Devils Postpile National Monument facilities are closed for season, with no public programs, parking, water, or bathroom facilities available.
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Devils Postpile National Monument
California
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.
About Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument is a national monument located in California. Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 feet above sea level just west of the Sierra Nevada crest. As such, it experiences typical summer weather in the Sierras. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to to mid-80s (degrees Fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in the months of September and October).
Shuttle Bus: Most visitors must park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and use the mandatory shuttle. The shuttle bus operates from mid-June through the Wednesday after Labor Day. By car: From U.S. Highway 395, drive 10 miles west on S.R. 203 to Minaret Vista and then another 8 miles on a paved, steep mountain road. Please note that this road is single lane for approximately 3 miles. By plane: The closest commercial airport is the Mammoth Lakes/Yosemite Airport (MMH), located on U.S. Highway 395.
💰 Entrance Fees & Passes
Entry to Devils Postpile is completely free. There are no general entrance fees or vehicle passes required to access this park unit.
🥾 Things to Do
Devils Postpile National Monument offers visitors a diverse selection of outdoor experiences. You can participate in a wide array of activities, most notably Astronomy, Stargazing, Biking, Road Biking, and 9 other recreational activities, depending on the season and weather conditions. Path options exist for both casual strollers and expert backcountry adventurers.
📦 Recommended Gear & Packing Checklist
Custom items selected for activities at Devils Postpile
📋 Visitor Planning Tips for Devils Postpile
- →Beat the Crowds: Arrive at the main gates or trailheads of Devils Postpile before 8:00 AM. Parking spaces at popular locations fill up extremely fast, especially during warm peak season weekends.
- →Monitor Active Alerts: There are currently 2 active alerts for Devils Postpile. Keep an eye on the alert notifications at the top of this guide for crucial information regarding closures or safety issues.
- →Secure Campsites Early: Lodging and developed campgrounds within and surrounding Devils Postpile get booked out months in advance. Make reservations on recreation.gov as early as the window opens.
- →Leave No Trace: Help protect the delicate ecosystems of Devils Postpile. Stay on marked trails, pack out all of your waste, and keep a respectful distance from wildlife.
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.
Frequently Asked Questions about Devils Postpile
About the Author
James R. Mitchell
Founder & Lead Writer — National Park Data
James has visited all 63 designated US national parks and has been writing about outdoor travel for over 12 years. He spent 8 years as a wilderness guide in the Rocky Mountains before founding National Park Data to help visitors plan better, safer, and more enjoyable park trips.
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