Devils Postpile National Monument
Devils Postpile National Monument is a U.S. National Monument located near Mammoth Mountain in Eastern California. The monument protects Devils Postpile, an unusual rock formation of columnar basalt, "all closely and perfectly fitted together like a vast mosaic." The monument encompasses 798 acres (323 ha) and includes two main attractions: the Devils Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls, a waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. In addition, the John Muir Trail and Pacific Crest Trail merge into one trail as they pass through the monument. Excluding a small developed area containing the monument headquarters, visitor center and a campground, the National Monument lies within the borders of the Ansel Adams Wilderness.
Basalt columns of Devils Postpile
Rainbow Falls at Devils Postpile National Monument
The tops of the postpile columns are accessible to visitors. The shapes of the column cross sections are seen clearly here.
Top of columnar basalt shows polygonal shapes
Eastern California is a region defined as either the strip to the east of the crest of the Sierra Nevada or as the easternmost counties of California.
Downtown San Bernardino, anchor of the largest metro area in East California and 12th in the United States.
Sand dunes in Death Valley
Snowy forest at Boreal Mountain Resort
View from State Route 158