Devils Postpile National Monument: Basalt Columns Forged by Lava
From a distance, the basalt columns of Devils Postpile National Monument look like a fortified fence that was constructed to protect an ominous castle. It is hard to believe that the stunning, symmetrical columns and octagonal rocks of Devils Postpile were not built by human hands. Instead, they were forged by a 400-foot deep lake of lava nearly 100,000 years ago. As the lava cooled, striking rock formations took shape in its wake.
Devils Postpile National Monument was once part of Yosemite National Park. The discovery of gold near the beginning of the 20th century threatened to blast the rare rock formations of Devils Postpile off the map. Prominent naturalists such as John Muir fought hard to keep the area protected and pristine. Today, Devils Postpile National Monument serves as a popular gateway to Ansel Adams Wilderness—an area which features some of the most breathtaking undeveloped natural spaces in the world.
Accessing Devils Postpile National Monument requires a shuttle ride from the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. A short hike grants travelers a stunning view of a rare and arresting volcanic rock formation which resembles the remnants of a once towering fortress. Be sure to bring sunscreen and plenty of water, because the hike to Devils Postpile doesn’t feature a lot of shade.
A thundering waterfall called Rainbow Falls is visible in the distance. As the name implies, Rainbow Falls features an ever-present vibrant rainbow near its base. Rainbow Falls is the ideal spot to escape nearby Yosemite National Park’s dense crowds.
Devils Postpile National Monument is situated among some of the most widely photographed and celebrated natural spaces on Earth. If you’re eager to retrace John Muir’s footsteps and view some of the world’s most awe-inspiring scenery, the strange and beautiful basalt rocks of Devils Postpile National Monument are an excellent starting point.
UnusualPlaces Field Notes
- Location
- Devils Postpile basalt formation, Devils Postpile National Monument, California, USA (OSM named-monument point; nearby USGS approximate feature coordinate 37.6252, -119.0849).
- Coordinates
- 37.6251, -119.0851
- Access
- During the operating season, most visitors reach the monument by the Reds Meadow shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. The 2026 shuttle and road schedule is unusually restricted: NPS says the road is open Saturdays 7:00 a.m. through Sunday 11:00 p.m. from September 21 to November 1, with shuttle service potentially unavailable after October 11; from November 2 the road is closed for winter and construction. Check NPS and Inyo National Forest updates before travel.
- Admission
- There is no Devils Postpile entrance fee. The 2026 Reds Meadow shuttle day pass is $15 for adults and $7 for children ages 3–15; children 2 and under ride free. Outside shuttle operations, most vehicles that qualify for road access pay a separate $10 Reds Meadow amenity fee or show an interagency pass.
- Time needed
- The NPS describes an easy 0.8-mile round-trip walk from the ranger station to the formation. Reaching the top adds about 15 minutes uphill; allow extra time for shuttle travel and current road restrictions.
- Best season
- The usual visitor season is approximately mid-June to mid-October, depending on snow and road conditions. The 2026 fall roadwork schedule restricts access to weekends through November 1, and the road closes from November 2; check the dated NPS notice before planning.
- Opening hours
- The monument is normally accessible 24 hours a day during its summer operating season, but the 2026 roadwork schedule overrides normal hours: Reds Meadow Road is open Saturdays 7:00 a.m. through Sunday 11:00 p.m. from September 21–November 1, and closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic from November 2. Shuttle service may not be available after October 11. Verify the live NPS/Forest Service notice before travel.
- Location checked
- 2026-10-13
- Facts checked
- 2026-10-13
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