Devils Postpile National Monument
Hexagonal columns of basalt formed about 100,000 years ago as lava cooled, rising up to 18 metres and lined up like organ pipes.
Devils Postpile is a wall of columnar basalt about 18 metres high. It formed as lava cooled and contracted slowly, and most of the columns are hexagonal. Glaciers ground down the tops, leaving a honeycomb-like pavement that visitors can walk onto by a short trail. The monument lies on the west side of Mammoth Mountain, in the San Joaquin River valley. During peak summer days, private vehicles are restricted, so visitors must take the paid shuttle from the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center. Stops along the way include Soda Springs and Red's Meadow. From the parking area it is about 0.8 km on foot to the Postpile, and another 4 km brings you to Rainbow Falls.
Opening hours
Approx. mid-Jun–Oct (depending on snow)
Nearby sights
- Rainbow Falls
- Minaret Vista
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
- Panorama Gondola & Mammoth Summit
- Horseshoe Lake
- Lake Mamie
- Lake George & Crystal Lake Trail
- Twin Lakes & Twin Falls