Visitor Guide to Devils Postpile and National Forest Service
U.S. Department of Agriculture
the Reds Meadow Valley National Park Service
U.S. Department of the Interior
The Post
2009-2010
What’s Inside
Information and Services.................. 2
Ranger-led Activities
Shuttle Bus Information.................... 3
Hiking ................................................ 4
Making the Most of Your Time
Bear Safety......................................... 5
Maps .................................................. 6
Science and Resources
Welcome to Devils Postpile
Student Conservation Association
Junior Ranger Program..................... 7
and the Reds Meadow Valley
Volcanic Landscape
Aquatic Hitchhikers
Bookstores and Partners................... 8
Welcome to Reds Meadow Valley and Southern Sierra species of plants as “wanton destruction of scenery” displayed as an exhibit in the valley or
and Devils Postpile in the spectacu- and animals converge along the river and enlisted the support of District in Mammoth. If you have any pho-
lar Upper Middle Fork of the San corridor and in the many wetlands. Forester F.E. Olmsted and Univer- tos or stories you would like to share,
Joaquin River Valley. Beauty abounds sity of California Professor Joseph N. please feel free to contribute these for
in the forms of unusually rich and The value of the natural and recre- LeConte to evaluate the situation with possible inclusion in this exhibit.
diverse flora and fauna, traditional ational resources was recognized in the hope of denying the permit and
recreational opportunities and a 1890 with its inclusion in the initial protecting the area. Devils Postpile is also embarking on
fascinating cultural history. boundaries of Yosemite National Park. its first ever general management plan,
Their efforts, along with the support of in cooperation with the Inyo National
Researchers, writers, visitors, and In 1905 the Devils Postpile formation, the Sierra Club, resulted in President Forest. Public involvement is encour-
staff have learned much about the Rainbow Falls, and the entire valley Taft signing the enabling legislation for aged. We are reaching out to our visi-
valley’s geologic and ecologic re- including the Minarets were removed the Devils Postpile National Monu- tors, public, and communities to invite
sources and its historic sites. This from Yosemite’s boundaries due to ment on July 6, 1911. The monument comments and suggestions. The goal
50,000 acre valley is a crossroads of pressure from mining interests. The was ultimately transferred to the na- is for a draft vision for the future to be
ecological and cultural diversity. area became part of the Sierra Forest tional park system in 1933. published for the Centennial Celebra-
Reserve, managed by the newly orga- tion.
The trail from Mammoth crossed nized U.S. Forest Service. Since then, the US Forest Service and
the lowest pass in the Eastern Sierra National Park Service have worked While you are here, please appreciate
and traversed one of the shortest Soon after, the Forest Service received together in this remarkable valley to the valley’s legacy of protection and be
trans-Sierra Routes climbing over an application for a permit to build a care for the land and provide quality safe while enjoying your public lands.
Granite Staircase to Fresno Flats dam on the Middle Fork of the San visitor experiences. Both agencies have
(now Oakhurst). Native Americans, Joaquin River at the site of Devils Post- shared nearly a century of history and, Jim Upchurch,
explorers, hunters, sheepherders, pile. The intent was to blast the forma- together, we are preparing a Centennial Inyo National Forest Supervisor
miners, and the US Calvary used tion of the Postpile to create a rock Celebration of the creation of Devils
this route and left evidence of their fill dam that could be used to support Postpile National Monument in 2011.
passing. local mining operations. Deanna Dulen,
Our hope is to discover many fascinat- Devils Postpile Superintendent
In this valley, many Eastern, Western, Walter Huber, district engineer for the ing historical photos and stories to be
Forest Service, regarded the proposal
The Future of Devils Postpile
Last summer, Devils Postpile Na- their decisions.
tional Monument embarked on a new
journey in park management: the With pressing issues such as climate
development of a general management change, health of the San Joaquin River,
plan (GMP). The monument will work and visitor experience in the monu-
closely with the Inyo National Forest to ment, a guiding document is necessary
develop a shared vision for the monu- to direct decisions.The GMP involves
ment and Reds Meadow Valley. partnerships between agency staff and
National Park Service the visiting public.
U.S. Department of the Interior What is a GMP?
In short, it is a blueprint for mananging What does the GMP mean for you?
Devils Postpile the monument. A general manage- Visitors and people from all over the
National Monument ment plan provides the framework for country can contribute their thoughts
managing many aspects of the monu- and ideas to the process. There will
Mailing Address ment including natural and cultural be opportunities for your voice to be
P.O. Box 3999 resources and the experiences of visi- heard on the monument’s website and
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 tors like you for the next 15-20 years. It at public meetings. The deadline for
provides managers with guidance on public comment is September 22nd.
Phone: (760) 934-2289 issues ranging from visitor services to
Fax: (760) 934-4780 preservation of natural and cultural Devils Postpile National Monument
Web site: www.nps.gov/depo resources. was created for the benefit of all peo-
ple. Monument staff need your help
Why do we need a GMP? to shape the future of Devils Postpile
Devils Postpile has never had a GMP. and determine how it will be managed
While each manager has acted to pro- for the next 20 years. For information,
tect the monument’s special resources, visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/depo.
there has never been a GMP to guide
Information and Services
EMERGENCIES CAMPING PETS
In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone Devils Postpile Devils Postpile
National Forest Service coverage is limited. Pay phones are lo- Devils Postpile has a 21 site first-come, Pets are allowed on trails and in the
U.S. Department of Agriculture cated at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow first-served campground for tents and campground at Devils Postpile Nation-
and Pumice Flat campgrounds. RVs up to 32 feet in length. Sites are $14 al Monument and must be on a leash at
Mammoth Ranger District per night or $7/night for Senior or Ac- all times. Pick up after your pet. Do not
Inyo National Forest VISITOR CENTERS cess Pass holders. leave pets unattended in the monu-
Devils Postpile ment or in vehicles if it is above 68
Mailing Address The Devils Postpile Ranger Station Inyo National Forest degrees farenheight outside.
P.O. Box 148 is open from mid-June through mid- There are seven Forest Service camp-
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 October. Hours of operation are grounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Five Inyo National Forest
from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maps, campgrounds are first-come, first- Pets are allowed on all trails and in
Phone: (760) 924-5500 backcountry permits, and other in- served and are $20/night. There are campgrounds within the Inyo National
Fax: (760) 924-5547 formation is available. There is also a two group campgrounds which are Forest. Pets must be under control at all
bookstore and interpretive exhibits. available by reservation; rates range times and leashed in campgrounds.
Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/
from $66/night to $143/night. Agnew
Inyo National Forest Campground has three equestrian FISHING
The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center campsites that are $22/night and are Fishing is permitted in most lakes in
serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, also by reservation only. the valley and in the San Joaquin River.
the Inyo National Forest, and the A fishing license is required for adults
National Park Service. Hours of opera- CLOSING DATES ages 16 and older and must be dis-
tion are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All campgrounds in the Red’s Meadow played at all times. Special regulations
year-round. Vistors can obtain maps, Valley close on or before October 15, apply for the Ansel Adams Wilderness
backcountry permits, area information, depending on the weather. There is no and can be found in the California De-
and browse a bookstore and gift shop. overnight parking in the valley after partment of Fish and Game’s Freshwa-
October 15. Please call for exact dates. ter Sport Fishing Book available online
ENTRANCE FEES/PASSES or where fishing licenses are sold.
Visitors on the road to the Reds Mead- SHOWERS
ow Valley and Devils Postpile National There are public, hot-spring-fed HUNTING
Monument must use the shuttle bus showers available at the Reds Meadow Devils Postpile
system (with some exceptions). A Campground. The showers are open Hunting is prohibited within the
transportation fee is charged. Federal from mid-June through mid-October. boundaries of the monument.
Lands Recreation Passes do not apply.
The fee is $7 per person for adults and FOOD SERVICES Inyo National Forest
$4 per person for children under 12. Food service is available at the Red’s Hunting is permitted in designated
Children under 3 are free. For visitors Meadow Resort. A store and a res- areas within the Inyo National Forest
wishing to acquire a National Parks taurant are open during peak season. with a valid license. Contact the Cali-
On the Cover: Fall colors reflected in and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Basic camping supplies and groceries fornia Department of Fish and game
Sotcher Lake. Photo: David Scott/NPS a Senior Pass, or Access Pass, they are are also available. at (760) 872-1171 for more information.
available at the Mammoth Welcome Regulation booklets are available at
2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Center. USFS visitor centers.
Ranger-led Activities
How was the Postpile formed? What Other programs will be offered includ-
is a Wilderness area? Will I be eaten ing talks about local wildlife, hiking
by a bear? Visitors to the monument and backpacking, and evening camp-
and the national forest bring with them fire programs.
many questions. Ranger led programs
are a great way to have those questions Programs are also available for fall visi-
answered. tors including hikes to Devils Postpile
and ranger talks.
Programs are offered at the Mammoth
Lakes Welcome Center and at Devils For more information or for a sched-
Postpile National Monument through- ule of program times and locations,
out the summer season. Beginning in please check at the Mammoth Lakes
Photo: NPS
mid-June, Rangers will lead daily walks Welcome Center or the Devils Postpile
to Devils Postpile at 11:00 a.m. Ranger Station.
Hikes to Devils Postpile begin at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station every day at 11:00 a.m.
Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus
The Need for a Shuttle System or driving into the Valley in an excep- Buildings at 8:30 pm. Please plan your
Devils Postpile and Inyo National tion vehicle, everyone enjoys a more trip to coincide with the bus schedule.
Forest Service staff work together to pristine and safer experience as a result For the most up-to-date shuttle sched-
provide a memorable experience that of the shuttle operation. ule, visit the Devils Postpile web site
transcends administrative boundaries. (www.nps.gov/depo), Mammoth Lakes
Shuttle passes are available at the Shut- Welcome Center, or any of the Inyo
Whether coming to hike to Rainbow tle Bus Terminal at Mammoth Moun- National Forest Visitor Centers.
Falls, inspect the columnar jointing of tain Main Lodge Gondola building and
the Postpile, or fish in Sotcher Lake, at all other Mammoth Mountain ticket Well behaved dogs on leashes and
the Reds Meadow Valley is a special booths. Visitors not required to ride wearing muzzles are allowed on buses
place. One reason the Valley is a spe- the bus can purchase their passes at at the discretion of the driver.
cial place is because of the 30 year-old Minaret Vista Station.
mandatory shuttle system, one of the Fees: Your input is needed!
oldest and most successful shuttle sys- A New Partnership In order to provide improved recre-
tems in the country. This is the first year that Inyo National ation opportunities in Reds Meadow
Forest and Devils Postpile National Valley, the Inyo National Forest is
The shuttle has allowed the valley to Monument have partnered with East- considering a change to visitor fees
recover from intense use throughout ern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) to at Reds Meadow Valley in 2010 (the
1970’s. It has protected the area from operate the mandatory shuttle. shuttle bus will remain mandatory for
additional degradation resulting from most visitors).
the high numbers of visitors and lim- One immediate benefit from this
ited parking. partnership is that visitors to Reds The Forest Services welcomes your
Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile input and feedback about this potential
In addition, the steep and narrow ac- National Monument can now board a change; however, the specifics of the
cess road into the Valley would become few buses in the morning in Mammoth proposal were not available at the time
a major traffic safety hazard during Lakes at The Village, instead of having this publication.
peak times of visitation without the to drive up to the Mammoth Mountain
shuttle. Main Lodge Gondola building. Most Information about the change and how
buses will continue to board only at to comment will be available from staff
Passes and Logistics the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Cen-
To support the shuttle, all visitors ac- Gondola building. ter, the Minaret Vista Station, Devils
cessing the recreational opportunities Postpile National Monument Ranger
in the Reds Meadow Valley are charged Schedule Station, and the Inyo National Forest
a transportation fee when the shuttle is Buses run every 20-60 minutes from website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/.
The Reds Meadow-Devils Postpile Shuttle has
in operation (June 13 to September 9). 7:30 am until 7:00 pm. The last bus of We look forward to hearing from you! been in operation for over 30 years. Although
The shuttle is mandatory for all visitors, the day will leave the Gondola build- the brochures have been updated, the service
unless they meet one of the following ing at 7:00 p.m., Devils Postpile at 7:45 and experience remains the same.
exceptions: p.m., arriving back at the Gondola
• Have a handicapped parking Transportation Fees and Passes
placard COST
PASSES
• Arrive in vehicles transporting
livestock or cartop boats (kayaks, Day Pass $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.
canoes, or float tubes). $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. One time
Campers
• Are staying overnight at Reds fee for the duration of stay in the valley, based on permit or reservation.
Resort Guests
Meadow Resort or in a developed
Wilderness Hikers
campground
• Are administrative vehicles 3 Day Pass $14 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.
Season Pass $35 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.
Visitors who meet one of the above
exceptions still must pay the transpor- Vehicle Pass $20 maximum charge per exception vehicle if staying overnight..
tation fee. Whether riding the shuttle Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 3
Hiking
Hiking in the Eastern Sierra leads to many types of adventures. Everything
from meandering wildflower walks to steep scrambles up glacially scoured
peaks await. Below are some of the more popular hikes in the Reds
Meadow Valley and at Devils Postpile.
Garnet Lake at sunrise.
Photo:David Scott/NPS
Permits Be Prepared
Wilderness permits are required for Weather in the mountains changes in Hiking Trails (Blue numbers correspond to shuttle stops on Devils Postpile park map)
overnight travel into the Ansel Adams an instant. Extreme temperatures, vio- Trail Shuttle One Way Description
Trailhead Stop (mi / km)
Wilderness year round. Reservations lent storms, and unexpected changes
may be made up to six months in ad- are not uncommon. Dress in layers and Lake Ediza Moderate/Strenuous Follow switchbacks through
vance for trips during the quota season bring plenty of water on any hike. Do Agnew 1 6mi / 9.7km an open hillside to specatular views of the High
which is May 1 through November 1. A not drink water directly from streams Meadows Sierra.
reservation fee of $5.00 is charged. No or lakes without filtering or boiling it
Shadow Lake Moderate Rolling trail takes hikers through open
fee is charged for walk-in permits. before consumption.
Agnew 1 3mi / 4.8km meadows and lopdgepole forests to the shores of
Meadows Shadow Lake. Great mountain views at the lake.
Permits are available at the Mammoth Sensitive areas
Welcome Center and at the Devils Cross country travel is permitted in Wildflower Trail Easy Self guided wildflower walk. Late June to the
Postpile Ranger Station, however some areas, but please observe posted Agnew 1 2mi / 3.2km middle of July tend to be the best times for wildflow-
Meadows ers, but bring bug spray.
Devils Postpile Ranger Station can only signs. Sub-alpine meadows like the
issue permits for trip originating in the ones found in the Reds Meadow Valley Devils Postpile Easy Wide, level trail through shaded lodgepole for-
Reds Meadow Valley. and areas of alpine tundra are sensitive Devils Postpile 6 0.4mi / 0.6km est. Moderate, steep hike to the top of the Postpile.
and may take many years to recover
For through hikes starting in Sequoia/ from “social” or unofficial trails. If Minaret Falls Easy Rolling trail through the forest travels by natu-
Devils Postpile 6 1.5mi / 2.3km ral springs and seeps. Best in early summer.
Kings Canyon or Yosemite National traveling off-trail, travel on durable
Parks, permits must be acquired surfaces. Rainbow Falls Moderate Rolling terrain through forest and open
through those parks and will be valid Devils Postpile 6 2.5mi / 4km burn area from the 1992 Rainbow Fire. Great views
for the duration of your trip. You do Backcountry Fires in open area. Bring plenty of water.
not need multiple permits for a con- Fires are allowed in some backcountry
Minaret Lake Strenuous This can be done as a long day hike or
tinuous trip. For trips originating in areas. It is your responsibility to know 6
Devils Postpile 8mi / 12.9km overnight trip. 2700 foot elevation gain brings hikers
Sequoia/Kings Canyon call (559) 565- where fires are and are not allowed. to an emerald lake at the base of the Minarets.
3766. For trips originating in Yosemite Keep in mind that this information
call (209) 372-0740. For more permit may change during severe fire seasons. Sotcher Lake Easy/Moderate Self guided nature trail loops
7
information, call (760) 924-5500 or visit Check at the Mammoth Welcome Cen- Nature Trail 2mi / 3.2km around Sotcher Lake. Hikers pass springs, waterfalls
Sotcher Lake and seeps along the way.
the Inyo National Forest Web site. ter or Devils Postpile Ranger Station
for the most current information. Rainbow Falls Moderate Slightly shorter than the trail to the falls
Rainbow Falls 9 1.3mi / 1.2km from Devils Postpile, the terrain is similar. Bring plenty
of water on this hike.
4 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide
Making the Most of Your Visit
If you have two to three hours... If you have three to four hours... If you have a full day... If you have multiple days...
Ride the shuttle from the Adventure Start at the Devils Postpile Ranger Sta- Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead Opportunities for multiday trips
Center to the Devils Postpile Ranger tion. Hike to Rainbow falls along the (shuttle stop 4) and hike up to Shadow abound in the valley. Popular trips to
Station (shuttle stop 6) and either hike San Joaquin River before heading into Lake. This moderate 6 mile round trip alpine lakes include Thousand Island,
to Devils Postpile or join a ranger-led the open vistas left by the Rainbow Fire trail takes you through open meadows, Garnet, and Fern Lakes (2-3 days).
hike to the main feature of the monu- in 1992. Because this section the hike past cascading waterfalls to the subal- Yosemite or Kings Canyon National
ment, an easy half mile walk. If you can be hot, bring plenty of water. You pine lake. Beautiful views of the peaks Parks can be reached via the John Muir
have extra time, climb the steep, but can hike from the 101 foot Rainbow of the High Sierra await dedicated hik- or Pacific Crest Trails in 3-4 days. These
short (0.25 mile)and rewarding trail to Falls out to the Rainbow Falls Trail- ers. Bring plenty of water and dress for are just a few of the many adventures
the top of the Postpile for a spectacular head (shuttle stop 9) or to the Reds rapidly changing weather on this hike. that await hikers able to spend a few
view of the entire valley. Once on top, Meadow Trailhead (shuttle stop 10) or Early season hikers, be aware, alpine days in the backcountry. They respre-
you will find evidence of past glacial head back the way you came, and pick and subalpine lakes may be frozen and sent some of the most iconic and mag-
events in the form of striations or up the shuttle during peak season. The trails may be snowy until July. Check nificent scenery in the Eastern Sierra.
grooves and glacial polish. distance is about 3.5 miles to stops 9/10. with a ranger for more information.
Photo Shadow
Lake
Photo: NPS Photo: NPS Photo: Jon C. Regelbrugge Photo: David Scott
Glacial striations at the top of the postpile. Rainbow Falls in June. Shadow Lake. Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite is just a short 34
mile hike away!
Be Bear Aware
Black Bears are frequently seen in the Reds Meadow Valley and in Devils Postpile.
Seeing one in the wild is an amazing and inspiring experience. In order to keep
these magnificent animals wild follow these tips to keep you safe from bears and
bears safe from you.
Food Storage Hiking and Camping Safety
• A fed bear is a dead bear. Bears • Keep a clean and organized camp.
allowed to access human food Keep all food within reach in case a
become conditioned and reliant on bear should wander through camp.
humans. These bears often become • When hiking through areas of
aggressive. dense vegetation or loud water,
• Bear boxes are located at every make noise so you do not startle a
campground in the valley for prop- bear.
er food storage. Please do not leave • If you see a bear, keep your dis-
food unattended in your vehicle tance. Never run from a bear or
over night. Use the bear boxes. climb a tree. Black bears are very
• Backpackers should use bear re- fast and are excellent tree climbers.
sistant canisters. They are available Back away slowly from the animal Photo: NPS
for rent at the Mammoth Lakes and wait for it to leave the area.
Welcome Center and at the Devils • Remember, we are visitors to their Where there is a black bear cub, there is usually a black bear mom. Give all bears in the Valley plenty of
Postpile Ranger Station. homes. Respect all wild animals. space. If you encounter one, back away slowly and wait for the bear to leave the area.
Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle
Americans generate about 251 Recycling recepticles can be The following items can be
million tons of garbage each found at these locations: recycled:
year. Although some amount of • Devils Postpile Campground
waste is inevitable, the National • Forest Service Campgrounds • All numbered plastics
Park Service and the National • Devils Postpile Ranger Station • All colored and clear glass*
Forest Service would like to • At the Postpile • Aluminum cans
encourage all visitors to recycle • Starkweather Lake Parking
what they can. We can all make • Sotcher Lake Parking *Only at Devils Postpile Ranger
a difference. • Agnew Meadows Trailhead Station and Campground.
• Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 5
Area Maps
G
Agnew 1
M
idd Meadows
le
For
k
Sa
J o hn M u
n
Jo
ir Trail
a qu
in
Rive
r
INYO NATIONAL
INYO NATIONAL FOREST
FOREST
(Ansel Adams Wilderness)
2
6 Sotcher Lake
John
Starkweather
Lake
7
Muir Tra
Upper Soda Minaret Vista
Springs Overlook DEVILS
Camground
Mammoth Mtn.
POSTPILE
il
and Parking
NATIONAL
Minaret
3 Entrance Station MONUMENT Reds
(Fee Required) 8 Meadow
il
Pumice Flat
Campground
Tra
4
est
Campground
c Cr G
9
Minaret
cifi
Pa
Falls
INYO NATIONAL Stock
Rainbow
10
THE BUTTRESSES
J o hn M u Bridge
5
FOREST
ir Trail
Minaret Falls
Campground
Falls
Trailhead Reds
Meadow
6 Sotcher Lake Resort
DEVILS
7
POSTPILE Rainbow Bo
u nd
NATIONAL a ry
MONUMENT Reds
Falls Cr
8 Meadow k
ee
Campground
Rainbow Falls 9
Trailhead
10
Reds John Muir and
Meadow
Resort
Paci c Crest Trail
Lower
Rainbow Bo
u nd
Falls
ar y
Falls Cr
ee
k
Detailed view of Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls area
John Muir and
Paci c Crest Trail Bus Route
Lower
Falls Bus Stop
Gravel Roads
Reds Meadow Valley map North Other Trails
John Muir and
Pacific Crest Trails
Campground
G
0 0.5 Kilometer Group Camp
0 0.5 Mile Pack Station
6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide
Songbird Monitoring Continues in the Valley
In 2002, Devils Postpile National Mon- The summer study will use point
ument began a partnership with the counts at different stations to deter-
Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) mine the abundance and diversity of
to monitor migratory birds within the breeding birds along the San Joaquin
monument. There are two separate River corridor and in other sensitive ri-
projects occurring in the Reds Mead- parian areas in the valley such as along
ow Valley - a bird banding project that Reds Creek to Sotcher Meadows.
will occur in the fall and a point count
project that will occur in the summer. The point counts will also look to iden-
tify any species of concern in the valley,
“With some migratory bird populations monitor land birds, and contribute data
known to be in decline, the monitoring to national long term monitoring pro-
will help us understand what species grams, as well as to California Partners
are here and how we can manage for in Flight bird conservation efforts in
their protection. It also provides a riparian, Sierra Nevada, and coniferous
great opportunity for visitors and local forest habitats.
students to see scientific research first
hand,” said Devils Postpile National In the fall, Devils Postpile National
Monument superintendent Deanna Monument staff will provide programs Photo: NPS
Dulen. for local school groups and the public
related to the bird banding project. A researcher from the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and park staff collect a bird from one of the nets used to
The monitoring and banding projects temporarily capture them for banding.
will continue the work done in years The project provides learning experi-
past and will provide the monument ence for school children where they Over all, this project will provide experiential learning opportunities to
with valuable information to help it will experience scientific research hap- valuable scientific data related to bird park visitors and students from the lo-
manage bird habitat in the future. pening first hand. species in the valley, contribute data to cal community.
other studies, and provide an excellent
Be a Junior Ranger!
Want to learn more about Devils Even if you’re not in a park, there are
Postpile National Monument? The still ways to participate in the Junior
Devils Postpile Junior Ranger Program Ranger program. One opportunity is
is a great way to do it. Fun activities for through the WebRangers program,
all ages are included in the booklets, which gives kids a chance to learn
which are available free of charge at about national parks from their home
the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. computer.
Many parks and monuments have For more information on these pro-
Junior Ranger programs. They offer grams visit www.nps.gov/webrangers,
kids a chance to learn about the area www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm.
on their level. or contact your local park. Photo: NPS
A Park Ranger helps a junior ranger earn her badge at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station.
Public Lands Benefit from SCA Programs
Environmental Education, Trail Crew, The monument is also hosting two in- The Inyo NF is also using high school
Bear Management, Wilderness Protec- terns from Japan as part of an interna- intern crews from SCA to make trail
tion - these are just some of the jobs tional SCA program. These interns will improvements on some of the heavier
performed by interns from the Student learn about America’s National Parks used trails.
Conservation Association (SCA). SCA first hand and will assist visitors at the
is a non-profit organization that pairs monument. A public safety intern will The national monument and forest
hard working volunteers with agencies be working on a project addressing combined are benefitting from the help
that need their skills. visitor safety. A Junior Ranger Ambas- of 85 volunteer interns in 2009 to ac-
sador intern will be developing a new complish everything from educational
This summer, Devils Postpile National Junior Ranger book. outreach to resource management.
Monument and the Inyo National For-
est (NF) are involved in many projects In the Inyo NF, interns are involved Many of these interns go onto paid po-
that would not be possible without in a wide range of projects. They will sitions with a public lands agency, but
these hard working interns. be working to reduce human conflicts others will take the skills learned in the
with bears, monitoring the use of field and apply them to other aspects of
At Devils Postpile, SCA interns will backcountry campsites in the Wil- their careers. To learn more about the
be patrolling trails and campgrounds, derness, providing infomation and SCA, visit www.thesca.org.
assisting visitors and presenting ranger- educational programs at the Mammoth
led programs. Lakes Welcome Center, and conduct-
An SCA intern explains hexagons at the top of Devils Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 7
Postpile. ing backcountry trail patrols.
Pumice Flat
il
Tra
4
est
Cr
fic
ci
A Volcanic Landscape
Pa
Jo
hn
Mu
5 Volcanic Rocks
ir
Minaret
Falls of Devils Postpile National Monument
and Vicinity
Trail
NPS campground
Tour of Volcanic Rocks (5 miles)
The Reds Meadow Valley is a treasure What you need: Follow the trail system highlighted in red
and black to visit several lava flows in the
chest of volcanic rocks. At higher • at least 3 hours Ranger Station 6 valley.
elevations near the Minarets you will • at least 1 liter of water
Sotcher
Youngest
Soda Springs 7
Lake Basalt of the Red Cones
DEVILS POSTPILE Unglaciated red cinder cones and lava flows
find old, metamorphosed volcanic • a map NATIONAL
Devils Postpile
Basalt of the Devils Postpile
MONUMENT
rocks that have changed greatly over Dark gray, fine-grained basalt flow with
abundant feldspar crystals. Source: near
8
time as the mountains rose. What to expect: Hot
Reds Meadow Upper Soda Springs
Andesite of Mammoth Pass
• Moderate terrain with short, steep
Springs
Showers Light gray to dark gray, fine-grained andesite.
INYO Weathers red-orange. Glacially polished near
BUTTRESSES
9
In and around Devils Postpile National sections NATIONAL FOREST
(Ansel Adams Wilderness)
Rainbow
Falls
10 Rainbow Falls. Source: Mammoth Pass
Rhyodacite of Rainbow Falls
Trailhead
Monument you will find rocks from • Sun and shade. Reds Meadow Resort
Light gray, fine-grained rhyodacite. Exhibits
horizontal platy weathering fractures and
John M
younger flows and eruptions such as • Scenery enjoyed by few visitors some dense, black, columnar-jointed
outcrops. Flow probably occurred in two
u ir
THE
pumice, rhyolite, basalts, and andes-
stages. Source: near Reds Meadow
and
Tuff of Reds Meadow
Pa
ites that have changed little since they You will find scenery enjoyed by Similiar to Bishop Tuff. Buff, ash-flow rhyolite
c ifi
exhibiting welding of pumice and rock
cC
cooled into rock from lava. relatively few visitors. And, if you have
st
re
Rainbow Trai
fragments. Source: Long Valley Caldera
Falls ls
Basalt of the Buttresses.
time and energy, hike the John Muir/
Oldest
Dark gray basalt. Crude columnar jointing.
Source: Unknown
To visit all of the different flows in the Pacific Crest Trail to the Red Cones for North
valley, carefully follow the trails marked unparalleled views of the valley and
in red. Use the map on the right to a visit to the only intact, unglaciated 0
0
0.5 Kilometer
0.5 Mile
Lower
Falls
identify rocks as you hike through the volcanic cones in the valley.
Reds Cones
monument.
Enjoy a Safe Visit Aquatic Hitchhikers
Dehydration Swift Water The lakes, streams, and rivers in the It is common for these species to spead
The main cause of medical emergen- The San Joaquin River runs cold and Reds Meadow Valley provide clear, quickly by hitching rides on wad-
cies in the valley is dehydration. Hiking fast in June and July. Swimming dur- clean water for wildlife and recreation. ers, boats, and float tubes. To protect
to Rainbow falls and other destinations ing periods of high water is dangerous. Outstanding trout fishing can be found aquatic resources, wash equipment
can be hot, dry, and dusty. Bring plenty Floating the river within Devils Post- everywhere in the valley. throroughly after using it. It is recom-
of drinking water for everyone in your pile National Monument is not permit- mended that all equipment is either
hiking party. Drinking directly from ted. Because currents below Rainbow To protect our lakes and streams, frozen for at least 6 hours or washed in
rivers is not recommended without Falls are hazardous, swimming below anglers, boaters, and other water users water over 113 degrees farenheight.
filtration. the falls is not recommended. should be aware of invasive aquatic
species that have the potential to se- For more information, visit the
verely damage the trout fishery and the California Department of Fish and
over all quality of the lakes and streams Game’s invasive species web site at
throughout the Sierra. www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/plan or for
information in your area, visit
There are numerous types of invasive www.protectyourwaters.com.
aquatic species, or aquatic hitchhikers,
as they are often called. In the Eastern
Sierra, there have been documented
Photo: Maureen Finnerty cases of the New Zealand Mud Snail in
Photo: NPS
the Owens River and drainages. Other
Hikers filter water at a mountain stream. Rainbow Falls raging with spring run-off. areas in California have documented
invasive algea and the Zebra Mussel.
Sequoia Natural Eastern Sierra
History Association Interpretive Association
The Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA) is a non-profit organization that The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is a non-profit organization which
provides vital services to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils Postpile works in cooperation with the Inyo National Forest to promote and enhance the visitors’
National Monument, which are not otherwise available through federal funding. SNHA understanding and enjoyment of the natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources
provides a wide range of books and educational materials in their bookstore at Devils of the National Forests. Proceeds from bookstores at each of our locations and your do-
Postpile. nations support interpretive programs, printed materials and visitor center displays.
8 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide