Devil’s Postpile National Monument

Devil's Postpile National Monument

Devil’s Postpile is located in central California. It rests along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River on the western slopes of the Sierra Nevada. The elevation is 7,560 feet and the Monument consists of 800 acres. Less than 100,000 years ago basalt lava erupted two miles upstream from today’s postpile. As the lava cooled it contracted and cracked, forming the columns of Devils’ Postpile. A hike to the top of Devil’s Postpile reveals a cross section of columns that resembles floor tiles. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the worlds finest examples of columnar basalt. The columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry. Devil’s Postpile is not only basalt columns, it is also home to Rainbow Falls. The waterfall plunges 101 feet over a cliff of volcanic rock. When the Sun is overhead on a clear day, rainbows sparkle in the mist that rises from the rocks below the falls.

Camping:

A 21 site campground located near the ranger station is open from mid June to early October, weather permitting. The campground is first-come first-served, there are no reservations. Each site has a picnic table, firepit and bear proof food storage lockers. There is running water and flush toilets, however there are no showers or RV hook-ups. There are seven Forest Service campgrounds outside of the Monument. They are: Agnew Meadows, Agnew Meadows Group, Agnew Meadows Horse, Upper Soda Springs, Pumice Flat, Pumice Flat Group, Minaret Falls and Reds Meadow. All are first-come first-served except Agnew Group, Horse Camp and Pumice Group.

Hiking:

There are about 8 miles of trails in Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Hiking outside the Monument will take you into the High Sierra of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Within Devil’s Postpile are parts of “The John Muir Trail” as well as “The Pacific Crest Trail.”

Devil’s Postpile-(easy) .4 mile one way to the base and another 15 minutes uphill to the top of Devil’s Postpile.
Minaret Falls-(easy) 1.4 mile hike to a waterfall that lies just outside the Monument boundary.
Rainbow Falls- 2.5 mile hike one way.

Rainbow Falls

Fishing:

The San Joaquin River is a designated Wild Trout River with abundant fishing opportunities. Anglers can keep up to five fish with a valid California fishing license. Other fishing is available at Sotcher and Starkweather Lake, both which are nearby.

Popular Places:

Devil’s Postpile- the climb to the top is amazing.
Minaret Falls
Minaret Lake
Rainbow Falls
Soda Springs Meadow

Helpful Tips:

Because black bears are commonly seen in Devil’s Postpile, dispose of trash in animal-proof trash cans or dumpsters.
Keep your food and trash from wildlife by storing it properly, day and night.
Dress in layers. Temperatures can easily go from 90° to 50° in a matter of hours, especially in the summer and fall months.
Pack plenty of water for your hiking adventures. It is hot and dry in the summer.
The Monument is closed during the winter and spring months.
As with any National Park or National Monument Area, “Leave No Trace”.