Devils Postpile National Monument
Mammoth Lakes, CA
A wall of basalt columns above the San Joaquin River, with Rainbow Falls a few miles downstream. Reds Meadow Road has had limited opening days during reconstruction; in summer day visitors normally ride the shuttle from Mammoth Mountain’s Main Lodge.
Devils Postpile National Monument protects a wall of hexagonal basalt columns. The columns are up to 18 m (60 feet) long and average about 0.6 m (2 feet) thick. They formed less than 100,000 years ago as lava cooled, and a glacier later polished their tops. President Taft protected the area in 1911. Rainbow Falls, 31 m (101 feet) high, lies about 4 km (2.5 miles) from the ranger station, and the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail run together through the monument.
In summer, usually from late June to early September, the shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge is mandatory for most visitors. Vehicles longer than 7.6 m (25 feet) may not use the spur road. Because of the reconstruction of Reds Meadow Road, restrictions apply: from September 21 to November 1 the area is open only from 7 a.m. Saturday to 11 p.m. Sunday, and from November 2 the road is closed (as of October 2026). Check the National Park Service alerts before you go. Plan several hours for the Postpile and Rainbow Falls.
- Nearest town
- Mammoth Lakes, CA
- Category
- Nature & parks
- GPS
- 37.6250, -119.0848
- Editor's pick
- ★
Hours, fees and access change. Confirm with the operator or park before you go.
Good to know
Best time to go
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. Hot in July. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)
Sources
Featured in these trip guides
Nearby
Campsites nearby
- Mammoth Mountain RV ParkMotorhome stopover7 mi from Devils Postpile National Monument · 100 pitchesMotorhomesElectricityShowersWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Glass Creek CampgroundCampsite10 mi from Devils Postpile National Monument · 66 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Big Springs CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Devils Postpile National Monument · 26 pitchesTentsCaravansToiletsFree
- Oh! Ridge CampgroundCampsite12 mi from Devils Postpile National MonumentTentsCaravansDrinking waterToiletsWaste disposalDogs allowed
- Mono Vista RV ParkMotorhome stopover23 mi from Devils Postpile National MonumentTentsMotorhomesElectricityToiletsWaste disposalWi-Fi
- Ellery CampgroundCampsite23 mi from Devils Postpile National Monument · 12 pitchesTentsCaravansDrinking waterToilets
All campsites in California · Campsite data: © OpenStreetMap contributors, ODbL 1.0 · Updated October 3, 2026
FAQs
Where is Devils Postpile National Monument?
Devils Postpile National Monument is in Mammoth Lakes, CA, at GPS 37.6250, -119.0848. It is about 11 mi from June Lake.
Can you camp near Devils Postpile National Monument?
Yes. The nearest campsite listed in OpenStreetMap is Agnew Meadows Campground, about 4 mi away; within 25 mi there are 101 campsites and motorhome stopovers.
Which road trips pass Devils Postpile National Monument?
Devils Postpile National Monument is a stop on these CampingSpirit trip guides: Mammoth Lakes, June Lake Loop and the ghost town of Bodie.
What is there to see near Devils Postpile National Monument?
Places worth a stop nearby: June Lake Loop (11 mi), Convict Lake (13 mi), Hot Creek Geological Site (14 mi) and Mono Lake Tufa (22 mi).
When is the best time to visit Devils Postpile National Monument?
The most pleasant months are usually April–May and September–October. Still fine, with some compromises, in June and November. (Estimate from long-term temperature averages, terrain and pass seasons)