The Secret of Crowley Lake: Unearthing the Mystery of the 20-Foot Stone Pillars

 

Crowley Lake is a striking reservoir located in Mono County, California, about 15 miles south of Mammoth Lakes and 25 miles north of Bishop. Known for its dramatic volcanic scenery, premier trout fishing, and mysterious stone columns, the lake is one of the Eastern Sierra’s most unique destinations.

Geography and Creation

Created in 1941 by the construction of the Long Valley Dam on the Owens River, Crowley Lake serves as a major water storage reservoir for the Los Angeles Aqueduct. The structure is 126 feet high and holds over 183,000 acre-feet of water. The lake stretches nearly 12 miles in length and 5 miles across at its widest, with a surface area of about 5,300 acres at an elevation of 6,781 feet.

The surrounding landscape is a dramatic mix of basalt cliffs, high desert plains, and distant Sierra Nevada peaks, formed by ancient volcanic activity from the nearby Long Valley Caldera.

The Mysterious Columns of Crowley Lake

One of the lake’s most intriguing features is the Crowley Lake columns—thousands of bizarre stone pillars along its eastern shore. Some stand over 20 feet tall, often formed in rows connected by arches that resemble ancient cathedral ruins. Geologists discovered that these formations originated around 760,000 years ago when cold water from melting snow seeped into hot volcanic ash, creating steam pipes that solidified into rocky columns over time.

Today, the site attracts photographers, geologists, and adventure seekers who explore these otherworldly formations by kayak or small boat when lake levels permit.

Recreation and Wildlife

Crowley Lake is one of California’s premier trout fisheries, famous for rainbow, brown, and cutthroat trout. Fishing season runs from late April through mid-November. The Crowley Lake Fish Camp serves as the lake’s gateway, offering boat rentals, RV hookups, cabins, and supplies for anglers and campers.

Beyond fishing, the lake is popular for kayaking, paddleboarding, wakeboarding, and birdwatching. The nearby McGee Creek and Rock Creek canyons are excellent for hiking amid wildflowers and alpine streams.

The Crowley Lake Community

Just east of U.S. Route 395, the small community of Crowley Lake sits at 6,939 feet and is home to under 1,000 residents. It features a general store, café, library, and recreation area hosting an annual Fourth of July fireworks show that lights up the lake each summer.

Crowley Lake’s blend of geological wonder, outdoor recreation, and tranquil mountain scenery make it a remarkable stop in the heart of the Eastern Sierra—a place where ancient volcanic history meets modern wilderness adventure.