The Gargoyles

These are an amazing geologic formation--part of the vast volcanic layer that once lay over the Sierra Nevada in the area of Sonora and Ebbetts Passes. And as the rock underneath the lava eroded, it left dramatic cliffs, imposing towers of rock, and an open bowl that looks out over the canyon of the Stanislaus River.

And it's all easily accessible, with parking only a few feet from the rim of the cliffs, at the end of a road that was recently graded and driveable by any car,

You'll also notice that this area has a lot of dispersed camping sites--completely legal in this part of the Stanislaus National Forest. And a bit farther along, you can reach the Herring Creek Campground, complete with picnic tables and vault toilets. It's a lesser known are in the Sierra, and that means it gets less traffic.

Check it out.

The junipers in the area are lovely: