Devils Postpile National Monument
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Devils Postpile at a glance
- Best time
- March–May, October–November
- Trip length
- Half day–1 day
- Don't miss
- Main Devils Postpile highlights — see Things to Do for current listings
- Nearby city
- Mammoth Lakes, CA
Explore this park
About Devils Postpile National Monument
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. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.
Weather Information
Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 feet above sea level just west of the Sierra Nevada crest. As such, it experiences typical summer weather in the Sierras. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to to mid-80s (degrees Fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in the months of September and October).
Operating Hours
In the operating season, Devils Postpile National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Monument usually opens in mid-June. By mid to late October, early winter storms in the High Sierra typically begin to bring snow to the area.
- MondayAll Day
- TuesdayAll Day
- WednesdayAll Day
- ThursdayAll Day
- FridayAll Day
- SaturdayAll Day
- SundayAll Day
Common questions
Planning Devils Postpile National Monument
The summary above covers timing and highlights. These go deeper on reservations, crowds, and logistics — check Alerts for live updates.
Reservation rules vary by season and activity for Devils Postpile. See Overview on this page for fees, timed entry, and campground details before you travel.
