While I yearn to visit every National Park in our country, I’ve recently added another goal to that list: to visit every National Monument. I was driving home from Death Valley last winter via the 395 when I saw a sign for ‘Devil’s Postpile National Monument.’ Since it was closed for the season at the time, I made an effort to return recently, allowing me to create this post all about visiting Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
About Devil’s Postpile National Monument
Devil’s Postpile National Monument is one of 400 locations within the National Park System. Located in Mammoth Lakes on the west side of Mammoth Mountain in California, the area consists of about 800-acres. Nestled along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in the Sierra Nevada’s, it sits at 7,560 feet in elevation (directions to trailhead here).
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How was Devil’s Postpile Created?
Geology is one of my favorite subjects so excuse me if I geek out over these awesome facts! Truth be told, we’d have to go back nearly 500 million years to truly understand what preceded the creation of Devil’s Postpile. I’ll supply y’all with the shorter version:
Around 82,000 years ago, basalt lava flowed to the current location of Devil’s Postpile from an unknown source. As that lava began to cool, doing so at a slow pace, it began to contract and split into vertical, symmetrical, hexagonal columns.
Fast forward about 60,000 years when a single glacier flowed down the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Taking over the hardened lava, it began to carve away one side of the mountain, exposing a wall of columns with 3-7 sides.
Thanks to erosion and earthquakes, many of the columns at Devil’s Postpile fell onto the slope below. If you choose to hike to the top of it, you’ll see a a slew of polished columns resembling floor tiles.
For a more in-depth synopsis of the geological events that took place prior to creating Devil’s Postpile, click here
History of Protection for Devil’s Postpile National Monument
According to the NPS, the Devil’s Postpile National Monument was originally part of Yosemite National Park. In 1905, it lost its National Park status as local mining interests came into play. Seeking the construction of a rock dam on the river, the mining companies planned to dynamite Devil’s Postpile.
With consistent actions taken by local nature activists, they persuaded President Taft to reinstate federal protection. Devil’s Postpile was declared a National Monument in the year 1911. 73 years later, Congress added an extra 687 acres of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This area is famous for being home to the famous John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails.
How to See Devil’s Postpile National Monument for Yourself
To access Devil’s Postpile National Monument during the summer season, visitors normally have to park at the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge or Adventure Center and board a shuttle (more info about that here). In the current era of Covid, shuttle buses are not operating. Visitors can enter the National Monument area in their own vehicles for a $10 fee. Simply drive the 7 miles to the parking area near the ranger station. A short hike from here is necessary for visiting Devil’s Postpile National Monument.
Remember that Devil’s Postpile National Monument is not open in the winter due to the mountainous road. Visit during mid-June through October for your chance to see it.
Hiking to the Devil’s Postpile National Monument
From the ranger station near the parking area, Devil’s Postpile National Monument is an easy 0.4 mile hike on a dirt path. Consider hiking the entire 1.6 mile round-trip loop that climbs atop Devil’s Postpile.
Before heading out on trails, it’s imperative that you’re familiar with the “Leave No Trace” principles.
Read More: Leave No Trace: The 7 Rules of the Backcountry
Learn more about Leave No Trace on their website here.
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