Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the pristine mountain scenery. The Devils Postpile 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 60-feet high and display an unusual symmetry. Another wonder is in store just downstream from the Postpile at Rainbow Falls, once called "a gem unique and worthy of its name." When the sun is overhead, a bright rainbow highlights the spectacular Falls.
The monument is also a portal to the High Sierra backcountry, with some 75% included in the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
The Basics
Location:
Just southeast of Yosemite National Park in central California.
The road into the Monument is closed from 7:00 am to 7:30 pm daily. All day-use visitors must ride a shuttle bus from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area between those hours. The first shuttle leaves at 7 am; schedules are posted at the Shuttle Bus Terminal. The last bus returns to Mammoth Mountain from Devils Postpile at 7:40 pm.
Directions
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.
Climate
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 Sierran summer weather. Afternoon thunderstorms are a recurring feature in July and August. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to low 90s (degrees fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in September and October).
