Devil's Postpile National Monument, established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, preserves a rare sight in the geologic world: massive basalt columns towering 60 feet high and displayed in unusual symmetry. A dramatic waterfall, 101-foot-high Rainbow Falls, is also in the park.
Devil's Postpile is also rare in that it is one of relatively few preserves under National Park Service jurisdiction that is dog-friendly. Pets must be leashed at all times and muzzled when riding the shuttle bus, which is mandatory with exceptions noted below.
GETTING THERE:
From U.S. Highway 395, drive 10 miles west on State 203 to Minaret Vista and then another eight miles on a paved, steep mountain road. Please note that this road is single lane for approximately three miles.
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.
Exceptions to the shuttle system are those visitors who drive into the Reds Meadow Valley before 7 a.m. or after 7:30 p.m., or who are overnight guests of Reds Meadow Resort, who are camping within the Reds Meadow Valley, who are hauling stock trailers, whose vehicles are carrying small watercraft for use in the lakes, or who can provide proof of physical handicap.
Fees for the bus are $7 for adults and $4 for children ages 3-15; free for under 3-year-olds.
Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center located in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Gondola Building adjacent to the Mammoth Mountain Inn at the top of Highway 203. Buses run every 20 or 30 minutes.
When buses are not running, visitors must pay a standard amenity fee at the Minaret Vista Station.
