Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument, Mammoth Lakes: Tickets, Tours, Hours, Address, Devils Postpile National Monument Reviews: 4.5/5
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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4.5
963 reviews
Excellent
609
Very good
252
Average
91
Poor
7
Terrible
4
William L
Sandown, NH1,007 contributions
Hiking Through
Aug 2021 • Solo
You can see Devils Postpile off the John Muir Trail but if you want to visit the ranger station you need to go off trail. Neat place to visit. It’s not far from Reds Meadows.
Written September 10, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
D. Aaronson
Asheville, NC656 contributions
Beautiful hiking area
Aug 2021
Fascinating basalt formations in the monument itself and a very nice hiking area in general. The bus access allows you to do one way hikes in the area using it as a shuttle and the considerable trail network means you can make a loop or straight line hike of just about any distance you wish.
Written September 9, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Wayne K
San Diego, CA180 contributions
Incredible Rock Formation
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.
Firemonkey C
Napa, CA16 contributions
Eh
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.
HappyDonor
Sandy, UT705 contributions
Miniature version of Devils Tower Wyoming
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.
D Crowell
2 contributions
Not worth the hassle or cost
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.
NellaiXpress
San Jose, CA76 contributions
Memorable visit!!!
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.
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa, CA725 contributions
Best part of our visit to Mammoth Lakes!
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.
anniedutch13
San Diego236 contributions
Always a nice hike and view
Aug 2020
We were here last month August 2020. Very easy hike even for us old people. Love the view and the nice scenery along the way.
Written September 9, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
John O
Los Angeles, CA1,047 contributions
Easy hike, interesting natural formation
Aug 2020 • Family
Enjoyed the visit to this iconic Mammoth area natural attraction. The walk is relatively easy and flat.
Written August 28, 2020
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of TripAdvisor LLC.
Blaze_B24
San Diego, CA5,529 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, CA657 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?
Wildwoodatheart
Santa Rosa, CA725 contributions
The walk if fairly easy, if you are walking from the main parking lot. (Get there early!) There is SOME up hill and downhill and stairs, but it is relatively level. It's about a mile from the parking lot to the Monument.
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!
jpmack210
Baltimore, MD84 contributions
I'm confused about winter/spring activity at the Devils Postpile National Monument and hoping someone can clarify. I'm seeing a bunch of TripAdvisor reviews provided during winter months (Jan, Feb, Mar), but when I check the National Park website, it says that the site is closed (and shuttles don't run) and that it typically re-opens mid-June. We will be in the area while visiting Yosemite during the last week of May. If Tioga pass is open by then, we will use it to drive to Yellowstone and would like to briefly visit the Devils ... monument. If the site is not yet officially open when we're traveling through, might there still be a possibility that we could visit? How far would one have to hike in to get some of the views and how rigorous would the hiking be? Can this only be done with special gear (e.g., snow shoes)? What amount of time should be budgeted? Is there a place we could park our car while we hike? Thank you for any clarification you can provide.
Thomas N
Modesto, CA154 contributions
Hi, just checked and Mammoth got another 26" during this storm with another coming in next week. Sooo... it will be awhile before the road to the Monument is cleared. Also, made a mistake on the previous answer I meant Memorial Day rather than Labor Day.
Patvb
Arkansas1 contribution
I am just starting to research this area for a trip this summer.
Are there RV or better yet camp sites with hook- up's for small travel trailers?
We try to stay in small camp grounds. PatVB
Darlene D
Mazatlan, Mexico110 contributions
We drove in and out same day as there is not much more around specific area to see, the national park did not have much for parking and it is way off the beaten path. I saw a couple picnic table and 2 washrooms. I think they bus people in the summer to the site. Maybe check around the recreational mountain range area there is a ski hill but can't recall name.
