Columns of the Giants along Sonora Pass
Happy Monday! As we close out the 2023 National Forest Week, I want to take you to a unique geological wonder found in the Stanislaus National Forest in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains. Join me as we head out along the Sonora Pass to explore the basalt rock formations at Columns of the Giants.
...and in honor of National Forest Week, make sure to scroll all the way down to get your FREE National Forest Bucket List!
FAST FACTS
• Distance: 0.5 miles RT
• Elevation Change: 25 ft
• Difficulty: Easy
Columns of the Giants in Stanislaus National Forest
Location
Found just off Highway 108 in the Stanislaus National Forest, Columns of the Giants is a great stop when traveling across the Sonora Pass of the Sierra Nevada Mountains. The paved parking lot and trailhead are located along the Middle Fork Stanislaus River just east of the small town of Dardanelle right next to the Pigeon Flat Campground.
If you’re unfamiliar with the Sonora Pass, it is a wonderfully scenic and curvy drive north of Yosemite National Park that connects the 395 near Bridgeport with the 99 at Modesto. With an elevation of 9,624 ft at its highest point, Sonora Pass is the second highest pass in the Sierra Nevada Range...only Tioga Pass just to the south is higher.
Basalt rock formations at Columns of the Giants
Geology
Geophysicists believe lava deep within the earth erupted from a nearby crack about 150,000 years ago. The lava flowed into the Stanislaus riverbed and pooled behind a natural dam.
As the deep pool of lava slowly cooled, the molten rock hardened and shrank, splitting into multi-sided vertical columns. A glacier later flowed down this valley, and gravel in the ice acted like sandpaper, scratching the top while plucking and ripping rocks from the bank, exposing the columns. The mounds of rock at the base of the columns are called “talus”. As water seeped into the rock cracks and froze, the expanding ice crystals slowly wedged the massive blocks apart...and as they separated, they fell into the heaps seen here. You may even feel cold air rising through talus because an ice-field formed here several thousand years ago during what geologist call “the Little Ice Age”. Remnants of the ancient ice still remain covered and preserved by the fallen rock.
The unique layering of columns here might also suggest there were two separate lava flows. During the first flow, the strait columns formed as the lava cooled evenly under ideal conditions (cooling from the top down and from the ground upward). During the second flow, the twisted upper layer could have formed when a second eruption flowed over the already cooled first layer. The second layer may have pulled against a natural barrier that has since eroded, probably forming under less uniform conditions, causing the uneven fracturing we see today. Please refrain from climbing on the fallen rock here and help preserve the ice by leaving these rocks in place.
Footbridge over the Middle Fork Stanislaus River
Hike
From the parking area, there is an easy 0.25 mile paved trail that leads you out to the official Columns of the Giants viewing point. The out and back trail begins by crossing a picturesque wooden footbridge above the Middle Fork Stanislaus River – then you start heading up the paved path. The gentle ascent (less than 50 feet in elevation gain) is dotted with numerous interpretive signs that share information about this area and the history of these columns. The trail is surrounded by towering pine trees and ends at the base of the rocky columns. It’s incredibly important to stay on the maintained trail here, not only to protect and respect the natural features, but also because many spots are made of unstable rock formations. Once you’re done exploring and taking in the towering basalt columns, you can head back to the parking lot.
Columns of the Giants along Sonora Pass Highway
Other Nearby Activities
Located next to the Columns of the Giants interpretive trail is the Pigeon Flat Campground. Here you can find walk-in campsites with tables and fire rings, as well as vault toilets. Anglers might consider tossing in a line at the Middle Fork Stanislaus River for some great fishing. If you’re interested in more hiking, head back towards Pinecrest on Highway 108 for the Donnell Vista, another wonderful short trail which leads to an overlook with beautiful views of the Donnell Reservoir and the Middle Fork Stanislaus River Canyon.
If you’re looking to explore other geological wonders in this region, I’d recommend checking out Devils Postpile National Monument (another basalt columns formation), Hot Creek Geological Site, and Fossil Falls.
Main viewing area at the end of the Columns of the Giants interpretive trail
Know Before You Go
• This spot is best enjoyed from late Spring through mid Fall when Sonora Pass is open. However, Winter access may be available via snowmobile, cross country skiing, or snowshoing.
• Hiking, photography, fishing, and bird watching are popular activities in this area.
• Consider visiting the Shadow of the Me-Wuk Outdoor Exhibit in nearby Pinecrest on your trip.
• Polite animals are welcome as long as they remain leashed at all times.
• Please remember the Leave No Trace Principles on your adventures here, and refrain from scrambling up towards the base of the columns. The piles of rocks are unstable and unsafe.
• The Sonora Pass Highway 108 is steep, narrow, and curvy in many places. Long and/or large vehicles are not recommended along this road.
Top 10 Things to Do Along Sonora Pass Highway
Sonora Pass Sign
Pacific Crest Trail
Leavitt Meadows
Leavitt Falls
Sardine Falls
Columns of the Giants
Middle Fork Stanislaus River
Donnell Vista
Sonora Pass Falls
Sierra Nevada Vista Point
Columns of the Giants in the Sierra Nevada Mountains
In Summary & Free Download
Thank you so much for joining me in Stanislaus National Forest today. For a virtual visit to the Columns of the Giants, check out my Behind the Blog video at the top of this post, or watch it on YouTube here. Also make sure to sign up below for my free National Forest Bucket List! Until next week, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go.
Columns of the Giants in Stanislaus National Forest
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About Me
I’m Dawn Marie, a travel and lifestyle blogger based out of Southern California. With in-depth articles, travel guides, and reviews on hotels & products, I seek to share my journeys to help you plan for your own. My adventures take me all over California, the western United States, and around the globe...and every Monday I post new content here, including a comprehensive blog post and YouTube video.
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