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Devils Postpile National Monument Travel Guide: 33 reviews and 47 photos

Devils Postpile National Monument - Devils Postpile National Monument

Hidden in the High Sierras is this large, unusual column that Congress decided must be termed a National Monument. Devil's Postpile is far from the most spectacular of the monuments, but the surrounding area is so scenic and filled with great outdoor pursuits that these other activities make the so called main attraction worth a visit.

The monument was formed when lava from a volcanic eruption flowed down the valley and was stopped by a natural obstruction that formed a dam, which caused the lava to form a deep pool of up to 400 feet. The lava cooled at a slow rate and formed the columns that now make up what is known as the Devil's Postpile.

I visited Devil's Postpile for the simple reason of curiosity. That and the fact that I simply couldn't be this close to a National Monument and not pay it a visit. The monument itself was worth a few photographs and a mental note of "that was interesting." But the pristine surrounding area in the high Sierras, open only for a short period of time before the fierce winter snows make it impassable, made me wish I had more time for this particular visit. So step inside and we'll take a look at this unusual creation and the beauty of the area that surrounds and ensconses it.

Pros and Cons

Pros:An unusual monument surrounded by great scenery
Cons:Remote and inaccessible most of the year
In a nutshell:Worth a visit, allow some time for hiking

Last visit to Devils Postpile National Monument: Sep 2006
Intro Updated Sep 10, 2006
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Reviews (6)

Picnic in the park - Devils Postpile National Monument

Picnic in the park Restaurants (1)

There are picnic tables but no facilities here. There are restaurants at Mammoth Mountain and plenty of places to pick... more travel advice

Campground Hotels (1)

There is a campground located about 1 mile from the monument. It makes for a good staring off point for a backcountry... more travel advice

Wildlife - Devils Postpile National Monument

Wildlife Off The Beaten Path (1)

In the early morning hours, I encountered several deer, including this one that was grazing right off the trail to the... more travel advice

Other hikes - Devils Postpile National Monument

Other hikes Things to Do (2)

The real draw of this area is the hike to Rainbow Falls. This is a 5 mile hike to what are supposed to be the best falls... more travel advice

Transportation (1)
Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus

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Comments (6)

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chewy3326 Jan 30, 2007 at 3:25 PM

I was in Mammoth in June 2006, but the road to the monument was still closed due to snow; I do hope to visit this area again, Rainbow Falls sounds lovely. Great page and photos!
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PinkFloydActuary Oct 14, 2006 at 7:39 PM

Nice page! We just got out here ourselves in September. I wish we would have budgeted a little more time....
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sourbugger Oct 5, 2006 at 4:30 AM

very absorbing. thanks.
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Stephen-KarenConn Sep 26, 2006 at 3:25 PM

This National Mounment is still on my "to do" list. But I wonder why they named it for the devil. It looks like heaven's postpile to me.
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luckyzen Sep 21, 2006 at 2:19 PM

Hi L, Wonderful opening picture on this page. Wow! You are lucky to surrounded by so many great trails. Thanks for sharing!
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GuthrieColin Sep 20, 2006 at 11:48 AM

This looks like somewhere i should really go. It looks awesome.