Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls
Geologic Wonders
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 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.
The “postpile” is truly a unique and fascinating geological formation created nearly one hundred thousand years ago when molten basalt lava flowed from the earth a mile upstream from the modern-day monument. The conditions that occurred when the lava began to cool from the outside to the middle the lava cracked into long post-like columns. When the last major ice age happened a glacier sculpted away the top layers of lava and revealed the internal fractured lava mass and exposed a wall of columns 40 to 60 feet high. This unique formation brings visitors from all over the world to see this wonder of nature.
If you hike to the top of the Postpile you will be able to see not only a cross section of the posts, but also the polished tops on the basalt columns which appear like tiled floor and exhibit parallel striations where the glacier dragged rocks across them, smoothing and polishing them. This location is showcasing one of the finest examples of columnar basalt in the world. Approximately 55% of the formation’s columns are six-sided.
Along with the fascination of the Postpile you will be able to see Rainbow Falls, where the Middle Fort of the San Joaquin River tumbles 100 feet over a basalt cliff in a vertical-walled canyon. Because of the formations the water cascades in separate streams which flows easily except during the peak snow-melt time when it is a raging torrent of water. Go on further downstream and you can see the smaller Lower Falls which is just a 15 foot drop over smooth granite rock. Although the upper falls are on NPS land, most of the path crosses part of the Inyo National Forest, and the majority of this is within the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
There are shuttle buses to transport visitors into the area. You can drive your own vehicle if you choose but the shuttle is certainly a nice option. Although the shuttle is not ADA accessible. Disabled visitors who can provide proof of physical handicap are permitted to drive down to the Monument.
There is a transportation fee that must be paid, regardless of the method you use to get to the area. Adults are $7, children (3 to 15) are $4 and groups staying overnight in Reds Meadow Valley have a $20 car cap.
Stay tuned in 2011 for the 100th anniversary celebrations surrounding the presidential proclamation that officially made the Devils Postpile a national monument.
The Postpile also serves as a starting point for many back-country trips. Surrounded by both the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wildernesses, the Monument provides a portal to some of the most pristine back-country destinations in the region.
Permits are required for all overnight trips in wilderness areas. While Devils Postpile National Monument can issue permits through a special arrangement with the Inyo National Forest, it is best for visitors planning on a backpack trip in the area to contact the Inyo’s Wilderness Permit office directly. You can call Inyo’s Wilderness Permit Office at (760) 873-2485 for the latest regulations and trail quotas.
Pets are allowed at Devils Postpile as long as they are on a leash. Keep in mind that the Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 fee and experiences typical Sierran summer weather where you may well experience afternoon thunderstorms in July and August. Daytime temperatures range from the mid-70′s to low 90′s with evening temperatures sometimes dropping into the low 40′s and even the low 30′s in September and October.
The Monument’s opening and closing dates vary every year. It depends on the weather so check before you go.
Address:
Devils Postpile National Monument
P.O. Box 3999
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
(760) 934-2289
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