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Devils Postpile National Monument

National Monument · California

The Devils Postpile basalt formation resembles tall columns.
Devils Postpile formation is one of many features to see at Devils Postpile National Monument. Photo: NPS Photo

Hours

See this week's hours below.

Entrance fee
The Park Service lists no entrance fee for this site.
Phone
7609342289
Address
Devils Postpile Access Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

About Devils Postpile

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.

Hours

Devils Postpile National Monument

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.

MondayOpen 24 hours
TuesdayOpen 24 hours
WednesdayOpen 24 hours
ThursdayOpen 24 hours
FridayOpen 24 hours
SaturdayOpen 24 hours
SundayOpen 24 hours

Changes to these hours

  • Roadwork, Sep 14 to Oct 31, 2026: 7:00 AM to 11:59 PM, Closed, Closes at 11:00 PM
  • October No Overnight Parking, Oct 16 to Oct 31, 2026: Sunrise to Sunset

Getting there

Shuttle Bus: Most visitors must park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and use the mandatory shuttle. The shuttle bus operates from mid-June through the Wednesday after Labor Day. By car: From U.S. Highway 395, drive 10 miles west on S.R. 203 to Minaret Vista and then another 8 miles on a paved, steep mountain road. Please note that this road is single lane for approximately 3 miles. By plane: The closest commercial airport is the Mammoth Lakes/Yosemite Airport (MMH), located on U.S. Highway 395.

Weather

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).

Things to do

Astronomy, Biking, Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Fishing, Front-Country Hiking, Hiking, Horse Trekking, Horseback Riding, Junior Ranger Program, Road Biking, Stargazing, Wildlife Watching.

Source: National Park Service data feed, checked September 24, 2026. Hours shown are the Park Service's posted standard hours plus any date changes it lists. Official page for Devils Postpile ↗