Laws & Policies

Firearms

As of February 22, 2010, a new federal law allows people who can legally possess firearms under applicable federal, state, and local laws, to legally possess firearms in Devils Postpile National Monument.

It is the responsibility of visitors to understand and comply with all applicable state, local, and federal firearms laws before entering this park. As a starting point, please visit the California Attorney General's Website.

Federal law also prohibits firearms in federal facilities including the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Facilities will be marked with signs at all public entrances.

 

Unmanned Aircraft

Launching, landing, or operating an unmanned aircraft from or on lands and waters administered by the National Park Service within the boundaries of Devils Postpile National Monument is prohibited except as approved in writing by the Superintendent.

This restriction is to protect the public from hazards and preserve the monument's natural, aesthetic, an scenic values. The use of unmanned aircraft potentially presents unacceptable risks to visitors (collisions between unmanned aircraft and visitors, the uncontrolled fall of unmanned aircraft, contact with spinning propellers or rotors of unmanned aircraft). The use of unmanned aircraft adversely impacts the visitor experience.

 

Superintendent's Compendium

The Superintendent's Compendium [3 MB PDF] is a compilation of designations, closures, permit requirements, and other restrictions made by the superintendent, in addition to what is contained in Title 36 of the Code of Federal Regulations (Chapter 1, Parts 1 through 6), and other applicable federal statutes and regulations.

The 2019 Programmatic Categorical Exclusion [125 kb PDF] includes what's new in the 2019 compendium..

Additional Closures and Public Use Limits

Fire Restrictions

Due to high fire danger and enhanced risk to the public, employees, and first responders Devils Postpile National Monument is enacting monument-wide fire restrictions to reduce the threat of human-caused wildfires.

By order of the Site Manager of Devils Postpile National Monument and under authority of Title 36, Code of Federal Regulations, Section 2.13(c):

• The building, maintaining, or attending of a wood fire, charcoal fire, or twig stove is prohibited within Devils Postpile National Monument at all elevations.
• Portable stoves using pressurized gas, liquid fuel, or propane are permitted, as are alcohol stoves (with and without a shutoff valve) including alcohol tablet/cube stoves.
• Smoking is prohibited except within an enclosed vehicle, a building in which smoking is allowed, designated campgrounds, designated picnic areas, paved or graveled developed areas, and designated smoking areas.

Notice of closure will be posted and areas will be monitored to ensure compliance. This designation will remain in place until rescinded or superseded. Administrative exemptions require the written approval of the Site Manager.