National park · United States
Devils Postpile National Monument
Go on a weekday in July–early September and ride the mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain before 9:00; drive in yourself only before 7:00 or after 19:30, or if you are camping or sleeping at Reds Meadow.Go on a weekday in July–early September and ride the mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain before 9:00 AM; drive in yourself only before 7:00 AM or after 7:30 PM, or if you are camping or sleeping at Reds Meadow.
- Source checked
- A source and a date are on record: we read it from an official or published page. Not yet confirmed on the ground.
- Field checked
- Someone checked it on the ground, with the date shown.
- Plan calculated
- Worked out by Voykit from its own data (times, distances, budgets). A calculation, not a measurement.
Unknown times stay unknown. How we verify
Map to the park
Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.
Area
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
approximate
Established
1911
Best months
Jul–Sep
UNESCO
None
Rules in force · 7Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs …Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but ta…
- North America ↗Crossing between the US, Canada and Mexico by land needs your passport even on a day trip; rental cars need the company's written permission to cross, and most US and Canadian rental insurance stops at the Mexican border.
- North America ↗Cannabis is legal in Canada and in many US states, but taking any amount across the US, Canadian or Mexican border is a federal crime — including edibles and vapes.
- North America ↗The busiest US and Canadian national parks need timed-entry, campsite or lodge reservations in summer; release dates are months ahead.
- United States ↗Check whether you need an ESTA (Visa Waiver Program) or a visa on the official CBP and State Department sites; apply only through esta.cbp.dhs.gov, not third-party sites, and allow time before you book.
- United States ↗Several popular national parks use timed-entry or vehicle reservations in peak season; check each park's page on nps.gov and book on recreation.gov before fixing your dates.
- United States ↗Medical care is very expensive for visitors; buy travel insurance with high medical cover before you fly.
- United States ↗Tipping is expected: about 15–20% at sit-down restaurants and bars, and a tip for taxis, hotel staff and guides.
At a glance
- Country
- United States
- Area
- 3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²)
- About 800 acres (3.2 km²); the monument is small and most of the surrounding valley is Inyo National Forest (check).
- Established
- 1911
- Best months
- Jul–Sep
- Permits
- For some areas
Devils Postpile protects a wall of columnar basalt — cooled lava that cracked into near-perfect hexagons — plus Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot (31 m) drop on the San Joaquin River, in a valley at 7,560 feet (2,304 m) just west of the Sierra crest. It is small, seasonal and reached by one steep mountain road, so the whole visit is a logistics decision: shuttle or no shuttle, and which two or three walks you do in a half day.
Decide
Why go, which months, and what lives here when
At a glance
Status
- No UNESCO listing; national park since 1911.
Size and age
3 km² (1 sq mi)1 sq mi (3 km²) · national park since 1911
About 800 acres (3.2 km²); the monument is small and most of the surrounding valley is Inyo National Forest (check).
Why go
- The Postpile itself: 60-foot (18 m) basalt columns, some six-sided, polished flat on top by a glacier.
- Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot (31 m) waterfall about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the Postpile, with a rainbow in the spray on sunny late mornings.Rainbow Falls, a 101-foot (31 m) waterfall about 2.5 miles (4 km) from the Postpile, with a rainbow in the spray on sunny late mornings.
- A short, high-elevation walk that suits families, and a backdoor into the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness for backpackers.
- One of the clearest geology lessons in California: you can stand on top of the columns and see the glacial polish.
When to go
- JanAvoid
- FebAvoid
- MarAvoid
- AprAvoid
- MayCaution
- JunGo
- JulBest
- AugBest
- SepBest
- OctGo
- NovAvoid
- DecAvoid
- JanRoad closed by snow; ski or snowshoe access only
- FebRoad closed; deep snow
- MarRoad closed; avalanche terrain nearby
- AprRoad usually still closed
- MayOpening depends on snowpack; call ahead
- JunOften opens mid-to-late June; snow patches, fewer crowds
- JulFull access; afternoon thunderstorms possible
- AugWarm days, cold nights; busiest and shuttle runs
- SepShuttle may end early September; quieter, cool nights
- OctOpen into October in good years; check road status
- NovRoad closes with first big snow
- DecRoad closed; winter access on foot or skis
Wildlife and nature calendar
| What | Jan | Feb | Mar | Apr | May | Jun | Jul | Aug | Sep | Oct | Nov | Dec |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mule deer and ground squirrels around the campgroundJun–Oct | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Clark's nutcracker, Steller's jay and other high-country birdsJun–Sep | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no | no |
| Black bears in Reds Meadow ValleyJun–Oct · Food storage rules apply; never leave packs or coolers unattended. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | yes | yes | yes | no | no |
| Mosquitoes along the riverJun–Jul · Worst right after snowmelt; repellent helps. | no | no | no | no | no | yes | yes | no | no | no | no | no |
Arrive & move
Getting in, how the park is divided, and where things are
Show 3 sectionsHideHow to get there, Zones and sectors, Sketch map
How to get there
From Mammoth Lakes
Drive Highway 203 west to Minaret Vista, then the steep Reds Meadow road; when the shuttle runs, park at Mammoth Mountain and ride in.
30–45 min
From Reno
South on US 395 to State Route 203, then west past Minaret Vista.
3–3.5 h
Open the page →
From Los Angeles
North on US 395 through Bishop and Mammoth Lakes, then SR 203.
5.5–6.5 h
Open the page →
From Yosemite
Tioga Pass when open, then south on US 395; closed by snow in winter.
3–4 h
From Pacific Crest Trail
The PCT passes through the monument; thru-hikers walk in and out.
Zones and sectors
| Zone | What is there | Access |
|---|---|---|
| Devils Postpile formation | The basalt columns and the short trail over the polished top. | Open with entrance fee; 0.6 km (0.4 mi) loop from the shuttle stop.Open with entrance fee; 0.4 mi (0.6 km) loop from the shuttle stop. |
| Rainbow Falls | The 101-foot (31 m) waterfall on the San Joaquin River. | Open; 4 km (2.5 mi) each way on foot from the Postpile.Open; 2.5 mi (4 km) each way on foot from the Postpile. |
| Reds Meadow Valley | Campground, resort, cafe and the road corridor inside Inyo National Forest. | Open in season; shuttle or exempt vehicle. |
| Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness | Backcountry trailheads leading south and west from the valley. | Overnight trips need a wilderness permit and a bear canister. |
Sketch map
- 1Mammoth Mountain shuttle lot · Ranger station≈37.651, -119.038Park here when the shuttle runs; tickets at the Adventure Center.Map ↗
- 2Minaret Vista · Viewpoint≈37.639, -119.056Start of the Reds Meadow road; viewpoint over the Minarets.Map ↗
- 3Ranger station · Headquarters≈37.630, -119.0851941 log cabin; trail and permit information.Map ↗
- 4Devils Postpile formation · Trail≈37.625, -119.085Basalt columns and the loop over the top.Map ↗
- 5Rainbow Falls · Viewpoint≈37.602, -119.08331 m (101 ft) waterfall on the San Joaquin River.101 ft (31 m) waterfall on the San Joaquin River.Map ↗
- 6Reds Meadow Campground · Sleep≈37.619, -119.076First-come, first-served; near the resort and cafe.Map ↗
Take the points offline
6 points as a GPX waypoint file, plus a plain-text list of coordinates. Save it while you have signal: maps apps show the points without a connection.
Coordinates are approximate, for orientation between the Mammoth shuttle lot and Rainbow Falls.
See & do
Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking
Show Top experiencesHide
Top experiences
Practical
Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong
Show 8 sectionsHideEntry fees and permits, Park rules, Where to stay, Safety, Accessibility, Visiting lightly, Questions people ask, Related
Entry fees and permits
| Item | Range | Per | Note |
|---|---|---|---|
| Monument entrance (per person) | US$10–15 | person | 2026 estimate; ages 15 and under free. Confirm the current rate at the gate or on the NPS site (check). |
| Mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain | US$8–15 | person | 2026 estimate for a round trip; the fee has changed between seasons and some years ran free late in the season (check). |
| America the Beautiful annual pass | US$80 | vehicle | Covers this monument and other federal sites for 12 months (check current price). |
| Reds Meadow Campground | US$14–30 | night | 2026 estimate; first-come, first-served, no reservations (check). |
| Bear canister rental | US$3 | day | Limited number at the ranger station; required for most backcountry trips. |
Ranges, not quotes: fees change without notice. Check with the park or your operator · checked Sep 2026.
Monument entrance permit or guide
Shuttle seat permit or guide
Wilderness permit for overnight backpacking permit or guide
What would our group pay?
People
Nights or days
- US$10–15
- US$8–15
- US$80
- US$14–30
- US$3
Tick the fees that apply to your trip to see a total.
A guide, not a quote: the ranges are estimates (checked 2026-09) and each fee may have rules on who pays it. Confirm on Inyo National Forest — wilderness permits before you go.
Park rules
- Shuttle
- When the shuttle runs, private vehicles cannot enter Reds Meadow Valley during shuttle hours. Exemptions include overnight guests of Reds Meadow Resort, campers in the valley, vehicles with small watercraft, stock trailers, and visitors with proof of a physical handicap (the buses are not ADA compliant).
- Food storage
- Store all food and scented items in a bear-resistant container or your vehicle; black bears work the valley.
- Wilderness permits
- Required for all overnight stays in the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness; walk-in permits are free at the ranger station.
- Dogs
- Allowed on the monument trails on a leash, but not on trails into the wilderness; check current NPS rules before you go (check).
- Drones
- Launching drones is prohibited on National Park Service land.
- Leave no trace
- Pack out all rubbish; there is no cell service, so plan without your phone.
Where to stay
In the park
Reds Meadow Campground
The monument's only campground, first-come, first-served, no reservations; about $14–30 per night (2026 estimate, check).
In the park
Reds Meadow Resort
Cabins and a cafe in the valley; overnight guests may drive in during shuttle hours.
Near the park
Mammoth Lakes
Hotels, motels and condos 30–45 minutes away, plus the shuttle parking lot.
Safety
Altitude medium
Afternoon thunderstorms medium
Cold nights low
Steep, narrow road medium
No cell service low
How much daylight do you have?
Time out
Finding the local time zone…
Times are local to the spot (zone loading). The half-hour margin is our rule of thumb, not an official figure; light fades earlier in forest or under cloud. Carry a headlamp on any route that could run late.
Accessibility
- The Postpile loop from the shuttle stop is short and partly paved, but the steps to the column tops are steep.
- The shuttle buses are not ADA compliant, which is one of the listed exemptions for driving in.
- Rainbow Falls trail is dirt with uneven sections and is not suitable for wheelchairs.
Visiting lightly
- Ride the shuttle instead of driving the valley road; it cuts traffic and parking pressure in a small monument.
- Keep to the trail on the column tops — the glacial polish is fragile.
- Use a bear canister and pack out everything; the valley has no rubbish service at the trailheads.
- Check Inyo National Forest fire restrictions before lighting anything; summer bans are common.
Questions people ask
How much does it cost to enter Devils Postpile National Monument?
Expect about US$10–15 per person for the monument entrance (2026 estimate), with ages 15 and under free. When the mandatory shuttle runs, you also pay a shuttle fee of roughly US$8–15 per person round trip, or you can use the America the Beautiful annual pass for the entrance. Rates have changed between seasons, so confirm at the gate or on the NPS site (check).
What are the best hikes in Devils Postpile National Monument?
The Postpile loop, 30–45 minutes from the shuttle stop, and the 5-mile (8 km) round trip to Rainbow Falls are the two essential walks. Backpackers continue from Reds Meadow Valley into the Ansel Adams and John Muir Wilderness with a free walk-in wilderness permit.
When is the best time to visit Devils Postpile National Monument?
July to early September for guaranteed access, with September the quietest of those months. The road usually opens in June or July depending on snowpack and closes with the first big autumn storm, often in October or November. Afternoon thunderstorms are common in July and August.
Do I have to take the shuttle?
During shuttle hours, yes, unless you are an overnight guest of Reds Meadow Resort, camping in the valley, hauling a stock trailer or small watercraft, or can show proof of a physical handicap. You can also drive in before 07:00 or after 19:30, though those hours shift when shuttle hours change.
Can I drive to Devils Postpile in winter?
No. The Reds Meadow road is closed by snow, and the monument is normally reached only on foot, skis or snowshoes in winter. Check road status with the park or Inyo National Forest before setting out.
Is there cell service or food at Devils Postpile?
There is no cell service at the visitor centre or the Postpile and no public Wi-Fi. The Mule House Cafe at Reds Meadow Resort serves breakfast, lunch and dinner in summer; otherwise bring your own food and water.
Deep dive
Every source; fees and rules change, so check before you go