Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument was established in 1911 by presidential proclamation to protect and preserve the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. A rare sight in the geologic world, the formation ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. The formation's columns tower up to 60 feet high, displaying an unusual symmetry.
At A Glance
In The Park
Superintendent: Deanna M. DulenPhone Number: 760-934-2289
Entrance Fees: All visitors, regardless if they use the mandatory shuttle system, are camping, or drive their own vehicle, must pay a transportation fee in order to enter Reds Meadow Valley.
Sights: San Joaquin River; Rainbow Falls
Important Dates
By The Numbers
Acres: 798.46Annual Visitation: 105,303 (2006)
Location
Latitude / Longitude :37.614170 / -119.086920 (map it)
State: CA
Nearby Big City: Bishop, CA
Gateway Communities: Mammoth Lakes, CA; June Lake, CA; Lee Vining, CA
Nearby Airports: Reno Tahoe International Airport (RNO)
Green Features
Has Recycling? : YesHas Shuttle System? : Yes
Has Volunteer Program? : Yes
Park Photos
Devils Postpile, 1428
National Park Service
Devils Postpile, 1429
National Park Service
Devils Postpile, 1430
National Park Service
View More Devils Postpile Photos
In Detail
Activities & Programs Bicycling Information Fees For those visitors keen to bike down to the Postpile, bicycles are allowed down the road free of charge. If, however, visitors choose not to ride back out of the Valley a ... read more.
Animals Animals In Devils Postpile National Monument, forests, meadows, and the middle fork of the San Joaquin River create a variety of habitats for animals. There are 135 vertebrates known for the Monumen ... read more.
Camping Camping The Monument features a 21-site first-come, first-served campground. Fee: Campsites cost $16.00/night. This fee can be paid by cash or check in US Dollars. Credit cards are not accepted. (Ple ... read more.
Just For Kids Be A Junior Ranger During the summer months, kids can visit the Monument's ranger station where a Park Ranger will give them a free Junior Ranger booklet to complete. All kinds of fun and interestin ... read more.
Lodging & Dining Lodging There are no lodging facilities within the Monument. Nearby in the community of Mammoth Lakes, however, visitors can find a wide assortment of motels, hotels, and condominium rentals. For m ... read more.
Natural World Nature & Science Devils Postpile National Monument's landscape is a reflection of fire and ice. The eruption and uniform cooling of basalt lava created an impressive wall of columns. Later a glacial ... read more.
Park Regulations & Safety Pets Pets are allowed in the campground and day use areas as well as on trails but must be on a leash at all times within the Monument . Owners are responsible for cleaning up after their pets. Mut ... read more.
Planning Your Visit Things To Know Before You Come Devils Postpile National Monument is located in the heart of California's Eastern Sierra. As such, a wide variety of recreational activities is available in the region ... read more.
Plants Plants Devils Postpile National Monument's vegetation is a montane forest dominated by red fir and lodgepole pine. The monument's proximity to both west and east sides of the Sierra Nevada results in ... read more.
Things To Do Places To Go Devils Postpile National Monument enjoys a unique location. Nestled on the west side of the hydrologic divide, the Postpile boasts features found in both western and eastern Sierran zon ... read more.
Visitor Services Bookstore During the summer months, the Monument's Ranger Station features a bookstore, operated by our non-profit partner, the Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA). When the Ranger Station is ... read more.
Devils Postpile In Depth
News from the Parks
Rainier Landmark Meets Wrecking Ball
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
November 18, 2008 - 11:29am
Paradise echoed Monday not with the voices of park visitors, but with the thump and crash of a 4,500-pound wrecking ball smashing through the old visitor center.
New River Gorge National River Celebrates 30th Anniversary
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
November 18, 2008 - 11:24am
The New River Gorge celebrated its 30th year as part of the National Park System last week with the Nov. 10 anniversary of its 1978 designation as a National River.
Park to Go with 720 Sleds per Day
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
November 18, 2008 - 11:22am
Yellowstone National Park officials have opted to allow 720 snowmobiles a day in the park this winter, abandoning a temporary plan they proposed two weeks ago for 318 machines a day.
Falling Boulders Endanger Lives at Yosemite
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
November 18, 2008 - 11:20am
A major rockslide at Yosemite National Park's Curry Village has prompted officials to consider closing part of the lodging area permanently.
Interior and Energy Team-up to Make National Parks “Green”
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
November 18, 2008 - 10:09am
The U.S. Department of the Interior (DOI) and the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) signed a Memorandum of Understanding that will help the National Park Service (NPS) showcase sustainable energy practices and fulfill its mission of environmental stewardship. With equal amounts of initial “seed money” from DOI and DOE totaling $1 million for 2009, the Energy SmartPARKS program hopes to eventually draw private sector support to spark a green energy future in the United States. “This partnership will deploy energy efficient and renewable energy technologies throughout the national park system,” said Secretary of the Interior Dirk Kempthorne. “We have the power to not only improve conditions in the parks, but also demonstrate for the public the impacts and benefits of green energy innovations.” “Our national parks are a showcase of this country's natural beauty and historical significance. With this agreement, we're ensuring that these parks are also models of energy efficiency and clean energy technologies,” said Secretary of Energy Samuel Bodman. “Our parks have always been an important way for Americans to learn about the environment, now they can learn about energy use as well.” “The Energy SmartPARKS program will make positive, tangible advancements by greening the parks and by reducing energy costs and carbon emissions,” said Mary A. Bomar, Director of the National Park Service. “This is a great way to demonstrate our environmental leadership as we approach the 100th anniversary of the National Park Service in 2016.” On the ground, parks will use funding from Energy SmartPARKS to deploy cutting-edge technology as well as traditional solutions, including projects that retrofit lighting systems; purchase electric utility vehicles; install solar panel systems; upgrade meters and thermostats; replace windows and furnaces; study the feasibility of wind power; and conduct energy audits. Lessons learned from these projects can be used in other national parks and in the homes of every American. A list of some of the 2009 projects is available. Two recent projects illustrate the exciting possibilities of Energy SmartPARKS in the future: the exterior relighting of both the White House and the Washington Monument. With ground-breaking technology that improved the exterior illumination, these national icons now look beautiful while being energy efficient at the same time. Although the official assessment of the White House relighting project by DOE has not yet been conducted, early estimates anticipate over 50% energy reduction. The Washington Monument relighting project resulted in a 27% energy reduction with a cut of 36 tons per year in carbon emissions according to the official DOE assessment. The Energy SmartPARKS program will also develop new and expand existing partnerships with the private, non-profit, and academic sectors. These partners may help raise funds, identify projects, find technological solutions, and educate the public. The National Park Service is developing an Energy SmartPARKS website, in partnership with DOI and DOE, to showcase its commitment to a green energy future in America. Visit www.nps.gov/energy in the coming weeks.
