Formed roughly 80,000 years ago, the up to 60 foot basalt columns of Devil’s Postpile National Monument are a sight to behold. The saying, “you won’t believe it until you see it”, holds true in this case. Pictures do no justice to this natural masterpiece.

Read along to find out how you can see it for yourself and witness one of the best examples of how much of a role Volcanos played in shaping the Sierras as we know it today.

Mammoth Mountain

Your journey to Devil’s Postpile begins at the base of Mammoth Mountain in Mammoth Lakes, CA. With few exceptions, most visitors will be required to utilize the Monument’s shuttle that takes you down the access road to the valley.

The Shuttle

While the Monument itself is free, there is a fee to use this mandatory shuttle. Tickets can be purchased at the Adventure Center day of and as of 2019 it is $8.00 per person 15 and older, $4.00 per person between 3-15 years old, and free for those aged 2 and under (The shuttle rule was suspended in 2020 due to COVID-19).

As stated above, there are a few exceptions to this rule. They are:

Arrive before 7am or after 7pm
Have a handicap placard or plate
Are staying at either the valley campground or Red Meadow’s Resort.
You’re arriving after shuttle operating hours or season
You’re a hunter transporting game or weapons
You’re towing livestock and are using the livestock on valley trails
You have a cartop boat and are using it in valley lakes

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The shuttle runs on average every 45 minutes and usually takes 30 minutes or so to reach the valley. The line moves quickly due to plenty of seating on each shuttle along with some standing room (pro tip: If you’re standing, avoid locking your knees. Someone on the bus with me ate floor because of this).

Much like Yosemite’s east side, the Monument is seasonal and typically opens in mid June and closes in mid to late October. Be sure to keep this in mind when planning your trip.

Devil’s Postpile

The shuttle will make multiple stops along the access road. While you can reach the columns from Red’s Meadow, you’re going to want to get off at the Valley stop as this is the most direct and shortest route.

The valley is where you’ll find the campground, ranger station, bathrooms, and Soda Springs Meadow (which is where the trail to the columns begin). You can find the trailhead to the columns just beyond the Ranger Station.

It is just shy of .05 mile from the start of the trailhead to Devil’s Postpile. The trail is well maintained through Soda Springs Meadow but beyond this, you’ll start noticing thick tree roots and rocks getting in the way.

From here, it won’t be long before you get your first glimpse of Devil’s Postpile and when you do, you’ll be blown away. The columns formed around 80,000 years ago (give or take) after flowing lava cooled and cracked into what we see today.

Just as you come upon it keep an eye out for a side trail to your left. This trail will take you to the top of the columns and allow you to touch their smooth, hexagon shaped surface. The trail is a bit steep but freight not, it’s short.

Take all the time you want to admire and photograph this amazing sight. The sun rises above the columns so the morning light tends to be harsh. I found the light much better on my way back out when the sun had time to move on. So if you want to get some good pictures, keep this mind.

Rainbow Falls

You now have two choices. You can either stop here and head back to the shuttle once you’ve spent enough time admiring the Postpile or you can press on and head out to the other natural feature of the Monument; Rainbow Falls.

From here, it is another two miles to the falls. While that isn’t a lot and the trail is mostly flat with the occasional dip, there isn’t much in the way of shade. You’ll have a few opportunities here and there but for the most part, it’s exposed. So if you’re going to continue on, be sure that you brought plenty of water with you.

Between the postpile and the falls you’ll have amazing views of the San Joaquin River as you follow along side of it. Eventually, you’ll come out into a vast clearing (where a massive fire tore through) and be able to see the beautiful Minerats out in the distance to your right.

Soon enough, you’ll start to hear the roaring of the beautiful Rainbow Falls. Your first glimpse will come as you approach the main (and largest) concrete viewpoint.

If you’re looking for a better viewpoint with a more straight on angle of the falls, keep going down the path and you’ll eventually see it off to your right. When I was here, this one had far less people than the first one.

There are also stairs that lead down the base of this 101-foot beauty where you can get some amazing photos but unfortunately, these stairs were closed to the public for maintenance when I was there. More of a reason to go back, right?

Lower Falls

Located about a mile further down the trail from Rainbow Falls and outside the boundary of the Monument is Lower Falls. Lower Falls drops just 15 feet over smooth granite rocks and into the perfect swimming hole for overheated hikers.

My friend and I debated over whether or not to include this on our visit. Ultimately, we decided to do it and I was sure glad we did. Lower Falls is comparatively unknown to most visitors so we only had to share it with a few others (we were here in August). I highly recommend going for it.

Things to Know

Mileage will vary. If you only hike to the columns, you’re looking at just under a mile from the valley to the columns and back. If you go to Rainbow Falls, that’ll make it 5 miles round trip and if you include Lower Falls, it’s about 7 miles round trip.

The Monument is free, but the shuttle isn’t. If you manage to arrive outside the operating hours of the shuttle, you’re free to drive down to the valley. Otherwise, you must pay for and use the shuttle.

The Monument is seasonal. Due to heavy snowfall, the Monument is only accessible from mid June to around mid to late October. So plan your visit accordingly.

Crowds get heavy. Devil’s Postpile is one of the most popular attractions in the Sierras. As such, crowds tend to be heavy. Your best bet for light crowds is in the morning because later in the day, lines for the shuttle will rival those of Space Mountain.

Your annual parks pass won’t waive the shuttle fee. Keep this in mind if you’re a pass holder. Everyone pays for the shuttle.

The trail to Devil’s Postpile is (kind of) wheelchair and stroller friendly. I know of people who have pushed strollers along this trail and others who have used a wheelchair, but they did struggle. As you approach the columns, there’s a ramp to help circumvent the rocky stairwell but you will encounter thick tree roots and rocks along the trail. Beyond the columns to the falls, wheelchairs and strollers won’t be possible.

Bring plenty of water. Seriously. I underestimated this trail due to it being short but didn’t realize how exposed the trail to Rainbow Falls is and was nearing dehydration. Learn from my screw up.

Conclusion

Whether you decide to just see the columns or include Rainbow and Lower Falls in your visit, you’re sure to enjoy the time you spend at Devil’s Postpile National Monument.

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Thanks for reading and safe travels!

Visit Devil's Postpile National Momument in California