Devils Postpile National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery.
Photo: NPS Photo / NPS
About Devils Postpile National Monument
Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.
Pair it with another park
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
CAdrive time
Driving times from Devils Postpile National Monument, one way, via road — a realistic day is 8–10 hours behind the wheel.
Hours
Devils Postpile National Monument
- Mon
- All Day
- Tue
- All Day
- Wed
- All Day
- Thu
- All Day
- Fri
- All Day
- Sat
- All Day
- Sun
- All Day
Activities
Getting there
Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 feet above sea level just west of the Sierra Nevada crest. As such, it experiences typical summer weather in the Sierras. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to to mid-80s (degrees Fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in the months of September and October).
Frequently asked questions
- What is there to do at Devils Postpile National Monument?
- Popular activities include Astronomy, Biking, Camping, Car or Front Country Camping, Fishing, Front-Country Hiking.
- Which national parks are within a day's drive of Devils Postpile National Monument?
- Within about a day's drive you can reach Yosemite National Park (2 h 4 min), Manzanar National Historic Site (2 h 26 min), César E. Chávez National Monument (4 h 46 min), Death Valley National Park (5 h 6 min), Eugene O'Neill National Historic Site (5 h 49 min), Port Chicago Naval Magazine National Memorial (5 h 58 min).