Q: WHEN DOES DEVILS POSTPILE OPEN AND CLOSE FOR THE SUMMER SEASON?

A: The Monument's opening and closing dates vary every year. In the last couple of years, the Sierra Nevada has experienced a rather large amount of snowfall and as such, the Monument has not been able to open until the end of June. Although we try to stay open through Columbus Day Weekend, the road into the Monument will close for the season anytime after October 15th if snowfall occurs.

Q: ARE THERE EXCEPTIONS TO THE MANDATORY SHUTTLE BUS?

A: Visitors driving in before 7:00am or after 7:30pm, who are camping, who are overnight guests of Reds Meadow Resort, who can provide proof of physical handicap, who are hauling stock trailers, or who are bringing in small watercraft for use in one of the lakes within the Valley are permitted to drive their personal vehicles down the road.

Q: WHERE CAN I OBTAIN A WILDERNESS PERMIT?

A: If your trip departs from a trailhead within Reds Meadow Valley, the Devils Postpile Ranger Station can issue walk-in, first come, first served permits on behalf of the Inyo National Forest. Reserved wilderness permits must be picked up at an Inyo National Forest Ranger Station or Visitor Center.

Q: ONCE I PAY THE TRANSPORTATION FEE, IS MY CAMPING FEE FREE?

A: No, the transportation fee is separate from camping fees. Fees for camping vary depending on what campground within Reds Meadow Valley you decide to camp at. The Monument's campground is $14.00/night ($7.00/night with a Golden Age or Golden Access passport).

Q: HOW OFTEN DOES THE SHUTTLE BUS RUN?

A: Although there is no set schedule, buses on average run every 20 or 30 minutes.

Q: CAN I HUNT IN THE MONUMENT?

A: Hunting is illegal within Devils Postpile National Monument.

Q: WHY CAN'T I DRIVE MY OWN CAR DOWN THE ROAD?

A: Prior to the creation of the shuttle bus system in 1980, RVs, stock trailers, buses, cars, and bicyclists were forced to share the Reds Meadow Road unchecked. With only 200 day use parking spaces available within the Valley, vehicles parked off the roadway, damaging plants and creating a safety hazard for other vehicles.  Moreover, with thousands of visitors per day in the Valley, traffic congestion was a significant problem. Traffic jams along the roadway entering Devils Postpile were a common occurrence.  The shuttle system has been effective at limiting the number of vehicles on the road, reducing traffic congestion and accidents, as well as alleviating resource damage and allowing the Valley to return to its prior pristine state.

Q: WHY ISN'T MY GOLDEN PASSPORT OR NATIONAL PARK PASS GOOD FOR THE ENTRANCE FEE?

A: Devils Postpile National Monument does not charge an entrance fee. Rather, the U.S. Forest Service charges a transportation fee for use of Reds Meadow Road. Under the new Federal Lands Recreation Enhancement Act (FLREA), Reds Meadow Valley has been designated as an expanded amenity fee site. Golden Passports and National Park Passes are only valid for standard amenity sites under FLREA. In past years, the U.S. Forest Service has experimented with accepting National Park Passes with the Hologram Sticker as well as Golden Passports. When these passes were accepted, the shuttle bus system ran in a significant deficit.

Q: WHY MUST I PAY A TRANSPORTATION FEE IF I AM NOT RIDING THE SHUTTLE, AND INSTEAD, TAKE MY OWN VEHICLE?

A: Everyone who visits the area known as Reds Meadow Valley enjoys the benefits of the shuttle system: very little traffic, pristine vegetation and scenery, as well as accessibility. Without the shuttle system, the number of cars entering the Valley for day use purposes would have to be limited to the number of available day use parking spaces.