A Geologic Wonder. Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Devils Postpile National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located near Mammoth Mountain in Eastern California.The monument protects Devils Postpile, an unusual rock formation of columnar basalt, "all closely and perfectly fitted together like a vast mosaic." The monument encompasses 798 acres (323 ha) and includes two main attractions: the Devils Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls, a.
What is the Devils Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes?
Hot basalt lava flowing down into the Red Meadow Valley, met by receding ice age glaciers, worked together to form Devils Postpile roughly 100,000 years ago. The Devils Postpile National Monument, largely contained in the Ansel Adams Wilderness, is a gateway to the High Sierras backcountry range. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic. This unique geological structure features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked. The area is accessible in summer months, and a mandatory shuttle offers visitors transportation to Devils Postpile and other Reds Meadow areas. Catch the shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure. Devils Postpile. This monument takes its name from a cliff of cooled lava that formed into striking hexagonal columns some 100,000 years ago. These unusual 60-foot formations are some of the finest examples of columnar basalt in the world. The park's dramatic Rainbow Falls are another natural wonder at the park, where they plunge 101 feet into. Historic Places. Historic places in the Devils Postpile area include the structures remaining at the Minaret Mine site, the Reds Meadow Guard Station, the Reds Meadow Bath House, the Devils Postpile Ranger Station, the cabin ruins at the base of the Postpile, and some of the structures at the Reds Meadow Resort and Pack Station.
Diminishing air quality at Devils Postpile National Monument Earth
Geology at Devils Postpile National Monument. Some details of the geologic origin of the Devils Postpile are not completely clear, but enough is known to reconstruct much of the story. Until relatively recently, it was thought to have formed about one million years ago. Current studies suggest that the Postpile was formed less than 100,000. The main attraction in Devils Postpile National Monument is, of course, the Devils Postpile Formation, which has striking 60-foot tall cliffs of exposed columnar basalt. From the park's main trailhead, it is a 1-mile round trip hike to the base of Devils Postpile on a wheelchair-friendly route with 40 feet of elevation change. For information, please call or e-mail the National Park Service at 760-934-2345 or
[email protected]. An inter-valley shuttle bus goes from Reds Meadow Parking Lot to Devils Postpile. It's free to ride, allowing visitors to complete the "loop" hike from Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls and take the shuttle bus back to their vehicles. Devils Postpile National Monument is one of the most unique attractions in Mammoth Lakes.Its fascinating natural history and spectacular setting in the midst of the Sierra Nevada mountains make it deserving of a top spot on your Mammoth Lakes itinerary, and a must-stop spot on an Eastern Sierra road trip.. While the hikes to the Devils Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls are the biggest.
Devils Postpile National Monument Rivers, Basalt Columns & Volcanic
One of the smallest NPS units in California, Devils Postpile National Monument occupies a rectangle of land just 2.5 by 0.5 miles in extent, alongside the North Fork of the San Joaquin River in the central Sierra Nevada mountains. The river forms a powerful cascade (Rainbow Falls), and the surroundings are a typically beautiful Sierra combination of granite, forest and hills, but the main. The hike can be extended to include Rainbow Falls at the south end of the monument. Rainbow Falls This hike of 5.1 miles or more passes the Devils Postpile Formation to reach an attractive 101-foot waterfall with rainbows in its mist. Minaret Falls This 3-mile hike from Devils Postpile National Monument connects with Pacific Crest Trail to.
Mandatory Shuttle Bus - Most visitors to Devils Postpile NM will need to ride the shuttle bus from the Adventure Center in the main gondola building at Mammoth Mountain. The shuttle runs from 7:30 am to 7 pm daily. The shuttle costs $8 per adult and $4 per child (age 3-15) under 2 are free. Visitor Center Hours - 9 am to 5 pm. Entrance Fee - $0.00 According to AllTrails.com, there is 1 camping trail in Devils Postpile National Monument which is Devils Postpile, 1000 Island Lake, Agnew Meadows with an average 5.0 star rating from 8 community reviews. Some details of the geologic origin of the Devils Postpile are not completely clear, but enough is known to reconstruct much of the story.
Devils Postpile National Monument Photograph by Brenda Tharp Pixels
Hiking to Rainbow Falls and back is 5.1 miles round trip or more with 325 feet of elevation change. If you add a trail over the top of Devils Postpile to the itinerary, the hike jumps to 5.25 mile round trip with 435 feet of elevation change, and there are other possible extensions as well. Devils Postpile National Monument is located near. Devils Postpile has 115 species of birds and all of the classic Sierran charismatic megafauna, such as black bears, coyotes, mule deer, and pine martens. The wildlife in the monument tends to be primarily crepuscular, meaning active at dawn and dusk. For wildlife watchers, the best time to visit is early morning or in the evening.
