| |
|
 |
|
| |
Plan a Road Trip > Explore America > National Parks > Devils Postpile National Monument |
|
|
| |
|
| |
Devils Postpile National Monument, c/o Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks, Three Rivers, CA 93546
Phone: 760-934-2289 or 760-872-4881
Fax: 760-872-2894
Overview. Approximately 100,000 years ago, a volcanic eruption occurred near what is now Mammoth Lakes, CA, filling the valley of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River with a layer of basalt lava 400 feet thick. As the lava cooled it began to crack vertically, eventually forming hexagonal columns. During the last ice age, 10,000 years ago, glaciation carved away most of the basalt, exposing a wall of columns 60 feet high and polishing the top of the formation, approximating the look of hexagonal tiling. Although basalt columns occur elsewhere in the world, the Devils Postpile is considered one of the finest examples of this geological phenomenon.
Near the postpile, the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin plunges 101 feet over a lava cliff of rhyodacite and andesite, forming Rainbow Falls. The surging white water presents a striking contrast to the black backdrop of the cliff, and the midday sun adds to the effect, creating rainbows in the falls' mist.
What to see and do. Buses shuttle day-use visitors from Mammoth Mountain Inn to the Reds Meadows area from 7:00 AM to 7:00 PM. From there, hike along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin to see the Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls, which lie about two miles from one another. There is a $5 access fee for campers and day-users of these areas. Short trails lead to the top of the postpile, where you can see the polished, tile-like tops of the basalt columns, and to the foot of Rainbow Falls, where a garden of ferns and wildflowers blooms in the mist. Once you've explored the postpile, cross over the river to see Soda Springs. The carbonated mineral water is evidence of volcanic activity deep below the monument.
Both the John Muir Trail, which connects Yosemite and Kings Canyon/Sequoia National Parks, and the King Creek Trail pass through the monument, if you are interested in a more lengthy hike. If you have a valid California fishing license, you may try for trout along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.
There is a campground near the ranger station, operated on a first-come, first-served basis. Campers may drive into the monument and do not need to rely on the shuttle bus. Food, gas, and lodging are available in Mammoth Lakes and Reds Meadow. Dates of operation are provisional; the opening and closing of the season are dependent on weather conditions.
| Activities and Services |
|
| • |
Bird Watching |
|
| • |
Fishing |
|
| • |
Geological Sites |
|
| • |
Guided Tours |
|
| • |
Hiking/Nature Trails |
|
| • |
Picnic Sites |
|
| • |
Programs/Talks |
|
| • |
Visitor Center |
|
| • |
Wildflower Viewing |
|
| • |
Wildlife Viewing |
|
Search All National Parks
Please call ahead to confirm details. We do our best to give you current information, but facts can change. Please let us know if you find something's changed.
|
|
|
|
