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Devils Postpile National Monument
Overview
Camping at Devils Postpile National Monument offers a rare opportunity to stay within the heart of the Eastern Sierra's volcanic landscape. This destination is famous for its hexagonal basalt columns, which stand nearly sixty feet high, and the thundering beauty of Rainbow Falls. Staying here means immersing yourself in a rugged environment where the sounds of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River provide a constant soundtrack to your adventure. It is a place where geological history is visible in every rock face and towering pine tree.
Location & Surroundings
Situated at an elevation of 7,500 feet, the park is located just west of Mammoth Lakes, California. The journey into the valley involves a steep, winding descent down Minaret Summit Road, offering breathtaking views of the Ritter Range and the jagged Minarets. The surrounding landscape is a mix of dense pine forests and open meadows, providing a lush contrast to the surrounding volcanic peaks. Travelers should note that the access road is narrow, making it essential to check vehicle length restrictions and shuttle schedules before arrival.
Amenities & Park Features
The camping experience here is intentionally rustic to preserve the natural surroundings and the wilderness character of the valley. Visitors will find essential features including:
- Vault toilets and seasonal potable water stations
- Large bear-resistant food lockers at every campsite
- Proximity to the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River
While there are no electrical, water, or sewer hookups, the park provides a primitive escape that allows RVers to disconnect. The sites are generally best suited for smaller rigs due to the tight turns and natural terrain of the forest floor.
Nearby Attractions & Things to Do
The primary draw is the short hike to the postpile formation, but the trail to Rainbow Falls is equally spectacular, especially when the mist creates vivid colors in the sunlight. Anglers often frequent the river for trout fishing, while hikers can access sections of the John Muir Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. For those wanting a break from the wilderness, the nearby Reds Meadow Resort offers a small general store and a seasonal cafe for a hot meal or basic supplies.
Who This Park Is Best For
This destination is ideal for outdoor enthusiasts and photographers who prioritize scenery and trail access over luxury resort amenities. It is best suited for travelers in smaller RVs or camper vans who are comfortable with dry camping and navigating mountain roads. If you are looking for a serene mountain retreat where you can wake up steps away from world-class hiking and geological wonders, Devils Postpile is an essential stop on any Sierra Nevada itinerary.
Amenities
- Recreational Facilities
- Policies
- Other Amenities & Services
- Recreation Nearby (within 10 miles)
- Facility
- On-Site Rentals
- Sites
User Reviews
Samantha Moore
What a unique geological formation! Definitely a must, and you definitely need to hike down to lower Rainbow Falls. Worth the trek!
just keeping up with the Joneses
Beautiful spot to explore! Be mindful of hours, they are doing some road work in the park and you may need to take a shuttle in. Beautiful place for sure
Alexandra Mathiasen
Currently road under construction so only open Saturday and Sunday and only for a couple more weeks for the year. It will be terrific once done. Most things closed or limited but Postpile walk/hike open. As well as some wilderness areas. High altitude so hiking/walking needs to take that I to consideration. It was difficult for me to hike to top of Postpile.
Ashley Gabriel
Very doable hike with sweeping views. My kids had fun and completed hike with little complaining. They enjoyed and so did I. If you get off at the bus stop, the ranger station has good information for you and there is a water fountain and restrooms. If you're continuing on to Rainbow Falls make sure you have a lot of water and sunscreen/hat.
Azy Shine
Don’t Miss Devils Postpile! If you’re going to Mammoth Mountain or Mammoth Lakes, be sure to stop at Devils Postpile. The tall, straight rock columns and the fallen pieces that look like giant broken pencils are truly amazing and one of a kind. You’ll enjoy a beautiful, mostly easy walk with great views all around. It’s a perfect example of California’s natural beauty and diversity. Totally worth the visit!
Todd O'Mealy
Found this by accident,and happy we did. They are doing crazy amounts of work on road into park . Drive slow and remember it's one lane at times. Place was beautiful and hike was great to fall. Really busy and people parked all over the place. But very surprised. Enjoy
Fluffy
Gorgeous natural landmark. The hike to it is very easy and I highly recommend it. Loved every second of my experience at this place. Rainbow Falls also in the National Monument is absolutely gorgeous. If you want to get here you need to take a shuttle bus ride from Mammoth by the way
M L
September is a great time to visit Devils Postpile National Monument. The shuttle bus is mandatory until mid-September, which means most visitors would have to park their cars at the Mammoth resort adventure center before hopping on a bus ($15/person). The shuttle is convenient way to get to the park, and you probably wouldn’t want to drive that road anyway. We started at the ranger station and made a 4-mile hike to stop by at the rainbow falls and arrive at Red’s meadow resort where we took the shuttle back to the adventure center. Beautiful hike and lots to see!
Francesco Xodo
Wonderful formation of basaltic columns, that generated about 100.000 years ago from a cooling lava flow. To get to the monunent there is a shuttle departing from Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center, that costs 15$ per day and does 10 stops, number 6 is the one closest to Devils Postpile. From the stop you have to do a short walk of half a mile.
Mooj R
Super nice! It's definitely worth the drive to see it! Highly recommend it! There is a long drive from the national park entrance to get to the beginning of this hike. About 35-40 minutes. Once you get there, there is plenty of parking and a couple of portable restroos. Once you start the hike, in about 15-20, you'll get to the Devils Postpile area. There are a couple of waterfalls you can hike to as well.