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Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes

4.5
#1 of 14 in Nature in Mammoth Lakes
Geologic Formation · Nature / Park
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See rare geometrically shaped basalt formations and 30 m (100 ft) tall waterfalls at Devils Postpile National Monument, which is within the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The formations were created 100,000 years ago when lava was flowing and cooling down and glaciers eroded, polished, and fragmented the basalt into long, symmetrical columns. Reaching 18 m (60 ft) high and ranging from 61 cm (2 ft) to 1.1 m (3.5 ft) in diameter, the formations give an impression of tall posts stacked in a pile. At the park, you can hike, camp, fish and go horseback riding. Look for animals, such as black bears, coyotes, and mule deer. You can explore on 13 km (8 mi) of trails on your own or on a guided tour. Use our Mammoth Lakes road trip website to arrange your visit to Devils Postpile National Monument and other attractions in Mammoth Lakes.
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Devils Postpile National Monument reviews

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TripAdvisor traveler rating 4.5
973 reviews
Google
4.7
TripAdvisor
  • An amazing geological formation is well worth the hike. If you can make it to the top, some amazing views of the Postpile and the surrounding forest. Rainbow Falls is just down the road and both... 
    An amazing geological formation is well worth the hike. If you can make it to the top, some amazing views of the Postpile and the surrounding forest. Rainbow Falls is just down the road and both...  more »
  • Something difference for sure it truly looks like someone built it. The one side seems to be collapsing. Short hike in most people can do it. The road going down is one lane with two way traffic for.....  more
    Something difference for sure it truly looks like someone built it. The one side seems to be collapsing. Short hike in most people can do it. The road going down is one lane with two way traffic for.....  more »
Google
  • A must see if your in Mammoth. Great Hike to Rainbow falls. Go early because the temps are in the 80's during the day. Bring water and electrolytes. You need to take the Tram in witch starts at 9am. If you go before 7am, you can drive in on your own.
  • It's majestic and I have never seen anything quite like it. Important Note: there is no way around the mandatory shuttle (catch it at the ski lodge). The hike isn't much longer to stand on top of the columns, so if you are OK with some uphill, it's worth it!

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