A short drive from Mammoth Lakes, California, this absolute must-see National Monument. Crystal clear lakes, wonderful hiking trails, and unique geological features, incredible beauty awaits. Pull on your hiking boots because this Devils Postpile hiking guide has got everything you need to create an experience you’ll always remember.
By Bekah Whitney
Devils Postpile National Monument is an incredibly beautiful area full of crystal clear lakes, wonderful hiking trails, and unique geological features. A short drive from Mammoth Lakes, this is an absolute must-see hiking destination! The two most prominent attractions are Rainbow Falls and the Devils Postpile for which the monument is named.
In this guide, I’ll be sharing all the practical information you need to plan your own Devils Postpile hiking trip, from when and how to get into the monument to a quick packing guide.
Devils Postpile National Monument is a park that is nearly 80 acres that includes beautiful and unique landscapes including the devils postpile and rainbow falls. The monument used to be part of Yosemite National Park, but park boundaries were redrawn due to mining interest in the area. Luckily, the scenic and scientific value of the area was deemed greater than economic benefits and the area was declared protected again in 1906. The “Devils Postpile” is a huge area of exposed, striking lava columns that often cooled in a hexagonal shape, making very distinct pillars. You can view the lava columns from the side and on top, which is an exceedingly rare geological occurrence worldwide!
Address: No actual address, just type in Devils Postpile National Monument into Google!
Amenities: Restrooms, water spigots, and campsites are all available
Reservations/Permits: No reservation is needed to enter the monument – but recommended if taking the shuttle
Time of year: June through October
Fees: shuttle the pass is $15.00, if driving in your National Parks Pass will get you in free!
Pets: Allowed on-leash (need mussel if riding the shuttle)
Website: https://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm
Devils Postpile is only open during the summer months and opening and closing dates can vary from year to year. The monument usually opens mid to late June and closes late September or early October.
As someone who loves cooler temperatures, hates the idea of a shuttle, and is intensely excited by fall colors, I recommend visiting Devils Postpile during leaf peeping season aka late September. There are many benefits to visiting in the summer though, including being able to swim. Honestly, because its open season is so short, I recommend fitting it in whenever possible!
Depending on if you are taking the shuttle or driving your own vehicle, you might want to choose to explore the monument a little differently. Below I have described the hikes from the closest trailhead. There are many options to create longer out & back or loops if hopping back on the shuttle isn’t your style
Length: 2.6 miles Round Trip, Out & Back, Rated Moderate
The Hike: Although this hike does have some elevation gains as the trail rolls up and down throughout the landscape, the trail is very well packed out and pretty mellow. You will walk through beautiful forests and past vast meadows. There are also areas that have been previously burned in wildfires and are starting to have some new growth.
The Falls: Plunging 101-feet down, this falls is massive! Its roar is deafening and the tumbling water gives a lovely cooling spray. There are multiple viewing areas to see the falls, including stairs that take you right to the bottom of the falls. You will notice many people will swim in the pool under the falls. If you hit it at the right time of day (sometime in the afternoon) you will see the rainbow that appears in the mist!
The Second Falls: If you want to continue your hike, there is a second, less visited falls. Near the first viewing area to your right (if facing down trail towards the falls) you will notice the trail continues. I don’t have an exact mileage, but from my memory it was a short half mile or less to the second falls. This is a better swimming hole, but not quite as spectacular of a waterfall.
Length: 0.8 miles Round Trip, Out & Back, Rated Easy
The Hike: This easy hike takes you along the beautiful Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River and provides you with many signs that explain how the Devils Postpile was formed.
Devils Postpile: Once at the Devils Postpile you can actually take a loop trail and hike all around the formation, including on top of it. It was very neat being able to look at the formation from different angles.
How it formed: To briefly summarize how Devils Postpile formed, about 80,000 years ago, flowing lava ran into a natural dam and pooled up. As the lava slowly cooled and turned into rock, beautiful hexagonal columns were formed. Approximately 65,000 years later, a glacier scraped off any sediment that had buried it to reveal and polish these rock columns underneath.
If you only want to jump on the shuttle once and some of your crew doesn’t want to make it to Rainbow Falls:
If you only want to jump on the shuttle once and your whole crew is going:
The Hike: Although you do not have to hike around the whole lake, it is an easy 1.5 mile loop if you choose to. This is a great place for anyone looking for a relaxing rest inbetween hikes, or if some of your group doesn’t want to hike as far as others.
The Lake: Sotcher lake is a small spring fed lake that is wonderful to walk around or paddle on. Although we did not bring our boat, I was wishing we had so we could paddle around this quiet little lake.
Although there is no hiking involved and the shuttle does not stop here, if you time it right this is the best place, without having to hike, to watch the sunset! The ranger told us we couldn’t miss it when we first drove in! I can seriously say I’m glad she did. The vista plus the changing colors were stunning.
The Red Meadows Shuttle is mandatory for all visitors unless they meet any of the exceptions. The shuttle typically runs from late June and through Labor Day. You can reserve peak hour tickets (8 am -3 pm) in advance by calling 800.MAMMOTH. All other tickets are sold prior to boarding at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center. For more information on shuttle times and ticket purchases visit Reds Meadow Shuttle Website to get the most up-to-date information.
If you meet one of the exceptions you may drive into the park. The main way people get around taking the shuttle is either arriving before the rangers do, or bringing an inflatable or car-top boat. Here is the list of exceptions:
Yes, but there are some things to note. Bringing a dog can become a little more tricky because of the mandatory shuttle. If you are taking the shuttle, your dog must be wearing a muzzle the entire ride, but it can be taken off once off the shuttle. If you would rather drive in with your dog, arrive before 7:00am or bring a boat to meet one of the exceptions.
I brought Yukon and had some trouble with how many squirrels were there. If you use CBD treats to calm your dog, I would reccomend giving them some to help with any stress.
If you are driving in you will be able to bring extras. If you opt to take the shuttle remember to only bring a smaller pack because you will be hiking with it on your back the whole time.
If you are driving in you will be able to bring extras. If you opt to take the shuttle remember to only bring a smaller pack because you will be hiking with it on your back the whole time.
Hi! I’m Bekah, but you can call me Beks, all my friends do! I travel full-time in a tiny home on wheels that my partner, Sawyer, and I built from a cargo trailer shell in 2019. We started out in beautiful Colorado and have been all over the United States over the years. This space is designed to inspire and guide the nature obsessed nomad, weekend warrior, and future roadlifer. I’m so excited you’re here!
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Wearing:
Hiking backpack (Around 20 Liters)
Hiking poles (optional)
Hiking boots
Wool hiking socks
Hiking shorts
Tank Top
Hat to protect from the shade
In my pack:
At least 2 liters of water
Half a sandwich + snack
Sunscreen
Bug spray
Swimsuit (Optional)
Camera + spare battery (Optional)
Lightweight down jacket (If staying out later in the day)
Dog treats + poop bags
Description: My description of this camping is pretty vague because there is a huge amount of National Forest Land with many roads where you can disperse camp! Once you find yourself on the Mammoth Scenic Loop Rd you will notice small dirt roads all over that you are able to camp on.
Pros: It is super close to Mammoth Lakes, forested, and quiet at night.
Cons: This is a big destination for off-roaders as a result this may not be the best place if you are easily bothered by that during the daylight hours.
GPS: 37.670474, -118.991985 This is where we have camped in the past, but note there are many other nearby places to camp.
Description:The other place we love to camp is on BLM land near the popular hot springs in the area. Both HIlltop and Wild Willy’s hot spring are wonderful to camp near. You can also camp wherever in this area so have an open mind if the exact spot you were hoping for is taken.
Pros: Next to the hot springs!
Cons: About a 20 minute drive to town.
GPS: 37.66015, -118.77128. This is where we have camped in the past, but note there are many other nearby places to camp.
Like most national monuments, there are no services once you drive down into the valley other than restrooms and picnic areas. Remember to bring lots of water, food, sunscreen, bug spray, and whatever else you will need for the day. Cell Phone service is spotty if not non-existent so if you are going to rely on maps, download beforehand or take pictures.
If you are driving down into Devils Postpile know the road is very narrow and steep. Take it slow and yield to uphill traffic. If a parking lot is full for the attraction you want to visit, you may have to keep going or wait as you are only allowed to park in designated areas.
Sawyer and I made the mistake of trying to visit the monument before it had actually opened. Check the website before visiting to learn if it is currently operating and if the shuttle is running.
By the end of the day, I still wanted to come back and explore more. The beauty of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains is really like nothing else. The combination of the amount of precipitation plus the beautiful granite rocks make this an incredible hiking destination. Plus, the geology is just plain cool! If you love those destinations that are a little less crowded or if your plans to get into Yosemite did not work out, Devils Postpile can be a wonderful option.
I love these boots for day hiking with a light pack. Their thick sole, arch support, and squishy insoles are perfect for hiking in extreme conditions.
If you have never owned a pair of Teva’s before I would suggest going to try some on, as I feel they run large. I have gone down half a size on these hiking boots as well as my sandals.
If someone tells you the type of socks you hike in are unimportant, they are dead wrong.
Wool socks help keep your foot dry and able to breathe. Hiking specific socks provide cushioning in areas that are susceptible to rubbing.
If you ever see me hiking in socks other than SmartWool, it’s because I need to do laundry soon as they are my absolute favorite and are already dirty.
Sawyer turned me onto Osprey packs a long time ago. There is literally a perfect size for every activity out there!
The reason I love this pack is the awesome waist strap with pockets, the compact size, and how light it feels when I put it on!
10 Comments on The ONLY Devils Postpile Hiking Guide You’ll Ever Need
Sadly we have not made it to Mammoth Lakes in our many visits to California. But when we do, we should plan to do the Devils Postpile hike. We saw our first lava columns at the Giant’s Causeway and they have fascinated us ever since. And a view of the Rainbow Falls would be an added treat.
Mammoth Lakes is kind of in the middle of nowhere, but so worth it!
Love the details in your travel guide. I have visited Devil's Postpile before and seeing your pictures made me want to go back soon!
I love that! I suggest visiting in a different season than you did before! The fall colors really change everything!
I've lived in California my whole life but have never been to Devils Postpile! It's beautiful. I'm a light hiker so I don't do anything crazy but I'd love to get into it more and discover the beauty our state has to offer!
California is so huge! It's hard to even get close to seeing it all!
This hike looks AWESOME! and I'm loving the fact you included a packing guide! Thanks!
I almost didn't! I will add them from now on! Thanks for the input!
I now must for hiking at Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls! Love the scenic views…and so fascinating. Perfect hiking guide on what to expect.
Glad you are inspired! I have some hotsprings guide in that area coming soon!