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Devils Postpile National Monument |
Description:
Geologic Wonders along a River of Life
High on the western slope of the Sierra Crest, nature reveals two of its wonders - the weirdly wonderful "postpile" and the lovely San Joaquin River with its dramatic Rainbow Falls.
The geologic formation that is "the Postpile" is the world's finest example of unusual columnar basalt. Its columns of lava, with their four to seven sides, display a honeycomb pattern of order and harmony.
Another jewel in the Monument is the San Joaquin River. Along the river corridor, the Monument flourishes with life. Meadows burst forth with flowers that nourish deer, birds, and butterflies. This portion of the San Joaquin is a designated Wild Trout River where both novice and expert can play the waters for four species of trout. Lining the river are a combination of old-growth red-fir forest and new growth rejuvenated by fire. On the lower reaches of the Monument's 2.5 miles of river course, rainbows frequently sparkle over their namesake -- the 101-foot drop of Rainbow Falls.
In addition to its geologic wonders and the beauty and diversity of the San Joaquin River, the monument is a portal to the great Sierra backcountry. Some 75% of the monument is part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is traversed by the historic John Muir and Pacific Crest trails; you can follow a trail from here to Mexico or Canada!
At 800 acres, Devils Postpile National Monument may be considered small by some, yet its natural and recreational values abound.
Designations:
Devils Postpile National Monument proclaimed (July 6, 1911)
Transferred to National Park Service (August 10, 1933)
Ansel Adams Wilderness, 1984 ()
Wild Trout River, 1995 ()
Accessibility:
Accessibility is very limited in this remote area; none of the facilities or trails meet the ADA.
Getting Around:
The road is closed from 7:30 am & 5:30 pm daily. All day-use visitors must ride a shuttle bus from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area between those hours. The first shuttle leaves at 8 am; schedules are posted there.
Shuttle Fare (buy tickets at Mammoth Mountain Inn):
*Under age 5 - FREE
*Ages 5-12 - round trip $5.50; one-way $3
*Ages 13-18 - round trip $7.50; one way $4
*Age 19 & over - round trip $9.50; one way $5
*Stop to stop within the valley (from Agnew Meadows to Reds Meadow Resort: free
*Hikers must purchase a $5 one-way ticket to exit the Valley
-Exceptions to shuttle use: walkers, bicyclists, vehicles carrying 11 or more passengers, vehicles carrying non-ambulatory passengers, people with valid camping permits, overnight guests at Reds Meadow resort or packstation, & vehicles pulling horse trailers or boats.
-Backpackers: wilderness permits do not include permission to drive to the trailheads or to the valley; you must use the shuttle or walk. Shuttles have racks which accommodate backpacks.
This shuttle system is necessary to lessen impacts on the environment & the visitor. Please relax & enjoy the view on your ride.
Activites:
Camping | Educational Programs | Fishing | Hiking | Horseback Riding | Wilderness Area | Wildlife Viewing | Backpacking | Bird Watching | Nature Walks | Stargazing | Cross Country Skiing | And more.
Facilities:
Picnic Areas | Tours & Guided Activities | And more.
Nature: Volcanoes | And more.
Directions to Devils Postpile National Monument
Plane:
Closest commercial airport is Reno, Nevada.
Car:
Drive 10 miles west from U.S. 395 on S.R. 203 to Minaret Summit & then 7 miles on a paved, narrow mountain road. Most visitors must park at Mammoth Mountain & use the shuttle -- see "Getting around" below.
Public Transportation
From late June to early September, day-use visitors to the Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow area must ride the shuttle bus -- see "Getting around" below.
Attractions:
Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
Phone:800 M A M M O T H
June Mountain Ski Area
Inyo National Forest
Phone:760-873-2400
Sierra National Forest
Phone:559-297-0706
Nearby Parks:
Sequoia & Kings Canyon National Parks
Death Valley National Park
Manzanar National Historic Site
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Contact Information for Devils Postpile National Monument
P.O. 501 Box
Mammoth Lakes, CA
93546
Phone: 760-934-2289 summer
Fax:
Located in in the Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes, CA
For more information on Devils Postpile National Monument
Information on this page provided by the NPS.
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