Devils Postpile National Monument

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.

P.O. Box 3999
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
760-934-2289 - Headquarters

By Plane
Closest commercial airport is Reno, Nevada.

By 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.

By Plane
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.

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.

Here are some of the activities that are offered at Mount Rainier National Park.

• Camping
• Educational Programs
• Fishing
• Hiking
• Horseback Riding
• Wilderness Area
• Wildlife Viewing
• Backpacking
• Bird Watching
• Nature Walks
• Stargazing
• Cross Country Skiing
• Snowshoeing

Recommended Activities
From late June through early September:

*a guided walk to the postpile leaves the ranger station at 11 am daily;

*campfire programs are offered Wednesdays & Saturdays at 8:15 pm.

Note: Pets are permitted in the monument if they are kept on a leash less than 6 feet (1.8m) long.

Click on image to enlarge.