Devils Postpile National Monument

Glacial polish reveals the smooth, hexagonal patterns of the top of the formation.

The column-strewn base of the Devils Postpile.

This 800-acre monument, established in 1911, is on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada Mountains along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The monument is adjacent to Mammoth Lakes, about 20 miles west from Hwy. 395 in eastern California.

The monument preserves two natural features, the columnar bassalt formation known as Devils Postpile and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls. Both sites require a walk to view.

Less than 100,000 years ago, a volcanic event formed some of the world's finest examples of basaltic columns. Molten lava cooled and cracked to form the hexagonal columns, which exposed a sheer wall of columns 40 to 60 feet high. A hike to the top of Devils Postpile reveals a cross section of hexagonal columns.

In addition to its geological treasures, the monument is home to the beautiful 101-foot Rainbow Falls, canyons, forests and meadows that all offer great natural and recreational opportunities.

Visitors can hike north or south on the John Muir and Pacific Crest trails and west on the King Creek Trail. There are several short trails in and around the monument.

There are guided walks, bird banding demonstrations, picnicking, evening campfire programs, fishing and hiking.

There are 21 campsites available on a first-come, first-served basis. Each site has a tent pad, picnic table, fire pit and bear resistant food storage box. Bears inhabit the park and proper food storage is essential. Potable water, flushing toilets and a wheelchair-accessible campsite and restroom are available.

The monument is typically open from mid-June through mid-October. From mid-June to early September, day use visitors to Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow must ride the mandatory shuttle bus between 7 a.m. and 7:30 p.m. for a fee.

For shuttle bus and fee information, call the Mammoth Ranger Station on the Inyo National Forest at 760-924-5500.