Uploaded May 2025 | Updated September 2026, 1 week ago
Explore California’s Eastern Sierra like never before! Discover how lava, ancient chemistry, and volcanic ash shaped three of the most bizarre natural wonders you’ll ever see. Science, beauty, and strangeness collide—watch now!
The Eastern Sierra hides some of California’s strangest and most beautiful geologic formations. Join us as we explore three mind-bending sites: Devil’s Postpile’s hexagonal lava columns, Mono Lake’s surreal tufa towers, and the mysterious ash-carved columns of Crowley Lake. With science-based explanations from the USGS and National Park Service, this video unpacks how these otherworldly features formed—and why they look so unreal. Whether you're a geology enthusiast or simply love exploring hidden gems, this video will inspire your next trip along Highway 395.
🔬 Sources:
USGS, National Park Service, Mono Lake Committee, GSA Today
📍 Locations: Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mono Lake, Crowley Lake Columns
🌍 Subscribe to Cactus Atlas for more unique journeys into the science of the American West.
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ youtu.be/9uUFudcm2OQ
⚪ youtu.be/vAbUTHRLRl0
⚪ youtu.be/-l4k23f6S5I
⚪ youtu.be/IaDMEtA43A0
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
Explore California’s Eastern Sierra like never before! Discover how lava, ancient chemistry, and volcanic ash shaped three of the most bizarre natural wonders you’ll ever see. Science, beauty, and strangeness collide—watch now!
The Eastern Sierra hides some of California’s strangest and most beautiful geologic formations. Join us as we explore three mind-bending sites: Devil’s Postpile’s hexagonal lava columns, Mono Lake’s surreal tufa towers, and the mysterious ash-carved columns of Crowley Lake. With science-based explanations from the USGS and National Park Service, this video unpacks how these otherworldly features formed—and why they look so unreal. Whether you're a geology enthusiast or simply love exploring hidden gems, this video will inspire your next trip along Highway 395.
🔬 Sources:
USGS, National Park Service, Mono Lake Committee, GSA Today
📍 Locations: Devil’s Postpile National Monument, Mono Lake, Crowley Lake Columns
🌍 Subscribe to Cactus Atlas for more unique journeys into the science of the American West.
▬▬ R E L A T E D V I D E O S ▬▬
⚪ youtu.be/9uUFudcm2OQ
⚪ youtu.be/vAbUTHRLRl0
⚪ youtu.be/-l4k23f6S5I
⚪ youtu.be/IaDMEtA43A0
▬▬ L I N K S ▬▬
⚪ Gear we use - amazon.com/shop/thecactusatlas
⚪ onX Offroad App - alnk.to/gKQ0FLG
⚪ See where we've been - google.com/maps/d/edit?mid=1r2ZDO125o_NU7fUt0GPYfZeMKhHqYX3D&usp=sharing
⚪ Music from Epidemic Sound - epidemicsound.com/referral/6sihr2
(As an Amazon Associate and onX Affiliate we earn from qualifying purchases.)
_____________________________________________________________
✅ Find us on Instagram, Twitter & Facebook - @cactusatlas.
✅ Check out our website - cactusatlas.com
Welcome to the Cactus Atlas! We are Glenn and Amy and invite you to join us as we visit all sorts of locations across the American West. We tour both natural and man-made attractions.
Our base of operations is in the Phoenix, AZ area. We do a lot of hiking, day trips, and campground reviews and hope that we will be a great resource if you are planning a trip to the American West. We also hope to delight you with our exciting adventures!
