Devils Postpile National Monument

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 mid-80s (degrees Fahrenheit). Evening temperatures can drop into the low 40s (and even the low 30s in the months of September and October).

• Park website

The closest commercial airport is in Reno. From Reno, drive south on U.S. Highway 395 for approximately 3 hours (170 miles) to State Route 203.

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. This road is single-lane for approximately 3 miles.

During peak visiting time, there is a mandatory shuttle bus. You cannot enter the park by car when the shuttle is running. It runs for a fee from season opening to early September. It may also run thereafter; for example, in 2019, it ran on a complimentary basis for shortened hours until mid-October, but not for the remainder of the season. (Unfortunately, the National Park Service's websites can have contradictory information, hotels may have outdated information, and the Monument's phone number does not always connect, e.g., on weekends and off season. Prepare for all possibilities and to inquire at entry.)

To use the shuttle, park at the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. In addition to those who visit when the shuttle is not running, visitors who meet any of the following criteria do not need to use the shuttle:

• Visitors driving into the Valley before 7AM or after 7:30PM (hours differ when shuttle hours change).
• Visitors who are overnight guests of Reds Meadow Resort.
• Visitors who are camping within the Reds Meadow Valley.
• Visitors who are hauling stock trailers
• Visitors whose vehicles are carrying small watercraft for use in the lakes.
• Visitors who can provide proof of physical handicap (shuttle buses are not ADA compliant).

Shuttle bus tickets can be purchased at the Forest Service Adventure Center located in the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area Gondola Building adjacent to the Mammoth Mountain Inn at the top of Highway 203. Buses run every 20 or 30 minutes.

For those visitors keen to bike down to the Postpile, bicycles are allowed down the road free of charge. If, however, visitors choose not to ride back out of the Valley and opt to use the shuttle instead, they must pay the transportation fee. The shuttle buses are equipped to transport bicycles.

The Pacific Crest Trail (PCT) is a well known trail that extends along the West coast of the United States, from Mexico to Canada. It passes through California, Oregon, and Washington State.

• 🌍 Reds Meadow Campground. The park's lone campground is first-come, first-served and reservations are not available. $14 per night. 

The park is a popular entry point for treks into the Ansel Adams and John Muir wilderness areas. Wilderness permits are required for all overnight stays in the backcountry. Backpackers are encouraged to acquire their wilderness permits from the Inyo National Forest, although the staff at Devils Postpile can issue first-come, first-served permits for trips originating out of trailheads within Reds Meadow Valley. These walk-in permits are free of charge.

Permits can be issued for the day of entry and, starting at 11AM, for the following day. Reservations are not available through the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Backcountry users interested in obtaining a reservation must contact the Inyo National Forest's Wilderness Permit Office at +1 760 873-2485.

Bear canisters are required for most destinations. Devils Postpile has a limited number of these available for rent for $3/day.