If you ask around or go online to look up where to see Basaltic Columns in California, you’re most probably going to be pointed to Devil’s Postpile. And that’s a great place to see them! However, did you know that there’s another place where you can see them; this one open for a longer period of the year, and is easier to get to, too. It’s called the Columns of the Giants.
Columns of the Giants
![Columns of the Giants from the highway [CASR 108]](https://dnambiar.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/columns-of-the-giants-3a.jpg)
These Basaltic Columns are also on the Sierras and it was just by accident that I discovered them. We were on Sonora Pass, and on our way to the Eastern Sierra when I happened upon a sight of this site just off Highway 108. I thought I spotted some perpendicular rocks that looked like columns of Basalt, took a few drive-by shots and quickly looked it up. I soon learned it was called Columns of the Giants. And on our way back west, I made it a point to make a stop there.
The Columns of the Giants lies within and is preserved by Stanislaus National Forest. And it can be accessed via a short trail just off California 108 or Sonora Pass, just before Dardanelle, if you are driving through from the west.
The Trail to the Columns
The trail to this geological site in Stanislaus National Forest is just around a half mile. From the parking lot, you go across a footbridge over Middle Fork Stanislaus River and a few bends in the trail to get to the foot of these columns.
How are Basaltic Columns formed?
Basaltic Columns are lava rocks, formed because of the Basalt content in them. When the lava cools down, the rock so formed begins to contract and crack. In the case of basaltic lava, when the cooling starts at the top, the rock solidifies into polygonal shapes and starts cracking downwards forming columns like these.
Snowmelt and water (in the case of columns near a water body) help the rocks settle faster, and the cracks appear more even. And in some cases you have glaciers play a role in polishing, tilting, even bending these columns of basalt.
Things to know before you go:
- This geological site is situated just of CASR 108/ Sonora Pass. It’s roughly between Dardanelle and Kennedy Meadows but you could miss it if you don’t have your maps set to it.
- For an address, you can set your navigation to Column of the Giants
- The walk to the columns is a short one. The trail is less than 1/2 mile.
- There are restrooms in the area.
- There is a campground near here, too
- There are no other services at this stop.
- This area is likely to be closed in winter and also a part of spring depending on the amount of snow the area gets.
Have you had a chance to visit —
The Basalt Columns of Devil’s Postpile in California, USA
Islands of Columnar Basalt off the Karnataka Coast in India
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Place looks amazing , Great clicks. Thanks for the details.
Thank you, Rupam. 🙂
What a fascinating discovery, Dee!
I’ve always been drawn to geological marvels, and the Columns of the Giants sound like a hidden gem.
Your photos are gorgeous as always.
That was what I thought too. 😀
I love geological site and it was a great surprise. It’s sort of ‘in plain site’ but if one’s not familiar with these columns, it could go unnoticed, I guess.
Thank you for visiting, Veronica.
I hope you’re having a good week. 🙂
That’s very cool. Great eye!
Isn’t it?
You guys should try to make a stop here when on the Sonora Pass. 😉
Lovely captures and interesting information.
Thank you so much.
I thoroughly enjoy places like this. 🙂
wow! Awesome nature photography of your trip ~ thanks,
Wishing you good health, laughter and love in your days,
A ShutterBug Explores,
aka (A Creative Harbor)
Thank you so much, Carol.
I hope you’re having a good weekend.
Take care. 🙂
…if I could start my life again, I would want to be a geologist! Dee, thanks for sharing these beautiful sight. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
…if I could start my life again, I would want to be a geologist! Dee, thanks for sharing these beautiful sight. Take care and have a wonderful weekend.
Not a bad idea at all. It is a very interesting area, is it not?!
I seem to have developed a liking for the subject. I’ve been fascinated by all that I’ve learnt.
You’d make a great geologist! 🙂
Thank you for coming this way, Tom.
I hope you had a great weekend. Have a lovely week ahead. 🙂
Wow, these formations are incredible! Such a cool find.
Aren’t they?!
I can’t get enough of these natural creations that look so unreal. 😀
The earth is so wonderful!
Thank you for visiting, Shiju. 🙂
Sonora pass is amazing, isn’t it?!! What a great find. Love it! Thanks so much for sharing.
-Soma
It’s beautiful! We’ve taken this route to the Eastern Sierra, twice already and I think we’ll be going this way (and thru’ Tioga Pass) again. Love the sights along the way.
I’m so thankful for the Sierras. 😀 <3
Thank you for coming this way, Soma. 🙂