :)
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Tony Felicione
10/21/2020 12:02:25 pm
I fly fish that lake every year. Been all around it. From a map view where is this on the lake?
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Kris
11/22/2020 09:48:28 am
That sounds fun! The columns are on the eastern side, just south of where the lake narrows to the north.
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10/27/2021 04:50:00 pm
Absolutely brilliant!! Ks there a tour guide or its not needed? Thank you!! Ps How should I shared this?
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Kris Rose
6/16/2022 10:28:07 am
Hi Katamai - thank you for your comment! I'm not sure if there is a tour guide in the area, but I think it's easy enough to find on your own. Let me know if you decide to visit!
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Hi, there! Call me Kris. I’m a world traveler, author and artist working to showcase the world's beauty and inspire you to find your confidence to see the world!
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