Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument
4.5
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Monday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Tuesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Wednesday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Thursday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Friday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Saturday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
Sunday
12:00 AM - 11:59 PM
About
This obscure part of the National Park System features unique basalt rock formations.
Suggest edits to improve what we show.
Improve this listingTours & experiences
Explore different ways to experience this place.
Full view
Top ways to experience Devils Postpile National Monument and nearby attractions
The area
Address
Reach out directly
Best nearby
We rank these restaurants and attractions by balancing reviews from our members with how close they are to this location.
Attractions
14 within 6 miles
See what travelers are saying
- Kevin PWaihi Beach, New Zealand479 contributionsStunning columnar lavaStunning display of columnar lava. Best noted for the glacial polish on the top of it. At the moment access is restricted to Fri-Sun due to road repairs, and you have to pay $15pp for the bus to get there. But if you go after 7pm you can drive there and just get to see it just before dark. You must take your mosquito repellent!!!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 18, 2024
- sandbeachandsun99 contributionsEnjoyed seeing this Natural Wonder!We enjoyed our visit to Devil’s Postpile! We purchased tickets from the Adventure Center for $15 a piece to take a shuttle bus round trip to stop 6. The road up to Devil’s Postpile is very steep and winding and is currently under construction. We were happy to have a safe round trip ride to this national monument. From there we hiked about 1/4 mile in to view this geological wonder. It was interesting to see and the hike was peaceful. After hiking the 1/4 mile back out we also visited Rainbow Falls, which can be accessed at stop 9 by the shuttle. Bring plenty of water and wear good sneakers or hiking boots. We would definitely visit this remarkable site again!Visited June 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten June 22, 2024
- John KMesquite, Nevada83 contributionsA geological wonder!We were pleasantly surprised with our visit to this unique National Monument. The $15.00 shuttle drive from the Mammoth Adventure Center to the Devil's Postpile trailhead afforded us amazing views of the Eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains and was well worth the expense. Regrettably, some health issues prevented us from fully experiencing the many trails available to us. We would recommend a visit here, especially for those interested in geology.Visited August 2024Traveled as a coupleWritten August 23, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.
Contribute
Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.
Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.
Popular mentions
4.5
977 reviews
Excellent
620
Very good
252
Average
92
Poor
8
Terrible
5
FrequentFlier317345
22 contributions
Jul 2020 • Family
Interesting basalt formation. Maybe more interesting if your read something about their origin on the available panels. We had to wear our baby in the carrier to get there. The trail from the parking lot is short but not paved and with some steps, so not good for strollers/wheelchairs. You also have to pay 10$ 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.
Wayne K
San Diego, CA178 contributions
Aug 2021
Devils Postpile is a very interesting place to visit. It does not take long to visit the area, but it is a long bus ride to Devils Postpile. You must first get your tickets for the bus ride. The ride is long and winding. It does not take long to view the attraction, but if you like hiking there are many trails. Catching the bus back to the station could be a little tricky, for it could be very crowded and if there is standing room only, the ride will be a long one back. We enjoyed visiting the area, but once is enough. The entire area is very scenic and great for photography. The parking could be a challenge. There are lots and lots of people there and the parking area is always full.
Written September 1, 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.
sjworldtravels
San Clemente, CA1,047 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.
Kevin P
Waihi Beach, New Zealand479 contributions
Jun 2024 • Couples
Stunning display of columnar lava. Best noted for the glacial polish on the top of it. At the moment access is restricted to Fri-Sun due to road repairs, and you have to pay $15pp for the bus to get there. But if you go after 7pm you can drive there and just get to see it just before dark. You must take your mosquito repellent!!!
Written June 18, 2024
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, FL825 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, CA114 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, CA619 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, CA323 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.
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!
Written August 15, 2023
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?
Written February 4, 2022
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?
Written February 4, 2022
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?
Written May 5, 2021
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 !!!
Written March 31, 2021
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?
Written March 14, 2021
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.
Written February 5, 2022
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?
Written July 9, 2019
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.
Written July 10, 2019
How difficult is the hike from the bottom of Devils Postpile to the top?
Written September 10, 2018
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
Written September 10, 2018
tdphan2001
Los Angeles, California
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.
Written June 27, 2018
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..
Written September 22, 2018
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?
Written July 22, 2017
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!
Written July 22, 2017
Showing results 1-10 of 19
Is this your Tripadvisor listing?
Own or manage this property? Claim your listing for free to respond to reviews, update your profile and much more.
Claim your listing