National Monuments

Established in 1911, Devils Postpile National Monument preserves one of the world's finest columnar basalt formations, Rainbow Falls, and pristine Sierra Nevada scenery. The 60-foot symmetrical basalt columns, 101-foot high waterfall, and alpine meadows are the monument's geological and ecological highlights. Located near Mammoth Lakes, California, the monument is best accessed in summer by shuttle and offers hiking, camping, and wilderness exploration. — Summary of key details from the National Park Service

Overview

• The monument was established in 1911 by presidential proclamation to protect and preserve the basalt columns, Rainbow Falls, and surrounding mountain scenery.
• The Devils Postpile formation features basalt columns up to 60 feet tall with striking symmetry, created by the slow cooling of lava that led to unique fracturing patterns.
• Rainbow Falls is a 101-foot high waterfall with scenic beauty and misty rainbows visible on sunny days.
• The area includes alpine meadows, forested slopes, and mountain streams that contribute to its ecological diversity.
• It is managed by the National Park Service and typically open from mid-June through mid-October, depending on snow and weather conditions .

Plan Your Visit

Access & Shuttle Bus

• The shuttle helps reduce congestion and protect sensitive habitats.
• Outside of the mandatory shuttle season, visitors can drive directly to the monument if roads are open.
• Parking at the monument is limited and subject to seasonal closures for vehicle access.
• For detailed routes, schedules, and fees, see the official shuttle bus information page .

Main Trails & Attractions

• Devils Postpile Trail (0.8 miles round trip): A short, accessible trail to the basalt columns and the Postpile Pool at the base of the formation. The path is mostly boardwalk and offers interpretive signs about the geology.
• Rainbow Falls Trail (1.2 miles one way): Leads to the base of Rainbow Falls, passing through lush meadows and alongside the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. On sunny days, the falls produce spectacular rainbows in the mist.
• Jedediah Smith Memorial Trail: This long trail connects Yosemite Valley to Tuolumne Meadows and passes through the monument. Visitors can access it for longer day hikes or backpacking.
• Thousand Springs Trail (1.4 miles loop): A scenic loop that passes by several small springs and cascades feeding into the river, highlighting the area’s hydrology and plant life.
• Moraine Trail (2.5 miles round trip): A longer hike that leads to the picturesque Devils Lake, passing through forest and meadow environments.
• Additional backcountry routes allow for exploration of the High Sierra wilderness beyond the developed sites. .

Camping & Lodging

• Agnew Meadows Campground (nearby) is a popular site for tents and RVs with amenities and is accessed via the shuttle or open roads.
• Reds Meadow Resort offers cabins, a store, restaurant, and additional amenities in the Reds Meadow area.
• Permits and reservations are required for some campsites; plan ahead for summer demand.
• More information is available on camping at Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Resort pages.

Geology & Ecology

Devils Postpile Formation (Columnar Basalt)

• The columns were created when molten lava cooled slowly and contracted, causing fractures that resulted in mostly six-sided (hexagonal) columns.
• Over time, glacial action sculpted the formation, smoothing its sides and exposing the columns we see today.
• The formation is about 60 feet tall and stretches approximately 450 feet long and 150 feet wide.
• It ranks as one of the world’s finest and most symmetrical examples of columnar basalt.
• The area is protected to preserve this unique geological record and to allow visitors to study and appreciate volcanic and glacial processes.

Rainbow Falls

• The falls are accessible by a scenic trail through meadows and forest.
• The hydraulic force of the falls carves out the Postpile Pool and shapes the surrounding basalt features.
• The area around the falls is rich in wildflowers and supports diverse plant and animal life.

Flora & Fauna

• Plant species include white fir, lodgepole pine, mountain hemlock, and a variety of wildflowers and shrubs.
• Wildlife observed includes black bear, mule deer, marmots, and numerous bird species such as the American dipper and various warblers.
• The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River supports native amphibians, fish, and aquatic invertebrates.
• Ecological management focuses on habitat preservation, fire management, and monitoring air and water quality.

History & Management

• The monument was created in 1911 by presidential proclamation, one of the earliest efforts to preserve geological formations.
• The area was historically used by Native American tribes, including the Mono Lake Paiute, who traveled through the Sierra Nevada and utilized its resources.
• In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, prospectors and settlers passed near the area, but the formation remained largely protected due to its remote location and eventual monument status.
• Today, the National Park Service manages Devils Postpile for resource protection, interpretation, and visitor services, including shuttle operations and trail maintenance.
• Ongoing scientific studies focus on geology, hydrology, and ecosystem dynamics within the monument and the surrounding Sierra Nevada region.

Additional Resources

• Devils Postpile National Monument – NPS.gov
• Plan Your Visit – Devils Postpile
• Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile Shuttle Information
• Devils Postpile Geology
• Camping – Devils Postpile
• Area Maps

Links

• Website
• Map