Devils Postpile National Monument
Designation: National Monument
Location: California
📘 Park 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.
🌤 Weather Information
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).
🚗 Directions
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.
Images
Devils Postpile formation is one of many features to see at Devils Postpile National Monument.
Credit: NPS Photo
Part of the popular loop trail will take you to this unique geologic formation.
Credit: NPS Photo
Rainbow Falls
Credit: NPS Photo
Soda Springs Meadow and San Joaquin River
Credit: NPS Photo
Activities
Topics
Operating Hours
Entrance Fees
No entrance fees listed.
Entrance Passes
No entrance passes listed.
3-Day Weather Forecast
Sunday, May 17
Patchy rain nearby
High: 54.8°F | Low: 29.5°F
Humidity: 45%
Wind: 16.6 mph
Rain Chance: 60%
UV Index: 9.3
Sunrise: 05:45 AM
Sunset: 08:01 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (0%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 30.1°F
Cloud Cover: 60%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Monday, May 18
Sunny
High: 50.2°F | Low: 23.5°F
Humidity: 29%
Wind: 11.4 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.8
Sunrise: 05:44 AM
Sunset: 08:02 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (2%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 22.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Tuesday, May 19
Sunny
High: 56.8°F | Low: 28.2°F
Humidity: 29%
Wind: 7.6 mph
Rain Chance: 0%
UV Index: 9.6
Sunrise: 05:43 AM
Sunset: 08:02 PM
Moon: Waxing Crescent (7%)
Visibility: 6 mi
Dew Point: 28.6°F
Cloud Cover: 0%
Pressure: N/A mb
Air Quality (PM2.5): N/A
Ozone: N/A
EPA Index: N/A
Weather Alerts (1)
Wind Advisory issued May 16 at 10:18PM PDT until May 17 at 11:00PM PDT by NWS Reno NV
Effective: May 17, 2026 1:18am
Expires: May 18, 2026 2:00am
* WHAT...North winds 25 to 35 mph with gusts up to 55 mph, mainly
for wind prone locations along US-395 and Highway 6.
* WHERE...Mono County.
* WHEN...From 11 AM to 11 PM PDT Sunday.
* IMPACTS...Gusty winds will blow around unsecured objects. Tree
limbs could be blown down and a few power outages may result.
Park Alerts
Visitor Center & Contacts
📍 Physical Address:
Devils Postpile Access Road
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
🏤 Mailing Address:
PO Box 3999
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
📞 Voice Phone: 7609342289
✉️ Email: depo_visitor_information@nps.gov