The Devils Postpile basalt formation resembles tall columns. Photo: NPS Photo

Devils Postpile National Monument

National Monument · California

  • LocationMammoth Lakes, CA
  • Entrance No fee listed
  • HoursOpen 24 hours, daily
  • Weather now72°F Sunny
  • Alerts 1 active alert

Overview

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.

Topics
  • Animals
  • Astronomy
  • Climate Change
  • Coniferous Forests
  • Fire
  • Forests and Woodlands
  • Freshwater Springs
  • Geology
14 more topics
  • Groundwater
  • Marshes
  • Mountains
  • Natural Sounds
  • Night Sky
  • River and Riparian
  • Scenic Views
  • Swamps
  • Trails
  • Volcanoes
  • Waterfalls
  • Watersheds
  • Wetlands
  • Wilderness
Hexagonal fractures that make up the columns at the postpile with glacial polish
Part of the popular loop trail will take you to this unique geologic formation. — NPS Photo

Alerts (1)

Park ClosureReds Meadow Road Access Restrictions in 2026 Reds Meadow Road remains under construction in 2026 and will be closed Monday through Friday through November 1 (closed… Read more

Reds Meadow Road remains under construction in 2026 and will be closed Monday through Friday through November 1 (closed for the season starting November 2).

More on NPS.gov about Reds Meadow Road Access Restrictions in 2026 (opens in a new tab)

Things to Do

13 activities. Pick one to find other parks that offer it.

Show 1 more activities
Waterfall with faint rainbow
Rainbow Falls — NPS Photo

Facilities & Services

Find visitor services available in the park. Check current hours and availability before you go.

Other Visitor Services

  • Devils Postpile Ranger Station

    Devils Postpile Ranger Station

    Facility

    The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm during the operating season which is typically mid-June to mid-October. Rangers can help you plan your…

    Details
    The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is open daily from 9 am - 5 pm during the operating season which is typically mid-June to mid-October. Rangers can help you plan your adventure at Devils Postpile. The ranger station is listed on the National Register of Historic Places for its association with changes in national park planning and development from the late 1930s to the start of World War II in 1941. The simple two-room cabin was constructed in 1941 from lumber salvaged from the demolished Sentinel Hotel.

Plan Your Visit

Hours

Open 24 hours, daily · Devils Postpile National Monument

Hours details
  • Devils Postpile National MonumentOpen 24 hours, daily

    In the operating season, Devils Postpile National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Monument usually opens in mid-June. By mid to late October, early winter storms in the High Sierra typically begin to bring snow to the area.

Entrance fees

No entrance fees listed.

Weather

72°F
Sunny · feels like 66°
  • Today 77° 47°
    Sunny
    0% rain
  • Tomorrow 74° 49°
    Overcast
    6% rain
  • Saturday 74° 49°
    Sunny
    2% rain

Updated 3 hr ago

What to expect by season

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).

Photos

Getting There

Devils Postpile Access Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

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.

Full directions

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.

Mailing address: PO Box 3999, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

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