Where is Devils Postpile National Monument,Mammoth Lakes, California?

Written by | Updated On: December 03, 2025, 14:30 ET

Devils Postpile National Monument is located in California, USA. It lies between Mammoth Lakes and Yosemite National Park and is situated in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains. The monument is famous for its unique columnar basalt rock formations and scenic hiking trails.

Devils Postpile National Monument Location Map,Mammoth Lakes, California

Top Attractions Inside Devils Postpile National Monument

  • Devils Postpile Formation – Unique basalt columns formed by cooling lava, a rare and striking geological feature.
  • Rainbow Falls – 101-foot waterfall with colorful mist, located along a scenic hiking trail.
  • John Muir Trail – Famous long-distance trail passing near the monument, offering hiking and nature exploration.
  • Minaret Falls – Scenic waterfall accessible via moderate hikes, surrounded by alpine forests.
  • Postpile Trail – Short loop trail providing close-up views of the columnar basalt formation.
  • Camping & Picnic Areas – Facilities near the monument for outdoor recreation and family activities.
  • Wildlife Observation – Opportunities to see deer, marmots, and various bird species in the surrounding forested areas.

Devils Postpile National Monument Facts

Official NameDevils Postpile National Monument
LocationMammoth Lakes / Mono County, California, USA — near Yosemite National Park, Sierra Nevada
Latitude & Longitude≈ 37.3225° N, 119.1806° W (approx. central-monument reference)
Total Area798 acres (≈ 323 hectares)
Established / DesignatedOctober 25, 1911
Managed ByUnited States National Park Service (NPS)
RegionSierra Nevada Mountains / Eastern California
Main Theme / ConceptVolcanic geology, columnar basalt formation, waterfalls, alpine forest & mountain scenery, conservation
Main Sections / FeaturesDevils Postpile basalt columns, Rainbow Falls, Middle Fork San Joaquin River canyon, forested hiking areas, wilderness back-country zones
Famous Attractions / HighlightsFamous columnar basalt “postpile” formation, Rainbow Falls waterfall, scenic forest & mountain hiking, river & canyon views, winter snow-landscape access
Visitor ActivitiesHiking, sightseeing, geology observation, photography, waterfall visits, back-country hiking, snow-shoeing (winter), riverside walking
Entry Fee / Access TypePaid Admission — vehicle/entry pass or wilderness permit required (varies by season and access method)
Time ZonePacific Time (PT) – UTC−8 Standard / UTC−7 Daylight Saving (California)
Official Website / Info Sourcehttps://www.nps.gov/depo/index.htm

Distances from Devils Postpile National Monument to Nearby Landmarks

  • Devils Postpile Visitor Center – 0 km (0 mi)
  • Rainbow Falls – 2 km (1.2 mi)
  • Minaret Vista – 4 km (2.5 mi)
  • Mammoth Mountain Ski Area – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Mammoth Lakes, CA – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Red’s Meadow – 12 km (7.5 mi)
  • Lake Mary – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • John Muir Trail Access – 5 km (3.1 mi)
  • Yosemite National Park (Tioga Pass Entrance) – 70 km (43.5 mi)
  • Minaret Lake – 10 km (6.2 mi)
  • Lake George – 15 km (9.3 mi)
  • Convict Lake – 25 km (15.5 mi)
  • Hot Creek Geological Site – 22 km (13.7 mi)
  • Devils Postpile Campground – 0.5 km (0.3 mi)
  • McGee Creek – 18 km (11.2 mi)
  • Mammoth Scenic Loop – 20 km (12.4 mi)
  • Snowcreek Golf Course – 17 km (10.6 mi)
  • Lake Mamie – 16 km (10 mi)
  • Convict Canyon – 26 km (16.2 mi)
  • Little Antelope Valley – 12 km (7.5 mi)