• Devils Postpile Formation

    Devils Postpile

    National Monument California

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  • Tentative Opening Date Announced

    A tentative opening date of May 25, 2013 has been announced for Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Valley. Campgrounds will not be open until mid-late June. Limited visitor services will be available. This is condition dependent and subject to change. More »

  • Devils Postpile Sets 37-Foot Vehicle Length Restriction on the Devils Postpile Access Road

    Devils Postpile has a limit of 37 feet for vehicles on the monument road. This may change during weather events, construction activities, vehicle congestion, or for safety reasons. Call or email for more information. More »

Natural Features & Ecosystems

Nature and Science

Devils Postpile National Monument was established because of two important geophysical features: the postpile itself and RainbowFalls. The postpiles tower as a sheer wall of polygonal basalt columns up to 60 feet high, and glacial polish is evident on top of many of the columns.

Rainbow Falls is a spectacular waterfall that exists near the southern end of the monument on the San Joaquin River. The river changes in character many times throughout its journey through the monument, evolving along its course from a series of broad low-gradient meanders to scattered pools and fast-flowing rapids, cascades, and falls.

Did You Know?

Black Bears are excellent tree climbers.

Black bears are commonly seen in Devils Postpile. Although they are not as active in winter months and spend much of this time in their dens, they could be seen any time of the year.