Devils Postpile National Monument

Devils Postpile National Monument protects a striking example of columnar basalt created by cooling lava flows, located in the Sierra Nevada of eastern California. The site highlights the geometric basalt columns and nearby waterfall and alpine scenery.

A short walk from the monument’s parking and visitor area leads to the exposed Postpile columns and viewpoints. Many visitors combine the Postpile with nearby trails and the waterfall on the same visit to experience both the geological formation and surrounding forested landscape.

The formation formed when thick lava cooled and contracted to produce vertical, polygonal columns; subsequent erosion exposed the neat column faces now visible at the site. The monument safeguards the geologic features and provides trails and interpretation for visitors.

The monument lies in the Sierra Nevada near Mammoth Lakes in eastern California and is reached via mountain roads; access can be seasonal because of snow at higher elevations.

Columnar basalt: The basalt columns are noted for their regular polygonal shapes and reach tens of metres in height; the formation is accessible by a short trail from the visitor area.

What to See #

Devils Postpile formation: The columnar basalt formation created by cooling lava flows that forms the monument's central feature, composed of polygonal basalt columns.
Rainbow Falls trail: A trail leading to an adjacent waterfall and scenic viewpoint that are commonly visited on the same outing as the Postpile.

How to Get to Devils Postpile National Monument #

Devils Postpile National Monument is in the high Sierra near Mammoth Lakes, California. The monument is accessed via the Reds Meadow/Minaret Road area; in summer many visitors reach Devils Postpile by the seasonal shuttle from Mammoth Lakes, or by driving to the Reds Meadow parking area and walking the short trail (roughly 0.5-1 mile) from the parking area to the Postpile. Road access is seasonal - check current conditions before travel.

Tips for Visiting Devils Postpile National Monument #

Devils Postpile is subject to seasonal road restrictions and a shuttle system from Mammoth Lakes during the busy summer months-check the park's current access rules and shuttle schedules before you go.
If you can, arrive early (or take the first shuttle) to see the basalt column formation with fewer people and to give yourself time for the nearby Rainbow Falls trail, which is often overlooked by visitors sticking only to the short boardwalk.

Best Time to Visit Devils Postpile National Monument #

Visit Devils Postpile in mid-summer for reliable access and hiking conditions; spring and fall can be variable and winter often restricts access.

Summer (best access)

Jun-Sep · 5-20°C (mountain elevations)

Primary visiting season-trails and shuttle access are typically open and conditions are suitable for hiking to view the basalt columns.

Shoulder

May, Oct · 0-10°C

Fewer visitors but possible snow/icy conditions early or late in the season-check access and road status before planning.

Winter

Nov-Apr · Often below freezing

Snow and ice commonly restrict access; many roads and trails may be closed or require winter equipment-visit only if prepared and informed.

Weather & Climate near Devils Postpile National Monument #

Climate

Devils Postpile National Monument's climate is classified as Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) - Warm-Summer Continental (Dry Summer) climate with mild summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 26°C. Moderate rainfall (550 mm/year).

Temperature & Rainfall

Temperature Range

26°

Warmest Month

-9°

Coldest Month

Monthly Conditions