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Devils Postpile National Monument

Mammoth Lakes, CA

Geologic Wonders along a River of Life

High on the western slope of the Sierra Crest, nature reveals two of its wonders - the weirdly wonderful "postpile" and the lovely San Joaquin River with its dramatic Rainbow Falls.

The geologic formation that is "the Postpile" is the world's finest example of unusual columnar basalt. Its columns of lava, with their four to seven sides, display a honeycomb pattern of order and harmony.

Another jewel in the Monument is the San Joaquin River. Along the river corridor, the Monument flourishes with life. Meadows burst forth with flowers that nourish deer, birds, and butterflies. This portion of the San Joaquin is a designated Wild Trout River where both novice and expert can play the waters for four species of trout. Lining the river are a combination of old-growth red-fir forest and new growth rejuvenated by fire. On the lower reaches of the Monument's 2.5 miles of river course, rainbows frequently sparkle over their namesake -- the 101-foot drop of Rainbow Falls.

In addition to its geologic wonders and the beauty and diversity of the San Joaquin River, the monument is a portal to the great Sierra backcountry. Some 75% of the monument is part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is traversed by the historic John Muir and Pacific Crest trails; you can follow a trail from here to Mexico or Canada!

At 800 acres, Devils Postpile National Monument may be considered small by some, yet its natural and recreational values abound.

CONTACTS

Email - DEPO_Superintendent@nps.gov

Write to
P.O. Box 3999
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Phone
Headquarters - 760-934-2289 summer
Visitor Information - 760-872-4881 winter

TRAVEL BASICS

Operating Hours, Seasons
Summer season only: Opens in late June to early July, weather permitting. Closure in the fall depends on weather.

Ranger Station open July - August 7 am - 6 pm (closes for emergencies).

Winter months - Closed.

Getting There
PLANE - Closest commercial airport is Reno, Nevada.

CAR - Drive 10 miles west from U.S. 395 on S.R. 203 to Minaret Summit & then 7 miles on a paved, narrow mountain road. Most visitors must park at Mammoth Mountain & use the shuttle -- see "Getting around" below.

PUBLIC TRANSPORTATION - From late June to early September, day-use visitors to the Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow area must ride the shuttle bus -- see "Getting around" below.

Accessibility
Accessibility is very limited in this remote area; none of the facilities or trails meet the ADA.

Getting Around
The road is closed from 7:30 am & 5:30 pm daily. All day-use visitors must ride a shuttle bus from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area between those hours. The first shuttle leaves at 8 am; schedules are posted there.

Shuttle Fare (buy tickets at Mammoth Mountain Inn):

*Under age 5 - FREE

*Ages 5-12 - round trip $5.50; one-way $3

*Ages 13-18 - round trip $7.50; one way $4

*Age 19 & over - round trip $9.50; one way $5

*Stop to stop within the valley (from Agnew Meadows to Reds Meadow Resort: free

*Hikers must purchase a $5 one-way ticket to exit the Valley

-Exceptions to shuttle use: walkers, bicyclists, vehicles carrying 11 or more passengers, vehicles carrying non-ambulatory passengers, people with valid camping permits, overnight guests at Reds Meadow resort or packstation, & vehicles pulling horse trailers or boats.

-Backpackers: wilderness permits do not include permission to drive to the trailheads or to the valley; you must use the shuttle or walk. Shuttles have racks which accommodate backpacks.

This shuttle system is necessary to lessen impacts on the environment & the visitor. Please relax & enjoy the view on your ride.

FEES/PERMITS

Permits
CALIFORNIA FISHING LICENSE

Required for people 16 years of age and older. The limit is 5 fish per day & 10 in possession.

CAMPING

Devils Postpile
There are 6 campgrounds in the area totaling over 180 sites. All are first-come, first-served; all close during winter. The campground in the monument, administered by the National Park Service, has 21 sites. The U.S. Forest Service administers the other 5 campgrounds: Agnew Meadows, Soda Springs, Pumice Flat, Minaret Falls, & Reds Meadow. Group campsites can be reserved at Agnew Meadows & Pumice Flat: 1-877-444-6777 or www.reserveusa.com.

FACILITIES

Ranger Stations
DEVILS POSTPILE RANGER STATION
Phone - 1-760-934-2289
Available Facilities - The station is open June through August, 7am - 6 pm (occasional closures may be necessary). Stop here for information & to purchase books & maps about this fascinating area.

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