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National Monument · California

Devils Postpile National Monument

National Monument in California. No entrance fee.

By The Green Adventures · Updated · How we check

TypeNational Monument
StateCalifornia
Entrance feeNo entrance fee
CampgroundsNone
Nearest national parkYosemite (27 mi)
Closest airportMMH (13 mi)
The Devils Postpile basalt formation resembles tall columns.
Devils Postpile formation is one of many features to see at Devils Postpile National Monument. Photo: NPS Photo

Devils Postpile National Monument is a national monument run by the National Park Service in California.

In the park service’s words

Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world's finest examples of columnar basalt. Its' columns tower up to 60 feet and display a striking symmetry.

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Fees and hours

Entrance fee: No entrance fee.

Hours: Open 24 hours, every day. In the operating season, Devils Postpile National Monument is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Monument usually opens in mid-June. By mid to late October, early winter storms in the High Sierra typically begin to bring snow to the area.

Getting there

Shuttle Bus: Most visitors must park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area and use the mandatory shuttle. The shuttle bus operates from mid-June through the Wednesday after Labor Day. By car: From U.S. Highway 395, drive 10 miles west on S.R. 203 to Minaret Vista and then another 8 miles on a paved, steep mountain road. Please note that this road is single lane for approximately 3 miles. By plane: The closest commercial airport is the Mammoth Lakes/Yosemite Airport (MMH), located on U.S. Highway 395.

Airport City Drive to the park Straight-line miles Type
Mammoth Yosemite Airport (MMH) Mammoth Lakes, CA No road route 13 Regional
Eastern Sierra Regional Airport (BIH) Bishop, CA No road route 43 Regional
Fresno Yosemite International Airport (FAT) Fresno, CA No road route 68 Large hub

Drive times run from the airport to Zion Canyon Visitor Center, estimated with OSRM routing on OpenStreetMap roads at normal speeds; allow extra for traffic, stops and construction.

Miles are straight-line distances.

Visitor centers

  • [Devils Postpile Ranger Station](): Daily, 9:00AM - 3:00PM. The ranger station is open summer only

Weather

Devils Postpile National Monument is located at 7,560 feet above sea level just west of the Sierra Nevada crest. As such, it experiences typical summer weather in the Sierras. Afternoon thunderstorms are possible in July and August. Daytime temperatures can range from the mid-70s to to mid-80s (degrees Fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in the months of September and October).

From the National Park Service (public domain).

Know before you go

Drones are banned at almost every park site, and you may not take rocks, plants or artifacts. Pets must be on a leash no longer than 6 feet where they are allowed. Bring no firewood from home.

Nearby

The nearest national park is Yosemite, about 27 miles away in a straight line.

Sources

Last checked 1 November 2026.

Frequently asked questions

Is there an entrance fee at Devils Postpile National Monument?

No entrance fee.

Where is Devils Postpile National Monument?

In California. The closest airport with scheduled flights is Mammoth Yosemite Airport, about 13 miles away.

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