Geologic wonders aplenty across California

California is home to some of the most amazing natural wonders in the world. Lava Beds National Monument, where astronauts trained in the ’60s, features an incredibly rugged landscape – as well as its unique and extensive lava tube caves.

Mount Shasta and Mount Lassen are both old volcanoes, with unique features that make for amazing hikes. A trail leads to the peak of Mt. Lassen: no need for climbing gear, a good pair of hiking books will do.

Near Los Angeles, Vasquez Rocks in Palmdale are part of the infamous San Andreas Fault, and have been featured in numerous movies due to their jagged, jutting edges. Not too far away are the Alabama Hills, home to hundreds of Hollywood westerns in the early days of Hollywood.

And, at Mono Lake Tufa State Reserve on Mono Lake on the east side of the Sierra, the knobby tufa towers can stand over 30 feet tall -- and only grow underwater.

Photo: Alabama Hills ©2009 by Chuck Woodbury