Devils Postpile National Monument is one of California's many unique natural wonders. Tall hexagon shaped columns of basalt are the within a short walk for you to behold. But that's not all, the volcanic area of Devils Postpile also offers waterfall hikes, meadows and lakes for your enjoyment. Children and families of all ages will love exploring all that Devils Postpile has to offer!
Devils Postpile
A bit about how Devils Postpile was formed
The story of Devils Postpile began between 80,000 and 100,000 years ago, in an age where Earth was home to animals such as neanderthals and giant sloths. This particular site was also home to lava--lots and lots of it. The lava that spewed from the Sierra Nevadas was particularly hot, with high iron and magnesium content (basaltic lava), which made it thin and runny. A river of it flowed down the Reds Meadow Valley, destroying everything in its path--everything, that is, except for a natural dam (likely made from rock left behind by an ancient glacier). When this lava river reached the natural dam, it pooled into an enormous lava lake. In some areas, this lake was 400 feet deep! Eventually, the lava cooled. When lava cools, it contracts, or shrinks. This shrinking caused the newly formed rock to crack into the beautifully shaped columns we can see today. Look for shapes--many of these columns are hexagonal (six sides), but some have three, four, five, or seven sides. These 60-foot columns would have been hidden today if it weren’t for prehistoric glaciers, which carved out and polished this massive “lake” of basalt igneous rock and made it visible from the side.
You can thank Californian naturalists such as John Muir and President Taft for your visit to Devils Postpile. In the early 1900s, developers had plans to build a hydroelectric dam in the area, blasting Devils Postpile in the process. Luckily, then-president William Howard Taft decided to protect these impressive and rare rock formations instead. In this lesson we’ll be taking a closer look at how Igneous Rocks like the rock columns of Devils Postpile are formed.
What you can see and do in Devils Postpile!
Devils Postpile
Admire Devils Postpile: .4 mile one way This short hike leads you to giant columns of basalt that formed over 80,000 years ago! Some of the columns have broken so you are able to get a lot of fun pictures next to the broken columns.
Make sure to also check out the formation from above. There is a short trail next to the columns that leads you to the top of Devils Postpile. This is where you can see the hexagon shapes of all the columns.
Rainbow Falls
Hike Rainbow Falls from Devils Postpile: 2 miles to the falls.
There are two ways to get to the falls. The first is a 2.6 mile round trip trail that starts a shuttle stop #9 and takes you straight to the falls.
The second way starts at shuttle stop #6 for Devils Postpile. Hike the .4 mile trail to the postpile, take lots of pictures then continue on the trail past the postpile for 2 miles to the falls. After you've experienced the falls hike the 1.3 mile trail back to shuttle stop #9.
Whichever way you take to get there you will be greeted by an incredible waterfall that you can view and swim in! So yes, take a swimming suit.
For more CA waterfalls check this out.
Lower Rainbow Falls
Hike another .5 mile away from Rainbow Falls down to Lower Rainbow Falls. This 20 foot waterfall is a smaller and less crowded than Rainbow Falls. This is another great spot to cool down and get your feet wet.
Agnew Meadow
Take a stroll down the .6 mile trail through Agnew Meadow. This is a great place to see wildflowers in Devils Postpile, especially in July. You can find this trail at shuttle stop #1.
Some of the flowers you may see are monkey flower, Indian Paintbrush, Meadow Larkspur, and corn lilies. The ranger station has plant guides if you would like to know which wildflowers you are seeing.
Nature Walk around Sotcher Lake
Walk the Sotcher Lake Nature Trail, 1.7 mile loop trail. Start by going around the left side of the lake. This is an easy beautiful hike that is great for taking in the plant and animal life.
You can also access small beaches along this trail. These are great spots to stop, swim, and relax at Devils Postpile.
Swim spots in Devils Postpile National Monument
There are three opportunities to swim or cool down in the water at Devils Postpile.
Swim or play in the water at Sotcher Lake to cool off after all your hiking. Sotcher Lake has a small swim area that you can get to by walking clockwise around the lake. Keep an eye out for pumice (a lightweight igneous rock), as you walk around. This is a fun spot to show kids how pumice can float.
The second spot is at the base of Rainbow Falls. Swimming directly under this waterfall is dangerous, so don't do it, but I do recommend swimming in the pool at the base of the falls. It is deep, cold and a fun swim spot. You can also play in the river as it flows away from the falls.
The third spot is at the base of Lower Rainbow Falls. This spot is less crowded than Rainbow Falls, but not as impressive.
Devils Postpile Pro Planning Tips
- Season: Only open from about July- mid Oct. (changes every year according to snowfall) https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/basicinfo.htm check for yearly park opening date
- Difficulty: Easy-moderate
- Time Needed: Day trip
- Cost: Shuttle- $15 adult, $7 child ages 3-15, Free ages 2 and under, Free parking
- You must get shuttle tickets to get to Devils Postpile from July to mid Sept. It is possible to drive to Devils Postpile mid Sept.-mid Oct. (park closing)
- You can bring dogs on a leash as long as they wear a muzzle on the shuttle.
- Pack plenty of snacks, a swimming suit, and a picnic lunch to take with you. Your shuttle ticket expires when you return to the Mammoth parking lot or lodge area.
- There is a snack shop at shuttle stop #9 if you need more food, bathrooms, and a water refill spicket to refill water bottles. Shuttle stop #8 also has a water refill area and a ranger station with maps and junior ranger booklets.
- There are 2 ways to reach Rainbow Falls, 1) hike the 2 mile trail starting at the Devils Postpile Formation, or 2) hike 1.3 miles from Shuttle stop #9
- Sotcher Lake has small sand areas that give you access for swimming in the lake. There is pumice (volcanic rock) along the trail, pick some up and throw it in the lake. See what happens…(it floats!)
Lodgepole Chipmunk
The lodgepole chipmunk is found only in California and Nevada. They are named for their preference to live among pine and fir forests (particularly Lodgepole pine). The females of this species are larger than the males. They make many vocalizations to communicate with each other.
Mule deer
Mule deer are mostly brown with a black-tipped tail and have large ears. Males of this species grow new antlers each spring, shedding the previous year’s antler growth in February after the breeding season. Adult mule deer can reach over 200 pounds, browsing on shrubs, trees, and forbs.
Columnar Basalt
Basalt is a type of rock formed from a volcano’s lava. As the lava cooled, under certain conditions it cracked into regular hexagonal shapes, forming the Columnar Basalt you may see here. Although basalt is a very common rock, it’s rare to observe these long, solid columns.
Corn Lily
Corn lilies love moist meadows and river beds at high elevations. Its many white flowers are highly toxic so they are harmful to all animals that try to eat it. Native Americans used its leaves to poison arrowheads.
Steller's Jay
The Steller’s jay is a forager. It finds seeds, nuts, eggs, and nestlings; and buries them to store them for food in the winter. It can hold several nuts in its throat as it searches for food. Watch out, it steals food from humans as well as other birds. Don’t give it food.
Devils Postpile's columnar basalt is one of California's true natural wonders. Its such a great place to not only see the incredible rock formations, but it is one of the few places you can actually swim near the base of a waterfall. I hope you enjoy your next visit and create lasting memories!