• Devils Postpile Formation

    Devils Postpile

    National Monument California

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  • Shuttle Buses Have Stopped Running for the Season

    The Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle has stopped for the season. Visitors are now permitted to drive into the valley. Interagency passes are now accepted for all visitors, or for those without passes, a $10/vehicle fee will be charged.

  • Road Delays Possible Through September and October

    A hazardous fuel reduction project will likely cause periodic delays of at least 30 minutes throughout the months of September and October. There will be large trucks on the Reds Meadow Road from 6:00 a.m. to 10:00 a.m. Please drive carefully. More »

  • Devils Postpile Sets 37-Foot Vehicle Length Restriction on the Devils Postpile Access Road

    In order to improve public safety, Devils Postpile will be enforcing a limit of 37 feet for vehicles on the short monument access road. This is not for the entire Reds Meadow Road. Large vehicles can still access Forest Service campgrounds in the valley. More »

Frequently Asked Questions

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 7:00pm, 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 STANDARD AMENITY FEE, IS MY CAMPING FEE FREE?

A: No, the standard amenity or entrance 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: 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: CAN I USE MY INTERAGENCY, SENIOR, OR ACCESS PASS?

A: Yes, if you are an exception to the shuttle bus or you are visiting when the shuttle buses are not running. If you do not fit into either of these categories, you must ride the bus and the passes are not good for the bus fee.

Did You Know?

Black Bears are excellent tree climbers.

Black bears are commonly seen in Devils Postpile. Although they are not as active in winter months and spend much of this time in their dens, they could be seen any time of the year.