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.

Not field-verifiedSome areas permit-onlyChecked Sep 2026

Map to the park

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Directions

From where I am

Add your hotel to get directions from it. · stays in this browser; shared with the pocket card.

Area

3 km²1 sq mi

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 km²1 sq mi; 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 km²1 sq mi · 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 2.5 miles (4 km) 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 (2.5 mi) 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

12-month verdict

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

Seasons shift by weeks each year

Wildlife and nature calendar for Devils Postpile National Monument
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

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

Zones of Devils Postpile National Monument
Zone	What is there	Access
Devils Postpile formation	The basalt columns and the short trail over the polished top.	Open with entrance fee; 0.4 mi (0.6 km) loop from the shuttle stop.Open with entrance fee; 0.4 mi (0.4 mi) loop from the shuttle stop.
Rainbow Falls	The 101-foot (31 m) waterfall on the San Joaquin River.	Open; 2.5 mi (4 km) each way on foot from the Postpile.Open; 2.5 mi (2.5 mi) 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

Approximate — not for navigation

Coordinates are approximate, for orientation between the Mammoth shuttle lot and Rainbow Falls.

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, -119.083101 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 ↗

See & do

Caves, trails and wildlife, with how hard each is and whether it needs booking

Top experiences

TrailsEasy30–45 minPostpile loop and column topsPaved and dirt path from the shuttle stop to the base of the columns, then steps up to the flat glacial-polished top. Go before 10:00 for shade and space.

TrailsModerate2–3 hRainbow FallsAbout 5 mi (8 km) round trip from the Postpile with 300–400 ft of ups and downs; the rainbow shows best on sunny late mornings. No shade on parts of the route.

CultureEasy20–30 minRanger station and geology talkA two-room log cabin built in 1941; rangers answer questions and post trail and weather conditions. Typically staffed mid-June to mid-October, 9:00–17:00 (check).

CultureEasy1 hReds Meadow hot springs bath houseA small spring-fed bath house near Reds Meadow Campground; free, bring a towel and sandals (check it is open and usable).

TrailsHardMulti-dayBackcountry entry to Ansel Adams WildernessTrails leave the valley for the San Joaquin headwaters; carry a bear canister and expect afternoon storms.Booking: Wilderness permit required

Practical

Fees, permits, rules, where to sleep and what can go wrong

Entry fees and permits

USD ranges · check

Fees for Devils Postpile National Monument
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

Pay at the entrance station when driving in, or the fee is collected with the shuttle ticket.

Shuttle seat permit or guide

When the shuttle runs (roughly late June to early September), private cars cannot drive into Reds Meadow Valley during shuttle hours. Park at Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and buy a ticket at the Adventure Center in the gondola building.

Wilderness permit for overnight backpacking permit or guide

Free walk-in permits from the Devils Postpile ranger station for trailheads in Reds Meadow Valley, issued for the same day and, from 11:00, for the next day. Reservations come from the Inyo National Forest wilderness permit office.

Park rules

Drones, guides, camping and more

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

The valley sits at 7,560 ft (2,304 m). Take the first hour slowly, drink water, and turn back if you get a headache.

Afternoon thunderstorms medium

In July and August, be off exposed ground and away from the river by early afternoon; lightning is the main summer hazard.

Cold nights low

Evenings drop to the low 40s °F (about 5 °C) and into the low 30s °F (near 0 °C) in September and October; bring a warm layer.

Steep, narrow road medium

The Reds Meadow road is steep and single-lane for about 3 miles (5 km); use low gear, watch for cyclists and shuttle buses.

No cell service low

There is no signal at the visitor centre or the Postpile and no public Wi-Fi; carry a paper map and tell someone your plan.

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