Devils Postpile National Monument — Attraction in Mammoth Lakes

Devils Postpile NM contains one of the best examples of columnar basalt (the result of rapid lava cooling) in the country. One can stand near the base, looking upward at the 60 ft high nearly-perfect symmetrical columns, or hike above to stand on top of the volcanic rock's hexagonal geometric forms. Glacial polish adds to their beauty. The Devils Postpile Formation is simply amazing.

Because of winter snow conditions in the Sierra Nevada Mountains, Devils Postpile has limited visitation times. Usually, the park opens in mid-June and closes by mid-October, but can vary from year to year.

During peak summer season, the use of a mandatory shuttle bus is required to visit the park. The Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile shuttle begins at the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge where plenty of parking is available. Fees are $7.00 per adult, $4.00 per child.

There's much more to Devils Postpile NM than its namesake basalt columns. A small ranger station is located where the shuttle bus stops. From there, a 5 mile RT hike can take one to the 101 ft tall misty Rainbow Falls. Backpacking access into the high Sierra including the John Muir Wilderness and the Pacific Crest Trail happens here. Rafting and fishing are popular on the nearby San Joaquin River. So whether just taking the shuttle for an afternoon or planning an overnight adventure, Devils Postpile is certainly...

You have to take a private mammoth mountain ski resort shuttle for $10 per person to enter the park. The long windy road is shetchy and under construction from the heavy 2023 winter snow and tree blow downs. You’ll really enjoy the bus - even as standing room only for the 30 minute ride to the lower high sierra valley. Get off the bus at bus stop #10 to Reeds Meadow for an amazing home made meal and check out the JMT and PCT hikers. Water and showers available here. Then head out to hike the 5 mile round trip hike to Rainbow falls and then on to Devils Postpile for another few miles. Go early and take a rain Pancho for the common afternoon rain showers. Take a hat and drinking water!!!! The hike back to the bus stop is semi uphill- not much but with the altitude you’ll be huffing and puffing for air if your not young or in great shape. Saw a few older folks with umbrellas - great idea in the summer heat. There are bears. You will cross the JMT and PCT trails . Kiss the sings and make your vow to hike those next time. :) . Bus stop #6 bypasses the restaurant etc and goes straight to Devils Postpile. Take the last bus “home” (back to the mammoth mtn ski resort) at 3 pm. Awesome trip. Be sure to check out pike peak turnout at the national park entrance if you go in car. It’s 1000%...

Devils Postpile National Monument is a fascinating destination in Mammoth Lakes, offering a unique geological wonder to explore. The monument features an impressive formation of basalt columns, created by volcanic activity nearly 100,000 years ago. These columns were formed from lava flows that cooled and cracked into multi-sided columns. The site was designated as a National Monument in 1911 by President William Howard Taft to preserve its unique and striking natural beauty.

Visiting the monument requires some planning. From 7 AM to 7 PM, private vehicle access is restricted, and you'll need to take a shuttle from Mammoth Main Lodge, which costs $15 per person. Be prepared for a 30-45 minute wait each way for the shuttle, in addition to your driving time.

Once at the monument, you'll have the chance to explore the area on foot. The trail to Devils Postpile is an easy 0.4 miles one way, making it accessible for most visitors. The monument offers a great opportunity for photography, but there isn't much else to do. However, you can easily combine your visit with a trip to nearby Rainbow Falls, making it a worthwhile one-time visit to experience these natural wonders and capture some stunning...