Visitor Guide to Devils Postpile and the National Forest

Home , Hot Creek (Mono County), Inyo National Forest

National Forest Service Visitor Guide to Devils Postpile and the U.S. Department of Agriculture

Reds Meadow Valley National Park Service 2015-2016 U.S. Department of the Interior

What’s Inside

The Post Shuttle Bus Information...... 2

Information and Services...... 3

Area Map...... 4-5

Hiking...... 6

Planning for the Future and Junior Rangers...... 7

Fire Safety, Wildlife and Bookstores and Partners...... 8

A wildland firefighter burns a woody debris pile in the Reds Meadow Valley. Photo: M. Buhler Living with Wildland Fire Fire is a way of life in California and structures and human life and con- and pile burns is a critical component throughout the west. Its effects can sumed all vegetation in its path. in protecting life, property, and the be seen from the sage brush to the ecological health of the forest. red fir forests. Fire, when managed The Rainbow Fire provided a good Deanna M. Dulen properly, creates habitat diversity, example of what can happen when fire The winter of 2014/2015 marked the Superintendent, Devils Postpile valuable homes for wildlife, and im- is removed from an ecosystem for years fourth winter of drier than normal National Monument proves the health of ecosystems. and fuels are allowed to build up. conditions in the Sierra. With snow- packs averaging between 20-30% of But fire can also be catastrophic and The fire also provided an opportunity average, conditions are favorable for in some cases, extremely damaging to for managers to look at how to live with summer wildfires. Inside this guide, ecosystems and life and property. wildland fire and how to include fire in you will find valuable information on Jon C. Regelbrugge the management of public lands. what you can do during your visit to District Ranger In 1992, the Rainbow Fire burned help protect your public lands from Mammoth Ranger District hot and fast through the Reds Mead- With changing climate, California is ex- human caused fire. Inyo National Forest ow Valley. The fire burned in areas periencing warmer, drier winters and where fire suppression had been the possibility for large, damaging fires Be a part of the solution this summer the practice for years, leaving exces- is increasing. Reducing fuel through and help eliminate human-caused sive fuel. The fire quickly threatened mechanical thinning, prescribed burns, wildland fire. Park the Car and Ride the Bus! Shuttle Bus and Fee Information Schedule The bus is mandatory for most visitors. From the Village at Mammoth: See the chart below for prices. Tickets • 7:15 a.m. can be purchased at the Adventure • 8:00 a.m. Center, located at the main gondola • 8:45 a.m. building at Mammoth Mountain. • 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. every 30 minutes At which stop will I find... National Park Service Parking for the shuttle bus is along the U.S. Department of the Interior roadside near Mammoth Mountain From 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., visitors will Main Lodge. Leashed and muzzled board the Mammoth Mountain Bike Food and Bottled Water...... dogs are welcome on buses. Please Park Shuttle to get to the Adventure Devils Postpile Wildflower Walk...... National Monument be careful walking along the roadside Center (free for hikers). from the parking areas to the Adven- Shadow Lake/River Trail...... Mailing Address ture Center to purchase bus tickets. From the Mammoth Mountain Adven- ture Center: P.O. Box 3999 Ranger Station, Programs.... Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 The trip into the valley takes about 30 • 7:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. every 45 minutes. Be prepared for a variety of minutes Devils Postpile Trail...... Phone: (760) 934-2289 conditions. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. every 20 water, and food are recommended. minutes Fax: (760) 934-4780 Starkweather Lake...... Web site: www.nps.gov/depo • 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. every 30–45 If you are one of the following, you minutes qualify as an exception to the bus Sotcher Lake...... system and will be allowed to drive The Need for a Shuttle System into the valley, and must pay a fee at the The shuttle has allowed the valley to Rainbow Falls Trail...... Minaret Vista Station. recover from intense use that occurred • Visitors displaying a disabled per- throughout the 1970’s. It has protected Bookstore/Souvenirs...... sons parking placard or plate the area from degradation caused by • Visitors with an inflated float tube high visitation and limited parking. Payphones...... or non-motorized vessel for use on Whether riding the shuttle or driving valley lakes into the valley in an exception vehicle, First Aid/Emergency Care..... • Visitors staying in a designated everyone enjoys a safer experience as a campground in the valley (back- result of the shuttle operation. National Forest Service packers must use the shuttle) U.S. Department of Agriculture • Visitors towing livestock trailers Adventure Center Area Map 395 • Overnight guests of Reds Meadow To Mammoth Lakes & 395 Mammoth Ranger District Resort • Visitors entering the valley when Inyo National Forest Shuttle the bus is not running Parking Mailing Address • Hunters transporting weapons or P.O. Box 148 game Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Fees for exception vehicles: Caution: Please be • One Day Pass: $10/vehicle careful while walking Phone: (760) 924-5500 alongside the road • Three-day pass: $20/vehicle (Good Fax: (760) 924-5547 The for three of five consecutive days) Yodler Web site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo • Campers: $10/vehicle for the dura- Mammoth Climbing tion of stay. Mountain Inn Wall Shuttle • Season pass: $35/vehicle. Boarding

Three-day and season passes for exception vehicles are accepted at Mono Statue Zip-line Main Lake South Tufa and Schullman Grove Area Lodge Day use Areas. Adventure Center

Interagency Annual, Military, Senior, 3) North and Access Passes are only accepted 20 te Rou nic for vehicles that are exceptions to the (Sce Minaret Road shuttle bus. Interagency passes are not Gondola to top of To Minaret Vista Mammoth Mountain 0 100 Meters valid for shuttle bus tickets. and Devils Postpile 11053ft 0 100 Feet 3369m

Shuttle Bus Passes PASSES COST Day Pass $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Wilderness Hikers $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. One time fee for the duration of stay in the valley, based on permit or reservation. Three-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. 2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Length Limits on the Information and Services Postpile Road

EMERGENCIES SHOWERS of visitors to understand and comply To decrease risks and provide for In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone The Reds Meadow hot spring fed with all applicable state, local, and fed- the safety of all visitors traveling on coverage is limited. Pay phones are lo- showers will not open this season. The eral firearms laws before entering the the narrow road accessing Devils cated at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow tub will be locked for safety reasons. monument or forest. For information Postpile National Monument, Devils Resort and Pumice Flat campground. Showers will be available at the Reds on California regulations, visit Postpile has restricted the length of Meadow Resort and Packstation. http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/. vehicles on the section of road in VISITOR CENTERS Showers are $7.00. Towels are available the monument to 37 feet. This does Devils Postpile for $1.00. Federal law prohibits firearms in all not apply to the entire road. This The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is federal facilities including the Dev- only applies to the short section of open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. FOOD SERVICES ils Postpile Ranger Station and the road that spurs off the Reds Mead- from late-June through Labor Day. It Food service is available at the Reds Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center, ow Road and enters the national will be open in September and October Meadow Resort. A store and a res- unless specifically authorized (18 USC monument. as staffing permits. Maps, backcountry taurant are open from June through 930(a)). permits, and other information is avail- September. Camping supplies and Commercial vehicles longer than 37 able. There is also a bookstore on site. groceries are also available. STOCK USE feet should contact Eastern Sierra Devils Postpile Transit Authority (www.estransit. Inyo National Forest PETS Stock are allowed on monument trails com) for information on entrance The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Devils Postpile with the exception of the Devils Post- into Devils Postpile. serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, Pets are allowed on trails and in the pile Trail and a short section of trail the Inyo National Forest, and the campground at the monument and near Rainbow Falls. Ask for a detailed Recreational vehicles longer than 37 National Park Service year-round. A must be on a leash at all times. map at the Ranger Station. feet are advised to use Forest Service bookstore and permits are available. campgrounds that will accommo- Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. Inyo National Forest Stock should enter the monument via date 37 foot vehicles and utilize the to 5:00 p.m. daily (760-924-5505). Pets are allowed on trails in the Inyo the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Parking Reds Meadow Shuttle bus if visiting National Forest as long as they are on and maneuvering in valley parking Devils Postpile. The shuttle bus is CAMPING leash or under voice control, and near lots can be very challenging for large free between Agnew Meadows and Devils Postpile the owner. Pets must be on leash in vehicles and trailers. Please use caution Reds Meadow Resort. Devils Postpile has a 21 site first-come, all National Forest campgrounds and on the narrow Reds Meadow Road and first-served campground for tents and developed sites including parking lots, in parking lots. Groups eligible for an educational RVs up to 37 feet in length. Current trailheads, and day use areas. fee waiver traveling in buses longer fees can be found on the website or by Off-trail stock use is prohibited. River than 37 feet should contact Devils calling 760-934-2289. On the Shuttle Bus crossing is only permitted at the des- Postpile National Monument for Leashed and muzzled pets are permit- ignated stock bridge located in on the information pertaining to special use Inyo National Forest ted on the shuttle buses. Muzzles can John Muir/Pacific Crest Trails within permits. There are seven Forest Service camp- be purchased at pet stores in Mam- the monument. The Soda Springs grounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Five moth Lakes or at the Mammoth Moun- Bridge is not designed for stock use. The road is narrow and visibility is campgrounds are first-come, first- tain Adventure Center. Grazing is prohibited and weed free limited. All vehicles should use cau- served. Current fees for all Inyo camp- feed is recommended. tion on both the Reds Meadow and grounds (including group and horse) FISHING Devils Postpile roads. can be found on the Inyo National For- A fishing license is required for adults Inyo National Forest est Website or by calling 760-924-5500. ages 16 and older. Regulations can be Stock are allowed on most National Two group campgrounds are available found in the California Department of Forest trails. Several trailheads are by reservation. Agnew Campground Fish and Wildlife’s Freshwater Sport suitable for stock loading and unload- has three equestrian campsites and are Fishing Book available online or where ing including Agnew Meadows and also by reservation only. fishing licenses are sold. Rainbow Falls.

Special Campground Information HUNTING AND FIREARMS Group size is limited to 15 people and At the time of printing, exact opening Devils Postpile 25 stock. Stock must be kept 200 feet dates for campgrounds in the Reds Hunting is prohibited within the from all lake shores. Pellets, cubes, Meadow Valley were unknown. Please boundaries of the monument. or grain must be used where feed is call ahead to ensure that the camp- limited or grazing is not allowed. Weed ground in which you wish to stay will Inyo National Forest free feed is recommended. Remove be open. Campgrounds in the Agnew Hunting is permitted in designated excess pellets or cubes and remove or Meadow area were closed at the time areas within the Inyo National For- scatter manure. of printing. The Inyo National Forest is est with a valid license. Contact the working to open these sites as soon as California Department of Fish and Use hitchlines or hobbles to constrain possible. Please call ahead for the most Wildlife at 559-243-4005 ext. 151 for stock in backcountry campsites. High- current information. more information. Regulation booklets lines are preferred in many areas to are available at the Mammoth Lakes reduce impacts. Camps must be set up Campground Closing Dates Welcome Center. 200 feet from water or any trails. All campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Valley close on or before October 15, Firearms Regulations Watering of stock should be done away depending on weather. Call ahead for Federal law allows people who can le- from marshy areas, ponds, lakes, and exact dates. Typically, campgrounds gally possess firearms under applicable other places susceptible to bank ero- are open through the Labor Day federal, state, and local laws, to legally sion. Established fords or low, rocky weekend and some stay open into early possess firearms in Devils Postpile spots in the bank should be used. October. There is no overnight parking National Monument and on the Inyo Photo: J. Rees National Forest. It is the responsibility in the valley after October 14. Taking a break at Rainbow Falls.

Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 3 Area Map Note: The trip into the Reds Meadow Valley and to Devils Postpile takes visitors 1,500 feet downhill from the Minaret Vista. ROAD TUNNEL OOP Deer L IC Mountain N E What to Do in the Area? 8,786' C S 08 P A H 3S CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T N M AT Craters A IO Sa Crater N Trail M A n Joaquin . LEGEND L S Lakes CEN IC T RA Paved Roads Campground I L . Agnew Ridg Meadows

Group High

Trail e Unpaved Roads Private Campground

D .

G Agnew A

Meadows O

R G

Group Campground

F Hiking Trail . . F

River Tr 1 O ail T Smokey Bear

3S30 U Wilderness Areas–closed to RV Park C . Agnew Wildflower INYO Flat Meadows Walk L

L bicycles, motorized vehicles and

M all wheeled mechanical devices . Hiking Trailhead P AC W IF IC A Deadman Sa CR S ES Winter Road Closure n T Pass Footbridge NA TI Joaqui ON AL Information/Visitor Center S C E n N Horseback Riding/ Photo: M. Finnerty IC .

Ri T R ve A Ranger Station Pack Station IL Take a hike! r 2 Picnic Area Resort Starkweather San Joaquin Ridge Lake Trail/4WD Road Public Phone Shuttle Bus Stop Hot Creek Nature NOTE: All picnic areas and trailheads have restrooms except where noted (NO RR) Geological w Minaret Trail Shady Upper Rest SCALE: 1.5 INCHES = 1 MILE Site Soda . Vista BOARD Earthquake Park Springs Climbing ANSEL 9,175' SHUTTLE BUS Wall Fault . 3 AT ADVENTURE G Pine 101 MILE 2 MILES Community Glen ADAMS CENTER Old Group Center Park Post Shady New Starkweather Office Rest Shady WILDERNESS Lake Trailhead NO Main The RR Lodge Village MAIN Rest Mammoth Lakes Pumice ST. t Flat . Welcome Center No wheeled FEE REQUIRED Ho Photo: NPS 4 and Ranger Station mechanical devices . G Pumice BEYOND PA THE TOWN OF Group Geothermal THIS POINT NOR A D MAMMOTH LAKES Plant Attend a Ranger Program. RO AM M Mammoth Mountain Y I RV Park Minaret R N A G Ski Area and Bike Park A A RE Falls T Hot Creek ONDOL M Fish Hatchery D 5 Reds A R RO Lake E O MERIDIAN BLVD. RY Minaret K A HE Falls A A D TC L A Mammoth H Sierra Star EK Creek Park RE Camp Golf Course HOT C 3S09 High Sierra AD Devils NATIONAL RO Postpile Creek Creek TH Mammoth Mammot O Museum h 6 h M Sierra Meadows Nature Mammot D M A M Ranch Sherwin 7 Trail OL 4S08 Creek Creek Mammoth . % Snowcreek W Yosemite Valentine Golf Course ER IN . n C . Mammoth Reserve SH R Airport Sotcher NO wi EE o Devils Mountain Mill City K Photo: NPS . Lake RR NO RO Postpile Stamp Mill RR A 11,053' Sher

NT ANSEL ADAMS Panorama D 7,560' Mammoth Reds Dome Trail 4S08 8 Meadow 19 Rock Trail LE NO See Devils Postpile. WILDERNESS NO RR Bike 4S YMCA PI Twin Trail Camp RR Sherwin Lakes No wheeled / Lakes D ST Perimeter of NO Trail A mechanical devices hazardous area O posted with red signs RR Creek R 9 Twin 10 E MONU ME Mammoth Pass Lakes Mammoth Mammoth K Convict Mammoth Pass Trail Trailhead Rock A Creek Mammoth Upper Twin City 4S86 L

AL . Pass CT Rainbow Twin Falls VI

VILS PO CO2 GAS Falls HAZARD Laurel N P AREA O Trail A

ION C

C Monte

I F DE

T I Cristo Mine

C Sherwin

R Lake

E Horseshoe Lakes S NA T Mamie

v i Crater Lake Mammot No wheeled R Red Meadow n mechanical devices i Cones Crystal Crag Emerald Heart Cast your line. u 10,377' Lake Trail . q Lake Convict c

a Duck Pass h o Trailhead Creek J 6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Lake

a S

JOHN MUIR ldwate

k Arrowhead r Upper

o Lake F

Crater

e r

l WILDERNESS Meadow Emerald d

d Lake Laurel i Laurel M No wheeled / Creek Lakes Mountain mechanical devices 11,812' Blue Crag Skelton Valentine 10,669' Lake To Barney Lake Lake To Genevieve and Duck Pass and Dorothy Lakes ROAD TUNNEL OOP Deer L IC Mountain N E 8,786' C S 08 P A H 3S CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T N M AT Craters A IO Sa Crater N Trail M A n Joaquin . LEGEND L S Lakes CEN IC T RA Paved Roads Campground I L . Agnew Ridg Meadows

Group High

Trail e Unpaved Roads Private Campground

D .

G Agnew A

Meadows O

R G

Group Campground

F Hiking Trail . . F

River Tr 1 O ail T Smokey Bear

3S30 U Wilderness Areas–closed to RV Park C . Agnew Wildflower INYO Flat Meadows Walk L

L bicycles, motorized vehicles and

Ri T R ve A Ranger Station Pack Station IL r 2 Picnic Area Resort Starkweather San Joaquin Ridge Lake Trail/4WD Road Public Phone Shuttle Bus Stop Hot Creek Nature NOTE: All picnic areas and trailheads have restrooms except where noted (NO RR) Geological w Minaret Trail Shady Upper Rest SCALE: 1.5 INCHES = 1 MILE Site Soda . Vista BOARD Earthquake Park Springs Climbing ANSEL 9,175' SHUTTLE BUS Wall Fault . 3 AT ADVENTURE G Pine 101 MILE 2 MILES Community Glen ADAMS CENTER Old Group Center Park Post Shady New Starkweather Office Rest Shady WILDERNESS Lake Trailhead NO Main The RR Lodge Village MAIN Rest Mammoth Lakes Pumice ST. t Flat . Welcome Center No wheeled FEE REQUIRED Ho 4 and Ranger Station mechanical devices . G Pumice BEYOND PA THE TOWN OF Group Geothermal THIS POINT NOR A D MAMMOTH LAKES Plant RO AM M Mammoth Mountain Y I RV Park Minaret R N A G Ski Area and Bike Park A A RE Falls T Hot Creek ONDOL M Fish Hatchery D 5 Reds A R RO Lake E O MERIDIAN BLVD. RY Minaret K A HE Falls A A D TC L A Mammoth H Sierra Star EK Creek Park RE Camp Golf Course HOT C 3S09 High Sierra AD Devils NATIONAL RO Postpile Creek Creek TH Mammoth Mammot O Museum h 6 h M Sierra Meadows Nature Mammot D M A M Ranch Sherwin 7 Trail OL 4S08 Creek Creek Mammoth . % Snowcreek W Yosemite Valentine Golf Course ER IN . n C . Mammoth Reserve SH R Airport Sotcher NO wi EE o Devils Mountain Mill City K . Lake RR NO RO Postpile Stamp Mill RR A 11,053' Sher

NT ANSEL ADAMS Panorama D 7,560' Mammoth Reds Dome Trail 4S08 8 Meadow 19 Rock Trail LE NO WILDERNESS NO RR Bike 4S YMCA PI Twin Trail Camp RR Sherwin Lakes No wheeled / Lakes D ST Perimeter of NO Trail A mechanical devices hazardous area O posted with red signs RR Creek R 9 Twin 10 E MONU ME Mammoth Pass Lakes Mammoth Mammoth K Convict Mammoth Pass Trail Trailhead Rock A Creek Mammoth Upper Twin City 4S86 L

AL . Pass CT Rainbow Twin Falls VI

VILS PO CO2 GAS Falls HAZARD Laurel N P AREA O Trail A

ION C

C Monte

I F DE

T I Cristo Mine

C Sherwin

R Lake

E Horseshoe Lakes S NA T Mamie

N Lake A McLeod T IO Lake . Pine N A Crystal Lake Mary City L Bounda S FOREST Roug C Lake Trail E ry NI Lake Rainbow C Convict Lake TR Creek A . Falls I . h 4W Trailhead L Lake . La ke Mary NO RR w George . Coldwater George D Road Interpretive ^ . Trail JOHN MUIR Mammoth Barrett Consolidated o P Lake Mine o Crystal WILDERNESS Convict Lower Heart Lake Trail Lake Lake a r Falls e TJ v i Crater Lake Mammot No wheeled R Red Meadow n mechanical devices i Cones Crystal Crag Emerald Heart u 10,377' Lake Trail . q Lake Convict c a Duck Pass h o Trailhead Creek J Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 7 Lake n

a S

JOHN MUIR ldwate k Arrowhead r Upper

o Lake F

Crater

e r

l WILDERNESS Meadow Emerald d

d Lake Laurel i Laurel M No wheeled / Creek Lakes Mountain mechanical devices 11,812' Blue Crag Skelton Valentine 10,669' Lake To Barney Lake Lake To Genevieve and Duck Pass and Dorothy Lakes Hiking Hiking in the Sierra leads to many types of adventures. Everything from meandering wildflower walks to steep scrambles up glacially scoured peaks awaits.

Lake Ediza Photo: D. Scott

Along the King Creek Trail Sotcher Lake Photo: M. Finnerty Photo: M. Finnerty

Permits Be Prepared Wilderness permits are required for Weather in the mountains changes in Select Hiking Trails (Numbers correspond to shuttle stops on Devils Postpile park map) overnight travel into the Ansel Adams an instant. Extreme temperatures, vio- Destination Shuttle One Way Description Wilderness year round. Reservations lent storms, and unexpected changes Trailhead Stop (mi / km) may be made up to six months in ad- are not uncommon. Dress in layers and vance for trips during the quota season bring plenty of water on any hike. Do Lake Ediza Moderate/Strenuous Follow switchbacks through Agnew 1 6mi / 9.7km an open hillside to spectacular views of the Sierra. which is May 1 through November 1. not drink water directly from streams Meadows A $5 per person reservation fee plus or lakes without filtering or boiling it a $6 per reservation transaction fee is before consumption. Shadow Lake Moderate Rolling trail takes hikers through open charged at the time you reserve with Agnew 1 3mi / 4.8km meadows and lodgepole forests to the shores of www.recreation.gov. No fee is charged Sensitive Areas Meadows Shadow Lake. Great mountain views at the lake. for walk-in permits. Cross country travel is permitted in Wildflower Trail Easy Self guided wildflower walk. Late June to the most areas, but please observe posted Agnew 1 2mi / 3.2km middle of July tend to be the best times for the flow- Permits and maps are available at the signs. Sub-alpine meadows like the Meadows ers, but bring bug spray. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and ones found in the Reds Meadow Valley at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station; and areas of alpine tundra are sensitive Devils Postpile Easy Wide, level trail through shaded lodgepole for- Devils Postpile 6 0.4mi / 0.6km est. Moderate, steep hike to the top of the Postpile. however, the Devils Postpile Ranger and may take many years to recover Station can only issue permits for trips from “social” or unofficial trails. If Minaret Falls Easy Rolling trail through the forest travels by natu- originating in the Reds Meadow Val- traveling off-trail, travel on durable Devils Postpile 6 1.5mi / 2.3km ral springs to the falls. Best in early summer. ley. For trips originating in the Inyo surfaces such as rock or snow. National Forest, call (760) 873-2483 or Rainbow Falls Moderate Rolling terrain through forest and open Devils Postpile 6 2.5mi / 4km burn area from the 1992 Rainbow Fire. Great views visit the Inyo National Forest web site. Backcountry Fires in open area. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Fires are allowed in some backcountry For hikes starting in Sequoia, Kings areas. It is your responsibility to know Minaret Lake Strenuous This can be done as a long day hike or Canyon or Yosemite National Parks, where fires are and are not allowed. Devils Postpile 6 8mi / 12.9km overnight trip. 2,700 foot elevation gain brings hikers permits must be acquired through Keep in mind that this information may to an emerald lake at the base of the Minarets. those parks and will be valid for the du- change during severe fire seasons. Visit Sotcher Lake Easy/Moderate Self guided nature trail loops ration of your trip. For trips originating the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Nature Trail 7 2mi / 3.2km around Sotcher Lake. Hikers pass springs and water- in Sequoia or Kings Canyon, please call or Devils Postpile Ranger Station for Sotcher Lake falls along the way. (559) 565-3341 or visit www.nps.gov/ the most current information. seki. For trips originating in Yosemite 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 call (209) 372-0826 (summer only) or Food Storage of water on this hike. visit www.nps.gov/yose. Approved bear canisters are required in all backcountry areas.

10 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Planning for the Future Planning in Devils Postpile • Opportunities will be explored for These changes will be implemented The monument’s first General Man- increased trail connections that over time as funding becomes available. The Inyo, Sierra, and Sequoia plan re- agement Planning (GMP) effort promote self-discovery. visions will be completed through one launched in 2009 and culminated on • The ranger station deck will be ex- Planning on the Inyo National Forest environmental impact statement. The January 26, 2015 when the Regional panded to provide improved acces- Planning on the Inyo National Forest final EIS will result in three separate Director signed the Environmental As- sibility, circulation, and additional The Inyo National Forest, which man- Record of Decisions and three separate sessment and Finding of No Significant outdoor space for interpretation. ages the wilderness and non-wilder- forest plans. Forest Supervisors will re- Impacts documents, completing the • A portion of the campground and ness land surrounding Devils Postpile, main the responsible official for making planning and decision process. day use area will be redesigned to is in the process of revising the Forest’s decisions on their specific forest plan. improve riverfront access for all Land and Resource Management Plan Superintendent Deanna Dulen said, visitors. Loop B will be redesigned (LRMP) in 2014. Anyone with an interest in the manage- “The GMP team and monument staff to accommodate tent and walk-in ment of the Inyo National Forest is are appreciative of our partner, stake- users only. The LRMP provides broad guidance encouraged to join in this effort. Many holder, and public involvement in the • Day use opportunities along the for the management of a wide variety public meetings and opportunities to successful achievement of a shared riverfront will be improved. The of forest resources and activities for at participate are coming during the next vision for the future. ” campground redesign will provide least the next 10-15 years. The exist- several years. clear delineation of specific river ing LRMP was completed in 1988, and The following are key elements of access points to better protect has been amended multiple times in To learn more about the planning the selected alternative, “Connecting riparian areas and manage visitor response to changing conditions, new process and how it can affect you, or – People to Nature and Heritage” access to and use of the riverfront. information and better science regard- more importantly – how you can affect • Monument resources will continue • The monument will continue to ing resources and land management. it, please visit http://www.fs.usda.gov/ to receive a high degree of protec- provide visitors with quality view- main/r5/landmanagement/planning. tion with an increased emphasis on ing opportunities of the Postpile The Inyo, Sierra, and Sequoia National You can request announcements about providing opportunities for visitors and enhance the experience Forests were selected as early adopt- meetings and updates by contacting to engage in stewardship activities. through small site improvements. ers. They will be the first to revise their Forest Public Affairs Specialist Deb • Visitor experiences will continue • The monument will strive to en- land management plans using the 2012 Schweizer at to include recreational opportuni- hance the wilderness qualities at National Forest System Planning Rule, [email protected]. ties that have traditionally been Rainbow Falls, promoting a greater which provides the framework for available such as camping, fishing, sense of discovery and an intro- Forest Service land management plans hiking, and wildlife viewing. ductory wilderness experience. across the nation. Be a Junior Ranger! Protecting Special Places Visitors to the Reds Meadow Valley are • driving vehicles into sensitive Want to learn more about Devils the area’s most important guardians. meadows and off roadways Postpile or the U.S. Forest Service? The The valley has more than one hundred • camping outside of designated Devils Postpile Junior Ranger and the thousand people visiting each year. If campgrounds National Junior Forest Ranger Pro- all of those people watched over the • using weapons grams are great ways to do it. plants, animals, geology, historic and archeological sites, imagine how well- Outside of the monument boundaries, Activities for all ages are included in the protected these resources could be! the following is prohibited: booklets, available free of charge at the • feeding or approaching wildlife Devils Postpile Ranger Station or at the Unfortunately, there are people who • driving vehicles into sensitive Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. either intentionally or unknowingly meadows and off roadways harm resources. Please contact a park • camping outside of designated Ever wondered if there’s an online official if you see any of the following: campgrounds except with a valid program? To become a National Park • feeding or approaching wildlife wilderness permit. Service Web Ranger, visit www.nps. • hunting animals gov/webrangers. • collecting reptiles or butterflies If you see activities that could harm • collecting plants or pine cones people or resources, write descriptions These programs are open to any age. • taking archeological/historic items or a vehicle license plate number and • carrying or using metal detectors call (760) 934-2289. If someone’s life is to locate/collect historic objects in danger, call 911. Do your part. Recycle. Recycling facilities are located at all valley trailheads. Glass, plastic, and aluminum are all recyclable. Cardboard can be recycled in the Devils Postpile Campground. Wildland Fire in the Reds Meadow Valley

Summer is fire season in California and within Devils Postpile. Dispose of rized cutting and removal of blowdown throughout the West. Some fires are cigarettes in designated receptacles trees, along with slash piling and burn- natural and a valuable to the ecosystem, and not on the ground. ing to reduce hazardous fuel. but others are human-caused, and of- ten start in areas near life and property Knowing what you can do is part of This occurred in 2012, with part of the such as campgrounds and heavily used the solution. Another part lies with the slash pile burning completed in 2014 areas like the Reds Meadow Valley. agencies serving as stewards of this and in the winter of 2015. The next beautiful valley. Over 100 years of fire step proposed in 2015 is to further re- To enjoy the trails, campgrounds, and exclusion and climate change impacts duce fuels by conducting an understory forests and protect them from human- have changed the Reds Meadow Valley prescribed burn. The project goal is to caused fire, follow these guidelines: fire regime, including fire frequency, create conditions where life and prop- size, and severity. This provides a chal- erty at the ranger station, employee • Make sure all campfires are doused lenge and an opportunity for the Inyo housing, and recreation sites, including with water and cool to the touch National Forest and Devils Postpile. campgrounds, can safely be protected before leaving your site or turning in the event of a wildfire. This defen- in for the night. The national forest and the monu- sible space is crucial because of limited • Be aware of and follow all fire ment have been working to establish vehicle access into and out of the area. restrictions including backcountry defensible space, or areas with limited campfire regulations. vegetation that would enable firefight- The understory burn will encompass • Keep vehicles well maintained. ers to better protect structures, human 133 acres of national forest lands and Sparks from vehicle parts or hub- life and reduce the severity of the fire. 25 acres of national monument lands. caps can start wildland fires. The project is planned for burning in • Avoid large campfires. Keep all Following a significant wind event with the fall 2015, with the goal of reducing burning wood within the fire ring. major timber blowdown in November fuel, decreasing potential future fire Photo: NPS • Smoke only in designated smoking 2011, after approval through the com- severity, and protecting employees, A slash pile from the 2011 Devils Windstorm burns areas. There is no smoking on trails pliance process, both agencies autho- visitors, and property. in Devils Postpile in February 2013. Keeping Wildlife Wild

Black bears and other wildlife are frequently seen in the Reds Meadow Valley and in Devils Postpile. In order to keep these animals wild, follow these tips. Food and Scented Item Storage Hiking and Camping Safety • Proper food storage is required. • Keep a clean and organized camp. “Food” is considered to be any- Keep all food within reach in case a thing with an odor including used bear should wander through camp. paper plates, dishes, and toiletries. • When hiking through areas of Bear boxes are located in every dense vegetation or loud water, campsite in the valley. Do not leave make noise to let the bear know food in your vehicle over night. you are in the area. • Backpackers must use bear resis- • If you see a bear, keep your dis- tant canisters. They are available tance. Back away slowly. for rent at the Mammoth Lakes • Never approach wildlife. Welcome Center and at the Devils • Remember, we are visitors to their Postpile Ranger Station. homes. Respect all wild animals. Photo: NPS

Sequoia Natural Eastern Sierra History Association Interpretive Association

Inspire~Educate~Explore

The Sequoia Natural History Association is a non-profit organization that pro- The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is the public’s connection to vides vital services to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils the Eastern Sierra and public lands through interpretive and education opportu- Postpile National Monument, which may not be available through federal fund- nities. ESIA, a 501(c)3 non-profit corporation, achieves its mission by operating ing. They provide books and educational materials in their bookstore at Devils quality bookstores, the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center, the Mammoth Postpile. To browse their online bookstore visit: http://www.sequoiahistory.org/. Lakes Welcome Center, and through sponsoring interpretive projects and programs. Learn more at one of eleven locations or at www.esiaonline.org. Proceeds from sales support local interpretive programs and projects.

12 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide