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

Date: June 1, 2012
Contact: Deanna Dulen, 760-924-5505
Contact: Maureen Finnerty, 760-924-5505

In order to improve public safety and address concerns related to previous accidents and near misses on the Devils Postpile access road, Devils Postpile National Monument will be enforcing a limit of 37 feet for all vehicles or vehicle combinations (truck and trailer) on the access road. The Devils Postpile access road is a very short, narrow, and curvy section of road that provides access to the Devils Postpile Trailhead, ranger station and campground off of the main Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow Road.

Although the size limit on the access road will not entirely eliminate the possibility of accidents and near misses on the roadway, the monument hopes that it will make travel on the road safer for passenger vehicles and the Reds Meadow Shuttle System, which will operate under a special use permit this season.

The monument urges all vehicles on the access road to use extreme caution, even with the new restriction. The road is very narrow, and in many places barely accommodates two passing vehicles.Visibility is extremely limited. The speed limit on the access road is 15 miles per hour and vehicles must obey speed limits at all times.

For commercial tour buses wishing to access Devils Postpile National Monument during the shuttle bus operating season (from mid-June to September 5, 2012 and weekends in September), the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) operates the shuttle bus system and provides for a safer visit.

Shuttle bus service runs from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. ESTA also coordinates chartered services for guests, and this is a recommended option as the shuttle bus drivers have specific training and experience with the hazards of the road, a communication system between buses, and a safety program to mitigate hazards on the road. Please contact the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority at 760.924.3184 to arrange for your group's transportation on the shuttle bus.

For commercial tour buses wishing to arrive outside of the shuttle bus operating season, please contact Devils Postpile National Monument to apply for a commercial use authorization and to discuss access options.

For groups eligible for an educational fee waiver from the Inyo National Forest wishing to arrive in vehicles longer than 37 feet, please contact Devils Postpile National Monument to arrange for a special use permit for entry into the monument.

Visitors planning to camp in the valley with recreational vehicles or vehicle combinations longer than 37 feet are advised to utilize Inyo National Forest campgrounds that accommodate larger vehicles and use the Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus to access Devils Postpile. The shuttle bus is free between Reds Meadow Resort and Agnew Meadows.