Exploring Giant Rock in the Mojave Desert Near Landers, CA

By Jon Crowley

The Mojave Desert is home to many natural wonders, but few are as striking or steeped in mystery as Giant Rock. Located near Landers, California, this massive granite boulder is considered the largest freestanding boulder in North America, measuring approximately seven stories high and covering nearly 5,800 square feet. Beyond its sheer size, Giant Rock has long been a focal point for Native American history, aviation legends, and even UFO lore, making it a must-visit destination for adventurers and history buffs alike.

While at the 2025 King of the Hammers, I joined other Polaris owners on a ride from Johnson Valley to the Giant Rock where we enjoyed a BBQ, ice cream and a raffle. I decided to drive my new 2025 Polaris XPEDITION ADV and with all the dust on the group ride, it was the right decision! Inside the enclosed cab, I enjoyed clean air and HVAC to keep the temperature comfortable.

Included in our group of Polaris owners were JRi Suspension, Buggy Whips, UTV Con’Quest, DRT, MetalFX, Sparco, Yokohama in addition to Polaris Ambassadors Billy & Kristin Slade, and Alfredo Rojas. 

The History of Giant Rock

Giant Rock has been a significant landmark for centuries, originally holding spiritual significance for Native American tribes in the region. The Serrano people, who inhabited the area, considered the rock sacred and believed it held powerful energy.

In the 1930s, an eccentric German immigrant and prospector named Frank Critzer made Giant Rock his home. He dug a 400-square-foot underground living space beneath the boulder, using the natural insulation of the rock to stay cool in the desert heat. Critzer, who was rumored to have connections to experimental aviation projects, lived there until his death in 1942 during a confrontation with law enforcement.

Following Critzer’s death, his friend and fellow aviation enthusiast George Van Tassel took an interest in the site. Van Tassel, a test pilot and engineer, leased the land from the Bureau of Land Management in the 1950s and transformed it into a hub for UFO conventions. He claimed to have received messages from extraterrestrials and even constructed the Integratron, a dome-shaped structure just a few miles away, which he said was designed for time travel and rejuvenation.

The 2000 Split – A Natural Phenomenon or Something More?

For decades, Giant Rock stood as an unbroken monolith, but in 2000, a large portion of the boulder mysteriously broke off. The split revealed a lighter-colored interior, which some interpret as a sign of its spiritual or geological transformation. While geologists point to natural weathering and stress fractures as the cause, others believe it was linked to the area’s reputation for high-energy phenomena.

Visiting Giant Rock

Today, Giant Rock remains a popular destination for off-roaders, campers, and curious travelers exploring the Mojave Desert. Located off Giant Rock Road, the site is accessible by high-clearance vehicles, and a UTV is the perfect way to experience the rugged beauty of the area. Whether you’re drawn to its historical significance, geological uniqueness, or paranormal intrigue, Giant Rock is a fascinating stop for anyone venturing through the California desert.

For those planning a trip, the best time to visit is during the cooler months, as summer temperatures in the Mojave can be extreme. The nearby town of Landers also offers other points of interest, including the Integratron and scenic trails leading into the vast desert landscape.

Giant Rock is more than just an enormous boulder’s a piece of California’s desert history, wrapped in layers of legend, mystery, and natural beauty. Whether you’re an off-road enthusiast, history lover, or simply someone looking for a unique adventure, this iconic landmark is well worth the trip.

Giant Rock GPS Coordinates: 34.33280, -116.38867