Devils Postpile National Monument

As of October 12, 2020, Devils Postpile remains safe from the Creek Fire. It has burned along the North and South Forks of the San Joaquin River and left the Middle Fork (where the park lies) unharmed. Although the Inyo National Forest has partially re-opened, the Reds Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile remain closed to all public entry. This closure is in effect through December, so Devils Postpile is now officially closed for the winter. The park typically reopens sometime in June, depending on weather and snowpack. Hope to see you in the mountains next summer!

Devils Postpile and the Inyo National Forest are closed to all public entry starting on Monday, Sept. 7th due to the closure of all National Forests in Southern California. This is because of extreme fire weather and fire danger. The Inyo National Forest has issued a Forest Closure Order, and Devils Postpile and the Reds Meadow Valley Road (the access road into the park) both lie within its boundaries. In addition, the park is experiencing heavy smoke and unsafe air quality from the Creek Fire. Until these conditions change, public entry into Devils Postpile National Monument is prohibited for public health and safety. Be safe everyone!

Labor Day Weekend is one of the busiest times of the year for the National Parks, including Devils Postpile. Be aware that parking is likely to be a concern during the holiday, starting as early as 9:00 a.m. The shuttle bus from Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort to Devils Postpile is not running this summer, so access to the park is by private vehicle only. Day users can park at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station, the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, or at the Reds Meadow Pack Station & Re...sort. (Backpackers can leave vehicles overnight at the Devils Postpile overnight hiker parking lot, but please DO NOT park in the day use parking lots by the Ranger Station). Be prepared to hike to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls from wherever parking is available. Help us keep the area beautiful by parking only in designated parking spaces. Vehicles that block traffic or cause damage to plants and soils may be ticketed and towed. Take home wonderful memories, not a parking citation! See more

Most dogs love hiking! Does yours? You're welcome to bring your pup to explore Devils Postpile. For their safety and to protect the park's natural resources, dogs must be kept on a 6’ leash, and are restricted to the maintained trails only. Be sure to bring bags to clean up after your pet and pack out all of their waste. There is a dumpster near the Ranger Station where you can deposit the waste. Be careful for their feet! Hot parking lots and sidewalks can burn their foot pads, and the pumice gravel at Devils Postpile can be abrasive. Dogs dehydrate, sunburn, and feel the effects of high elevation just like you do, so plan for their safety just like you would your own. Water, a water dish, and snacks will help to keep your pal comfortable on the trail.

A visit to Devils Postpile means you will spend the day outdoors, hiking in the mountains. The elevation at Devils Postpile is around 7,500 feet. Hiking at this elevation will cause you to tire and become short of breath more easily, and to sunburn and dehydrate more quickly. Plan ahead for your safety and comfort. Be sure to bring water, food, a hat or sunscreen, comfortable closed-toed shoes, and a pack or bag to carry things in. Restrooms, water, and trash cans are located... at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station, the Rainbow Falls Trailhead, and at the Reds Meadow Pack Station & Resort, but are not available on the trails. Do not carry unnecessary items that will add weight to your pack. The summer temperatures can vary from 40s or 50s in the morning to 70s or 80s in the afternoon, so you may want to dress in layers that you can take off and put back on as needed. See more

Hiking at Devils Postpile with your friends and family can be a great adventure, but it can become stressful if you get lost or separated from your group. Make a plan before you begin your walk to avoid getting separated. Agree on where you are going, and research the route to your destination and know how to get back to your car. Do not count on using cell phones to contact each other if you split up, as some parts of the valley do not have phone service. Create a specific p...lan, including where and when you will meet back up, make sure everyone understands it, and do not change it without communicating with all the other members of your party. Look back over your shoulder as you pass through trail intersections so you will know what they look like on your way back. Maps of the park are available from the Forest Service kiosk at Minaret Vista and on the front porch of the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. See more