Exploring the Beauty at Devils Postpile
Whenever I head up to the wonderful Mammoth Lakes area in California, I always try to visit Devils Postpile National Monument. It’s a unique rock formation located just west of Mammoth Mountain in beautiful Reds Meadow Valley.
Best Time to Visit
You can enjoy cross country skiing and snowshoeing here during the Winter months, but my favorite time to visit is Fall. The air is crisp, the trail is quiet, and you can hear the breeze whisper against the Aspen and Cottonwood trees.
Geology
Devils Postpile is made up from hundreds of basalt columns, (hexagonal rock formations). These unique rock columns were formed over 82,000 years ago as lava erupted from volcanic vents and cooled evenly…then contracted and split into vertical symmetrical columns.
Devils Pospile is well over 400 feet thick and most of the columns average 2 feet in diameter, but some are as large as 3.5 feet. If you take time to look closely you’ll actually notice that not all the columns have six sides, which is due to the lava cooling at various speeds. Some columns have 4, 5 or 7 sides.
Hiking & Trails
The hike to Devils Postpile is an easy and beautiful one mile loop. The view from the base of the monument is impressive, but don’t stop here. You’re not allowed to climb up on the columns at the base, but you can hike the quick and steep trail to the top and venture out onto this otherworldly monument.
The visual of these massive stones shooting out from the ground and over 60 feet into the sky is incredible, but with 8+ miles of trails you can spend the whole day exploring past the monument into the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
When I want more than the 1 mile postpile loop, my favorite hike includes an additional 2 miles (each way) to Rainbow Falls, which is known for the colorful mist it creates year round. The hike from the monument to the falls is impressive, but my favorite way to reach Rainbow Falls is by horse back during the Summer months.
Important facts to keep in mind when visiting:
• Driving by car isn’t always possible depending on time of year or time of day. Make sure to check the National Park Services website for road closures and shuttle bus information.
• Temperatures can range from below freezing to 90 degrees F (and sometimes in the same day), so layer accordingly.
• Dogs are allowed, but must be on leash.
• Fees for visiting (as of 10/2019): Shuttle bus ticket $8/person, Vehicle Day Pass $10/day (or free with America the Beautiful Annual Parks Pass)
• First come, first serve 20-site campground operates June through September, weather permitting.
• Cycling is allowed on paved roads, but prohibited on all trails.
• ADA compliant restrooms are available at the day-use and campground areas.
• The closest water and food is at the Reds Meadow Resort, approximately 2 mile drive from the Postpile. This location is open seasonally, so check availability beforehand.
• A variety of horseback rides are offered seasonally (including to Rainbow Falls) through Reds Meadow Resort. Call or email beforehand for information, rates, and reservations.
In Summary & Behind the Blog Video
Whether you just take an hour to see the monument for yourself, or you make a full day of it continuing to Rainbow Falls, don’t miss Devils Postpile on your next visit to Mammoth...it will be a highlight of your trip!
I’d love to hear what your favorite hike in Mammoth is, and make sure to check out the Behind the Blog video below. Until next time, I hope you find adventure and encouragement wherever you go!