Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
4.5
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Monday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Tuesday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Wednesday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Thursday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Friday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Saturday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
Sunday
7:00 AM - 7:30 PM
About
This obscure part of the National Park System features unique basalt rock formations.
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Attractions
14 within 6 miles
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Detailed Reviews: Reviews order informed by descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as cleanliness, atmosphere, general tips and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
974 reviews
Excellent
617
Very good
252
Average
92
Poor
8
Terrible
5
FrequentFlier317345
22 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Interesting basalt formation. Maybe more interesting if your read something about their origin on the available panels. We had to wear our baby in the carrier to get there. The trail from the parking lot is short but not paved and with some steps, so not good for strollers/wheelchairs. You also have to pay 10$ per car to access the parking lot, which gets pretty full so you end up parking somewhere among the trees.. be ready to wash your car afterwards to get rid of all the dust
Written July 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
sjworldtravels
San Clemente, CA997 contributions
Sep 2019 • Couples
I was here every summer as a child but first time back as an adult. I remember it bigger back then but the structure is still awe inspiring. Finally was able to climb the trail to the top of the pile this visit. It is not a treacherous hike and a must do. We trekked from the rainbow falls route and that part of the trail was less crowded. Must see site in Mammoth
Written January 4, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
GoGatorsWayne
Odessa, FL795 contributions
Jul 2021
Why does the devil get so much credit for geological wonders? This is neat display of volcanic rock work that is worth checking out. It is an easy hike. The hard part is the required bus ride to get there. We were standing for the 30 minute trip and we were crammed in. Zero breathing room and stuffy. The driver did not seem to care when using the brakes that people were standing and it was a rough ride. I think my arms are still tired from holding the handrail.
Written July 26, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Philippe A
3 contributions
Jun 2022
Unable to get up there due to traffic restrictions.
You can drive up after 4PM or you have to park downhill and take a shuttle bus.
Expect busy parking, long wait, probably not worth it. we decided to go somewhere else.
What is the fun of waiting with hundreds of people to see this small special place in crowded cramped condition?
I will go back off season, during the week and may be enjoy it?
You can drive up after 4PM or you have to park downhill and take a shuttle bus.
Expect busy parking, long wait, probably not worth it. we decided to go somewhere else.
What is the fun of waiting with hundreds of people to see this small special place in crowded cramped condition?
I will go back off season, during the week and may be enjoy it?
Written July 6, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Firemonkey C
Napa, CA16 contributions
Aug 2021
The surrounding scenery is beautiful, but I think the rock formation is overrated. I expected to see more and it is just a little pile of rocks. I took the shuttle. The ride down was great. It took about 30 minutes. However, after hiking for 5 hours and getting sunburned, on the ride back, I had no seat and had to stand up with barely anything to hold onto. Luckily, I did not get car sick, but I think a lot of people were feeling it because it is a windy road. I drank all my water and had to get some at the Ranger Station. The hike only to the monument is easy, however if you are going to do that and Rainbow Falls, just be aware that it takes about an hour to reach Rainbow Falls. I do not recommend this hike for people with knee problems. A walking stick is very helpful. Not recommended for people with babies or small children (It's too long and too hot). Dogs get overheated easily. There is shade but it is very hot and sunny use sunblock. It is also dusty. Another point is there are bees, bumble and honey because of the wildflowers. Wear a hat.
Written August 8, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
NellaiXpress
San Jose, CA113 contributions
Jul 2021
We visited on July 2nd and tried to drive around 10.00am. Got stopped at the gate as they have resumed the Shuttle services back. So went back to the Gondola start area and parked on the road-side. Purchased the tickets for the shuttle bus and park for a 2:30pm ride. Forgot to try the 4th Grader freedom America pass. This pass is accepted on some national parks and not in state parks. Would have saved some bucks! Glad I took the bus. Driving on that single lane road would have been a scary experience for me. My Gondola ride wrapped up earlier and we asked if we can take the 12:30 bus to Devils P. And to our surprised they said yes. We went straight to the Rainbow falls first and after wrapping it up, took the bus and landed in Devils P. The hike is short and sweet . We also tried climbing up to the top of the Monument. It's a short distance to the top but very steep steps. Tooks 15 mins for non-regular hikers like us to reach the top. And we also stopped by the stream on our way back. Very relaxed and Enjoyable visit.
Written July 5, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Angel S
Costa Mesa, CA581 contributions
Jul 2022 • Couples
Short 0.3 mile hike from the parking lot. If you arrive before 0700 you aren’t required to shuttle to the parking lot- it’s worth waking up early to do so and not have to depend on the shuttle. Cool site to see! From there you can hike another 2.2 miles to rainbow falls! We also advise doing this in the morning to avoid the direct sunlight as there’s limited shade and avoid the heat too.
Written July 31, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jeff D
Murrieta, CA328 contributions
Jul 2020
This is a great spot to see some amazing sights. From the parking area the Devils Post Pile is a very short and easy hike. This entire area follows the San Juaquin River There are many access points to the river each one offering an amazing view. Here you can go on a long or short hike and make your day based on your desire or fitness level. Here, you can see some great views within a very short distance from your car. The Post Pile of course is an awesome site. If you continue down the trail abut a mile further you can see where the Pacific Crest Trail crosses the San Juaquin River. Here is a beautiful wood bridge across the rover (see the pic). If you continue a total of 2.5 miles down you can make it to the Rainbow Falls. That would be a total of around 5 miles to the falls and back.
I suggest you arrive early and beat the crowds. It can get busy fast and parking can be hard to find. It's a must see at least once. Bring water and sunscreen and maybe lunch. There are many photo op locations in this area to give you amazing views.
I suggest you arrive early and beat the crowds. It can get busy fast and parking can be hard to find. It's a must see at least once. Bring water and sunscreen and maybe lunch. There are many photo op locations in this area to give you amazing views.
Written July 22, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa, CA914 contributions
Aug 2020
We went to the Mammoth Lakes area just to visit this National Monument. It was a lovely walk, and not difficult. The drive to the monument is really beautiful, but make sure you head out early. Parking is very limted at the trailhead, and I believe the park service closes the road once the parking is full. Parts of the road are very narrow, with turnouts to allow cars to go by. It traffic gets too heavy, it could cause major issues. We arrived while there was still parking, so no problem for us. But on our drive out, it was non-stop cars coming in. The postpile itself is really interesting. We did not take the trail to the top, but just walking along the bottom is cool. The short hike in is also quite scenic, offering views of the river. Really lovely.
Written October 7, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
D Crowell
San Marcos, CA4 contributions
Jul 2021
Mammoth makes you take a bus and wear a mask. Bus is overcrowded, standing room only. Windows were shut. Windy road for 35 minutes. Many of us got bus sick. Devil Postpile interesting but not worth the hassle. Waited 1 hour in line after purchasing last tickets available. Must reserve in advance. Not a great experience. Traffic, crowds, lines, and high fees. Go before 7am to drive your own car in.
Written July 16, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Exploration782477
Pleasanton, CA9 contributions
Heard that the trail to Devil’s Postpile was closed because of snow, but the trail from the ranger station is open now? Thanks for any advice you can offer!
Tim C
Des Plaines, IL293 contributions
I understand in the Summer you may bring your vehicle into the Monument if you arrive before 7AM and that there is a parking lot near the postpile.
Is there also a parking area near the Rainbow Falls trailhead?
Tim C
Des Plaines, IL293 contributions
I understand that if you arrive before 7AM you may bring your vehicle into the Monument and park near the Postile. Is there also parking near the Rainbow Falls trailhead?
Blaze
San Diego, CA7,711 contributions
I have the same exact question that a another traveler posted a year ago.
NPS website says the road is closed but all trails are open. We are visiting this weekend (May 8th). I understand we can not drive in but can we simply hike to DPP and Rainbow Falls?
zuni P
Lagunitas, CA741 contributions
I know this sounds crazy but my google map keeps saying this is in the Sierras around Camptonville... I guess google maps are wrong as there can’t be 2 of them!!! I always heard it was by Mammoth Lakes !!!
Gotta go when roads open !!!
Karen R
Sheridan, AR9 contributions
My dad is 90 and uses a cane for walking. He can not tolerate a long walk. I read the walk to devil post pile is pretty level. About how long of a walk is this?
Firemonkey C
Napa, CA16 contributions
Hi, there. If you start early in the morning from the parking lot, the trail is pretty even. There is only one slight incline. However, please keep hydrated and the little pebbles on the trail can be slippery. The place is remote and, if anything happened, an air rescue is the only way out. There is a small hospital in Mammoth Lakes. The Devil's Post Pile, in my opinion, is not worth the long drive. Rainbow Falls is great, but I don't recommend it for elderly people or even dogs. The trail is so hot with little shade. Dogs get so overheated and their paws might burn. If you choose to go to Rainbow Falls, allow yourself two or three extra hours and again an early morning start is best.
Alwaystubed
San Diego, CA54 contributions
I am doing a 3 day backpacking trip in late September, leaving from Devils Post Pile. Can I leave my car at the trail head for this time?
SkiHostML
Mammoth Lakes, CA24 contributions
There are two ways to park your vehicle. You can park near the Main Lodge at Mammoth Mountain (along the side of the road) and take the shuttle to Devils Postpile. Last year the fare was $7 round trip. Check the times but I think the shuttle runs from 0730 to 1730. You will need to retain your ticket for the return trip.
The alternative is to get an early start. You can drive down to Devils Postpile as long as you enter the area before 0700. The park service is very strict on this so be sure to leave early. You can drive down and park near the Ranger Station. There is no restriction on leaving. One word of caution, the road is quite narrow and has been damaged by the snow accumulation. There will be areas where it is under construction and when you return be quite defensive in your driving. I usually follow a bus up. Hope this helps.
EarthViewerRDL
Easthampton5 contributions
How difficult is the hike from the bottom of Devils Postpile to the top?
Stephen O
Balcatta, Australia78 contributions
The post pile trails is an easy trail. From the shuttle road it is a relatively flat and easy trail to the postpile. There is an easy although uphill, rather steep, trail to top of postpile. Takes only a few minutes and no climbing gear. So I call it easy but a little steep at end to the top. Lots of fun trails in mammoth
tdphan2001
Los Angeles, CA
Dear all,
Can we drive to Devils Postpile parking lot and hike to the monument and Rainbow Fall?
Do we have to take their bus?
Thank you for your reply.
JLSThousandOaks_CA
Thousand Oaks, CA43 contributions
During the summer you need to take the bus; however, two ways around the bus situation is if you have a camping or a horseback riding reservation..
Im confused on how long the hike is to devils postpile and to the falls. I've read different posts and the mileage ranges from 2 to 10 miles. Why such conflicting info?
JenAHarris
South Paris, ME55 contributions
Not sure, I would suggest checking out the Devils Postpile National Park website. They have all the pertinent info for the shuttle including cost, times, etc. Have fun and enjoy!
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Frequently Asked Questions about Devils Postpile National Monument
- Hotels near Devils Postpile National Monument:
- (5.24 mi) Juniper Springs Resort
- (4.30 mi) Tamarack Lodge and Resort
- (3.12 mi) Mammoth Mountain Inn
- (3.06 mi) Mammoth Mountain Chalets
- (4.86 mi) 1849 Mountain Rentals at Mammoth's Canyon Lodge
- Restaurants near Devils Postpile National Monument:
- (6.62 mi) Mogul Restaurant
- (5.86 mi) Skadi
- (6.44 mi) Shea Schat's Bakery
- (5.79 mi) Burgers Restaurant
- (6.60 mi) Good Life Cafe
Devils Postpile National Monument Information
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