📍Alien Temple on California's Highway 395

Well, it’s not actually an alien temple—but it sure looks like one! 👽🛕 These incredible stone columns were formed by ancient volcanic activity. Located at Crowley Lake in California, these pillars were created around 760,000 years ago by a massive volcanic eruption 🌋💥. Layers of volcanic ash accumulated into tuff rock, and then groundwater or melting snow seeped into the hot ash, turning into steam. This process formed pipes and deposited erosion-resistant minerals, slowly shaping these mysterious columns. They remained hidden until 1941 when the reservoir was built and water erosion gradually revealed them 🌊⛰️. If you visit during the dry winter season, the water level drops and the columns become fully exposed on the beach 🏖️🗿. We went in early July—the water had risen to the base of the columns, but we just rolled up our pants and waded right in! 👖💦 Inside the "temple," you can see many swallow nests 🐦🧡, with two or three little heads peeking out from each hole, curiously watching the visitors below 👀✨. On the beach, you can find porous white limestone rocks—super lightweight, some even float on water! 🪨🌊 📷: Hasselblad X2D + 38V #WeekendGetawaysInBayArea #SanFranciscoBayArea #LosAngeles #Highway395 #CrowleyLake #MostAlienPlacesOnEarth #California #NaturesMasterpiece