In Southern Mono County, California, Crowley Lake offers more than just a peaceful spot for fishing.
It is also home to one of nature’s most captivating geological formations—the Crowley Lake Columns.
This collection of unique stone pillars has drawn visitors from near and far.
What Are The Crowley Lake Columns?
The Crowley Lake Columns are strange, column-like formations found along the eastern shore of the lake.
They were discovered after the completion of the Crowley Lake reservoir in 1941.
These columns stand as tall as 20 feet with some reaching into the sky.
They have a striking appearance, almost like Moorish architecture.
The Formation and Its Origins
Geologists from UC Berkeley have unraveled the mystery behind these formations.
Approximately 760,000 years ago, a cataclysmic volcanic eruption at the Long Valley Caldera released a thick layer of ash and tuff across the region.
The eruption covered the area with a thick layer of ash.
Over time, snowmelt from the Sierra Nevada seeped through the layers, interacting with the hot material to create steam.
This steam carved out the distinctive columns as it vented upwards, leaving behind erosion-resistant minerals that now stand in striking formations.
The result is a landscape dotted with nearly 5,000 columns, varying widely in shape, size, and color across a sprawling 4,000-acre area.
The Crowley Lake: A Man-Made Lake In California
Crowley Lake is located in Southern Mono County, California.
It was known for its stunning scenery, excellent fishing, and unique geological features.
The Creation of Crowley Lake
Crowley Lake was created in 1941 when the Long Valley Dam was built by the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (DWP).
The dam was constructed to store water for the Los Angeles Aqueduct and to help with flood control in the area.
The dam itself stands 126 feet high and holds back a vast amount of water, with a storage capacity of over 183,000 acre-feet.
The lake is located about 15 miles south of Mammoth Lakes, making it an accessible spot for those exploring the Eastern Sierra region.
A Tribute to Fr. John J. Crowley
The lake is named after Fr. John J. Crowley, affectionately known as “the desert Padre.”
Fr. Crowley was a beloved figure in Owens Valley history.
He is remembered for his efforts to uplift the spirits of local residents after the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power diverted much of the region’s water supply to the city.
Fr. Crowley believed that the Owens Valley could become a tourist destination, bringing new hope to the area.
Sadly, Fr. Crowley passed away in an automobile accident in 1940, just before the lake was completed.
Crowley Lake is perhaps best known for its excellent trout fishing
Each year, thousands of anglers flock to the lake, especially on opening day, to try their luck at catching the large rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout that populate the waters.
The lake is well-stocked, making it a prime fishing spot in California.
The Crowley Lake Fish Camp is the main hub for visitors, offering boat rentals, camping sites, and supplies.
Cavern at Crowley Lake Columns
The cavern winds through the earth at the site of the columns along Crowley Lake in California.
These columns were formed 760,000 years ago by a volcanic eruption that played a significant role in shaping the landscape of Mono County.
