2011-2012 U.S

Home , Ansel Adams Wilderness, Inyo National Forest, Minaret Lake, Red Cones

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

Reds Meadow Valley National Park Service 2011-2012 U.S. Department of the Interior

What’s Inside The Post Welcome A Century of Conservation 1911-2011 Shuttle Bus Information...... 2 Information and Services...... 3

Hiking ...... 4

Making the Most of Your Time Be Bear Aware...... 5

Map ...... 6

First Bloom Ranger Led Programs Junior Ranger Program...... 7

Volcanic Landscape Protecting Special Places Bookstores and Partners...... 8

SPECIAL CENTENNIAL INSERT: Articles and information about Devils Postpile National Monument’s 100th anniversary. Park the Car and Ride the Bus!

Shuttle Bus and Fee Information Schedule The bus is mandatory for most visitors. Buses leave from the Village at Mam- See the chart below for prices. Tickets moth Lakes at 7:00am, 8:00am, 9:00am, can be purchased at any Mammoth 10:00am, 11:00am. Mountain ticket sales outlet including the Adventure Center, located in the Buses leave from the Mammoth Moun- main gondola building. tain Adventure Center at the following At which stop will I find... National Park Service times: U.S. Department of the Interior Parking for the shuttle bus is along the • 7:15am – 8:15 a.m. once an hour roadside near Mammoth Mountain • 9:00am – 5:00 p.m. every 20 min- Food and Bottled Water...... Main Lodge. Leashed and muzzled utes or less Devils Postpile Wildflower Walk...... National Monument dogs are welcome on buses. Please • 5:00pm – 7:00pm every 30 minutes be careful walking along the roadside Shadow Lake Trail...... Mailing Address from the parking areas to the Adven- The Need for a Shuttle System ture Center to purchase bus tickets. The Reds Meadow Valley is a special P.O. Box 3999 Ranger Station, Programs.... Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 place, whether you’re coming to hike The trip into the valley takes about 30 to Rainbow Falls, inspect the colum- Devils Postpile Trail...... Phone: (760) 934-2289 minutes. Be prepared for a variety of nar jointing of the Postpile or fish in conditions. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, Sotcher Lake. This is largely due to the Fax: (760) 934-4780 Starkweather Lake...... Web site: www.nps.gov/depo water, and food are recommended. 32-year-old shuttle system—one of the most successful in the country. There are a few exceptions to riding Sotcher Lake...... the bus. If you are one of the following, The shuttle has allowed the valley to you are an exception and must pay a recover from intense use that occurred Rainbow Falls Trail...... fee at the Minaret Vista Station. throughout the 1970’s. It has protected the area from degradation caused by Showers...... • Visitors displaying a Disabled Per- high visitation and limited parking. sons Parking Placard or Plate Bookstore/Souvenirs...... • Visitors with an inflated float tube Whether riding the shuttle or driving or non-motorized vessel for use on into the valley in an exception vehicle, Payphones...... valley lakes everyone enjoys a safer experience as a • Visitors staying in a designated result of the shuttle operation. First Aid/Emergency Care..... campground in the valley (back- National Forest Service U.S. Department of Agriculture packers must use the shuttle) Adventure Center Area Map 395 • Visitors towing livestock trailers To Mammoth Lakes & 395 Mammoth Ranger District • Overnight guests of the Reds Meadow Resort Inyo National Forest Shuttle • Visitors entering the valley when Parking Mailing Address the bus is not running P.O. Box 148 • Hunters transporting weapons or Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 game. Caution: Please be For vehicles that are exceptions to the careful while walking Phone: (760) 924-5500 alongside the road shuttle bus, a standard amenity fee of Fax: (760) 924-5547 The $10/vehicle/day is charged. The fee for Yodler Web site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo valley campers is $10/vehicle/dura- Mammoth Climbing tion of stay. A three-day pass is $20/ Mountain Inn Wall Shuttle vehicle and is good for any three of five Boarding consecutive days. A season pass is $35/ vehicle. Both the three-day and season passes are also accepted at Mono Lake Statue Zip-line Main South Tufa and Schullman Grove Day Area Lodge Use Areas. Adventure Center

Interagency Annual Passes, Senior 3) North Passes, and Access Passes are only ac- 20 te Rou nic cepted for vehicles that are exceptions (Sce Minaret Road to the shuttle bus. Interagency passes Gondola to top of To Minaret Vista Mammoth Mountain 0 100 Meters are not 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. On the Cover: Visitors enjoy the beauty $14 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. of Rainbow Falls in the 1950’s. Three-day Pass Season Pass $35 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. 2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Welcome to the Reds Meadow Valley

Welcome to Devils Postpile and the Visitors found that the intimate settings NPS have been working together to future visitors the experience Reds Meadow Valley. Your visit this of this spectacular landscape offered manage the monument and surround- that we are all celebrating this year. year provides an especially rich oppor- experiences which were exhilarating ing national forest land. This partner- tunity to enjoy and discover the beauty and memorable. Monument and forest ship promotes opportunities for a qual- and history of the Middle Fork of the rangers welcomed visitors and assisted ity visitor experience and enhanced San Joaquin River. 2011 marks the them in this place of high altitude and resource protection by sharing re- Deanna M. Dulen, Devils Postpile Na- 100th anniversary of the conservation high adventure. sources and developing creative solu- tional Monument Superintendent victory of the designation of Devils tions to challenges. Postpile National Monument. The past one-hundred years have brought with them growing knowledge During your visit, enjoy the valley’s Layered within this natural wonder is and appreciation of the beauty and meadows, forests, streams, and the history of peoples who have lived scientific value of the valley. glacially-sculpted volcanic rocks. If we Ed Armenta, Inyo National Forest and worked for the stewardship of this all contribute to the appreciation and Supervisor national treasure. For nearly a century, the USFS and stewardship of this place, we will offer Information and Services

EMERGENCIES SHOWERS with a valid license. Contact the Cali- In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone There are public, hot-spring-fed fornia Department of Fish and game at coverage is limited. Pay phones are lo- showers available at the Reds Meadow (760) 872-1171 for more information. cated at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow Campground. The showers are open Regulation booklets are available at the Resort and Pumice Flat campground. from late-June through mid-October. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.

VISITOR CENTERS FOOD SERVICES Firearms Regulations Devils Postpile Food service is available at the Reds Federal law allows people who can le- The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is Meadow Resort. A store and a restau- gally possess firearms under applicable open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. rant are open from late-June through federal, state, and local laws, to legally from late-June through September 30. September. Camping supplies and possess firearms in Devils Postpile It will be open in October as staffing groceries are also available. National Monument. permits. Maps, backcountry permits, and other information is available. PETS It is the responsibility of visitors to There is also a bookstore on site. Devils Postpile understand and comply with all appli- Pets are allowed on trails and in the cable state, local, and federal firearms Inyo National Forest campground at the monument and laws before entering the monument. The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center must be on a leash at all times. For information on California regula- serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, tions, visit http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/. the Inyo National Forest, and the Inyo National Forest National Park Service year-round. A Pets are allowed on trails in the Inyo Federal law prohibits firearms in all bookstore and permits are available. National Forest as long as they are on federal facilities including the Devils Hours of operation are from 8:00 a.m. leash or within voice control, and near Postpile Ranger Station, unless specifi- to 5:00 p.m. daily. the owner. Pets must be on leash in cally authorized (18 USC 930(a)). all National Forest campgrounds and CAMPING developed sites including parking lots, STOCK USE Devils Postpile trailheads, and day use areas. Devils Postpile Devils Postpile has a 21 site first-come, Stock are allowed on monument trails first-served campground for tents and On the Shuttle Bus with the exception of the Postpile Trail. RVs up to 37 feet in length. Sites are Leashed and muzzled pets are permit- Ask for a detailed map at the Ranger $14/night or $7/night for Senior or Ac- ted on the shuttle buses. Muzzles can Station. Stock should enter the monu- cess Interagency Pass holders. be purchased at pet stores in Mam- ment via the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. moth Lakes or at the Mammoth Moun- Off-trail stock use is prohibited. River Inyo National Forest tain Adventure Center. crossings are only permitted at the There are seven Forest Service camp- designated stock bridge. The Soda grounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Five FISHING Springs Bridge is not designed for stock campgrounds are first-come, first- A fishing license is required for adults use. Grazing is prohibited and weed served and are $20/night. Two group ages 16 and older. Special regulations free feed is recommended. Photo: NPS apply for the Ansel Adams Wilderness campgrounds are available by reserva- Fishing on the San Joaquin River in Devils tion and range from $66/night to $143/ and can be found in the California De- Inyo National Forest Postpile National Monument night. Agnew Campground has three partment of Fish and Game’s Freshwa- Stock are allowed on most National equestrian campsites that are $22/night ter Sport Fishing Book available online Forest trails. Several trailheads are Use hitchlines or hobbles to con- and are also by reservation only. The or where fishing licenses are sold. suitable for stock loading and unload- strain stock in backcountry campsites. Pumice Group site will be closing early ing including Agnew Meadows and Highlines are preferred in many areas for maintenance. Call for dates. HUNTING AND FIREARMS Rainbow Falls. Group size is limited to reduce impacts. Camps must be set Devils Postpile to 15 people and 25 stock. Stock must up 200 feet from water or any trails. Campground Closing Dates Hunting is prohibited within the be kept 200 feet from all lakeshores. Watering of stock should be done away All campgrounds in the Reds Meadow boundaries of the monument. Pellets, cubes, or grain must be used from marshy areas, ponds, lakes, and Valley close on or before October 15, where feed is limited or grazing is not other places susceptible to bank ero- depending on weather. Call for exact Inyo National Forest allowed. Weed free feed is recom- sion. Established fords or low, rocky dates. There is no overnight parking in Hunting is permitted in designated mended. Remove excess pellets or spots in the bank should be used. the valley after October 14. areas within the Inyo National Forest cubes and remove or scatter manure. Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 3 Lake Ediza Photo: David Scott

Shooting Star Sotcher Lake Photo: Maureen Finnerty Photo: Maureen Finnerty Hiking Hiking in the Sierra leads to many types of adventures. Everything from meandering wildflower walks to steep scrambles up glacially scoured peaks awaits.

Permits Be Prepared Wilderness permits are required for Weather in the mountains changes in Hiking Trails (Red 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 reservation fee of $5.00 is charged. or lakes without filtering or boiling it No fee is charged for walk-in permits. before consumption. Shadow Lake Moderate Rolling trail takes hikers through open Agnew 1 3mi / 4.8km meadows and lodgepole forests to the shores of Permits are available at the Mammoth Sensitive Areas Meadows Shadow Lake. Great mountain views at the lake. Lakes Welcome Center and at the Dev- Cross country travel is permitted in Wildflower Trail Easy Self guided wildflower walk. Late June to the ils Postpile Ranger Station; however, most areas, but please observe posted Agnew 1 2mi / 3.2km middle of July tend to be the best times for the flow- the Devils Postpile Ranger Station can signs. Sub-alpine meadows like the Meadows ers, but bring bug spray. only issue permits for trips originating ones found in the Reds Meadow Valley in the Reds Meadow Valley. For trips 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. originating in the Inyo National Forest, and may take many years to recover call (760) 873-2483 or visit the Inyo from “social” or unofficial trails. If Minaret Falls Easy Rolling trail through the forest travels by natu- National Forest web site. traveling off-trail, travel on durable Devils Postpile 6 1.5mi / 2.3km ral springs to the falls. Best in early summer. surfaces such as rock or snow. For through-hikes starting in Sequoia, Rainbow Falls Moderate Rolling terrain through forest and open Devils Postpile 6 2.5mi / 4km burn area from the 1992 Rainbow Fire. Great views Kings Canyon or Yosemite National Backcountry Fires in open area. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. Parks, permits must be acquired Fires are allowed in some backcountry through those parks and will be valid areas. It is your responsibility to know Minaret Lake Strenuous This can be done as a long day hike or for the duration of your trip. You do where fires are and are not allowed. Devils Postpile 6 8mi / 12.9km overnight trip. 2700 foot elevation gain brings hikers not need multiple permits for a con- Keep in mind that this information may to an emerald lake at the base of the Minarets. tinuous trip. For trips originating in change during severe fire seasons. Visit Sotcher Lake Easy/Moderate Self guided nature trail loops Sequoia or Kings Canyon, please call the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Nature Trail 7 2mi / 3.2km around Sotcher Lake. Hikers pass springs and water- (559) 565-3766. For trips originating in or Devils Postpile Ranger Station for Sotcher Lake falls along the way. Yosemite call (209) 372-0740. 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 Food Storage of water on this hike. Approved bear canisters are required in all backcountry sites. 4 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Celebrating 100 Years July 6, 2011 is the 100th anniversary of the day President Taft signed the bill that created Devils Postpile National Monument. This was a conservation victory not only for the National Park Service and the National Forest Service, but for the American people and people from around the world who, to this day, return to Devils Postpile and the Reds Meadow Valley.

Photos from the Craig Family Collection, taken by Lester Craig.

Clockwise from top left: Members of the Doeinck family relax at their Postpile camp in 1939. Glen Craig and Betty and Bobbie Doeinck show of the day’s catch in 1933. The Craig Family enjoys their favorite “swimming hole” at Devils Postpile. Glen and Margaret Craig and Andy Giampoalo at Beck’s Cabin, 1940. The trail to Beck Lake 1940. Members of the Craig and Doeinck families at the top of Devils Postpile. A Century of Conservation and Partnerships One hundred years ago, a proposal to advocated for the creation of a monu- the proclamation that created Devils further protected for the future. blast portions of the Devils Postpile ment to protect Devils Postpile and Postpile National Monument on July 6, formation came across the desk of US Rainbow Falls. 1911. As knowledge of the beauty of the val- Forest Service Engineer Walter Huber. ley grew, vehicle congestion increased. Support for monument designation In the century since, countless visi- In the 1970’s, the dirt road from Mina- The intent was to create a dam that came in many forms including a letter tors have enjoyed the inspirational and ret Summit was paved to mitigate dust. would flood the Middle Fork of the from the Sierra Club signed by John educational qualities of Devils Postpile That created even more vehicle conges- San Joaquin River and provide power Muir. and the valley. Despite this, challenges tion, which altered the rustic feel of the to local mining operations. emerged jeopardizing both the char- valley and contributed to significant University of California Berkeley acter of the landscape and the visitor resource damage. The proposal was submitted in the Engineering professor and Sierra Club experience in it. midst of the battle over the damming of leader Joseph N. LeConte based his In 1979, the monument, the Inyo Hetch Hetchy Valley in Yosemite and support for the monument on the geo- As the interstate highway system de- National Forest, Reds Meadow Resort, several other conservation struggles. logic significance of the postpile. veloped after World War II, a proposal and Mammoth Mountain Ski Area for an eight-lane trans-sierra highway partnered to create the shuttle bus Huber regarded the proposal as a Using the authority of the Antiqui- connecting Fresno to Mammoth Lakes system. “wanton destruction of scenery” and ties Act of 1906, President Taft signed threatened Reds Meadow Valley. Shuttle service limited the number of Business owners and packers recog- vehicles on the road, reducing traffic nized that the highway would result in congestion and accidents, while also al- destruction both to the landscape, and lowing more visitors into the valley and to the character of the community. alleviating resource damage.

Beginning in the 1950s, local com- Today, the cooperative and compli- munity members led an effort to stop mentary management of the monu- the highway and protect the Central ment and surrounding national forest Sierra. Many people contributed to the continues to promote a quality visitor effort including then-Governor Ronald experience and resource protection. Reagan and his Secretary of Resources Ike Livermore. Devils Postpile embraces a traditional national park experience. Natural After a long battle, the highway was systems prevail, giving visitors the op- stopped in 1972. With the expan- portunity to witness ecologic processes sion of existing Wilderness areas and first hand, participate in interpretive the designation of the Ansel Adams activities, and be inspired by the won- Forest Service Engineer Walter Huber Then-governor Ronald Reagan on horseback Wilderness in 1984, Devils Postpile and ders revealed through growing scien- the surrounding valley and peaks were tific knowledge. Looking to the Future: An Update on the GMP

The Future of Devils Postpile alternatives, which represent initial This summer, Devils Postpile Na- ideas for how the monument might ad- tional Monument will be releasing dress specific issues or areas of man- preliminary or draft alternatives for agement concern. the general management plan (GMP) currently under development to help Your involvement is important and we guide the monument as it enters its want to hear your ideas for the future. second centennial. With your input, we will refine ideas and further develop alternatives. A general management plan provides the framework for managing natural How can you find out more? and cultural resources and providing A newsletter is being designed for the experiences for visitors like you for the GMP that outlines the preliminary next 15-20 years. alternatives. Copies will be available online, at the Ranger Station, and by The monument is working closely with request beginning in mid-July. For the Inyo National Forest to develop a more information, and to sign up for shared vision for the monument and our mailing list, please visit Reds Meadow Valley and manage it http://parkplanning.nps.gov/depo. to provide high quality visitor experiences as it looks forward to the next 100 years.

What does this mean for you? Visitors contributed their thoughts and ideas during the initial scoping for the GMP. Many ideas we heard from the public are included in the preliminary Visitors at Soda Springs experience first hand the value of monument resources. Planning efforts like the GMP aim to better protect these resources for future generations. Emerging Science: The Future of the Valley

Science has always been the driving After assuming oversight of the monu- factor in the preservation of natural ment in 1933, the National Park Ser- and cultural resources. Science at Dev- vice increased the emphasis on science ils Postpile is no exception. and education. Over time, the National Park Service coordinated scientific During the efforts that led to the studies of monument resources in designation of Devils Postpile, many order to better understand their origins observers recognized Devils Postpile’s and connections to the surrounding significance as a “wonderful natural landscape. curiosity” warranting future scientific study. The presidential proclamation Geologic information released 100 that created the monument identified years after the monument’s establish- its “scientific interest” as the key factor ment revealed that the San Joaquin in its establishment. River has remained at the same elevation for more than two million years! Although Devils Postpile was not Surveyed by geologists until the early But often, in an effort to discover what twentieth century, the formation and really happened, emerging science other features in the surrounding land- leaves us with fewer answers than we scape gained recognition as excellent had before. New research suggests that examples of the volcanic and glacial what was once thought about the origin processes that shaped the Sierra Ne- of the postpile lava flow is likely not vada as a whole. true. The origin is once again a subject for scientific debate. But that discovery U.S. Geologic Survey scientist Francois opens up a wide range of possibilities Matthes published the first scientific for future research. study of Devils Postpile in 1930 as part of his larger project to describe the The efforts to understand the natural geologic history of Yosemite and the environment at Devils Postpile and the High Sierra. Reds Meadow Valley do not stop at the clues revealed in the rocks. He described the Postpile as “a feature of unusual interest to the scientist as To put together the entire ecologi- well as to the layman.” While Mat- cal puzzle, Devils Postpile, with the thes recognized the Postpile as the support of the US Forest Service, NPS area’s most unusual and recognizable Sierra Nevada Inventory and Monitor- geologic feature, he saw it as only one ing program along with Sequoia and example of the fascinating geology of Kings Canyon and Yosemite National the entire Mammoth region. Parks, has completed a variety of natural resource-based studies. Scientists and researchers have recognized scientific value in the monument The small scale of the monument far beyond what was known in the makes it an ideal place for landscape- Resource managers and hydrologists measure stream flow in the Upper Middle Fork San Joaquin River early twentieth century. level studies and data collection when through Devils Postpile as a way of monitoring water levels throughout the year.

compared with the larger Sierran eco- As the population continues to rise, system. The monument has completed pressures on the world’s protected studies on air and water quality, as well areas also rise. How will parks, monu- as inventories of flora, and fauna. ments, and Wilderness areas respond? How will they be enjoyed, utilized, and Studying natural processes is also im- protected by both visitors and manag- portant in piecing the ecological puzzle ers today and in the future? together. Climate science is evolving in the Sierra and part of that is studying Emerging science will be a huge part water and weather. of the answer, but will likely not be the entire solution. The continued enjoy- Through interagency partnerships, ment, support, and protection of these a web feed of the data from the Soda special places by visitors will also have Springs Meteorological Station and a profound effect on the way these Upper Middle Fork of the San Joaquin landscapes are protected for years to River Gage has been established to come. Everyone has a role to play in the bring science to park visitors. next 100 years of this great valley.

All of what has been learned in the As you spend time in the Reds Mead- past 100 years in Devils Postpile and ow Valley this summer, think about the Reds Meadow Valley has answered what it means to you. What are your many questions about the geology, connections to this place, and what can flora, fauna, and natural processes. be done so that future generations have the opportunities to make their own Interpretive park rangers turn science into learning, inspiring monument visitors to protect places like Devils It has also raised new ones. In 2011, the connections to these protected places Postpile for years to come. world’s population reached 7 billion. as you have done? Schedule of Events and Programs PROGRAMS THROUGHOUT THE SUMMER

Program Title Description Time Dates Location Devils Postpile Walk Join a ranger to learn about the many 11:00 a.m. June 24-September 5 daily Devils Postpile Ranger reasons the Devils Postpile and the sur- Station rounding environment is so special. Skins and Skulls Join a ranger for an informal, hands-on 1:30-3:30 June 24-September 5 daily Devils Postpile Ranger program about wildlife of Devils Postpile. p.m. Station Star Party Meet Rangers for an astronomy program 9:00 p.m. June 30 Minaret Vista and telescope viewing. 1 hour. Evening Campfire Evening Campfire Programs. Topics vary. Varies by time July 1-September 5 Friday Devils Postpile Programs Friday and Saturday nights. 45 minutes. of year. and Saturday Amphitheater Historic Photography Photos provide a glimpse into days gone Daily June 1-July 31 Mammoth Lakes Library Exhibit by. Courtesy of the Craig Family The Postpile, People, and Meet a Ranger at the base of Devils Post- 2:00 p.m. July 1-August 21 Base of the Devils Postpile Progress—The History of a pile for a 20 minute talk about the his- Formation Monument tory of the Postpile and the people who preserved it. Star Party Meet Rangers for an astronomy program 9:00 p.m. July 28 Minaret Vista and telescope viewing. 1 hour. Wonders of the Night Sky Meet at Devils Postpile for a program 8:30 p.m. August 13 Devils Postpile about the night sky followed by a full Amphitheater/Minaret moon and meteor shower viewing at the Vista Minaret Vista at 9:30 p.m.

SPECIAL PROGRAMS JULY 7-9 Program Title Description Time Dates Location Preserving a Valley: Meet at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to celebrate 5-7:30 p.m. July 7 Mammoth Lakes Stopping the Trans-Sierra one of the largest community-based conservation victories Welcome Center Highway in the preservation and protection of the Reds Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile. Refreshments will be served. Celebrating a Century of Join us at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Audito- 9-10:30 a.m. July 8 Mammoth Lakes Conservation rium for a ceremony commemorating a century of preser- Welcome Center vation, partnerships, and progress. Auditorium Wilderness, Trails, and Drop by the Reds Meadow Cabin to learn about the history 10:30 a.m.- July 8,9 Reds Meadow Cabin Forest Service Packers of US Forest Service packing in the valley and meet some 3:30 p.m. (Reds Meadow very special four-legged guests. Campground) The History of National Join National Park Service Ranger Billie Patrick at the Rain- 12-2:00 p.m. July 8,9 Rainbow Falls Hitching Park Service Horse Patrol bow Falls Hitching Post any time between 12-2:00 p.m. to Post Area see National Park Service horse patrol in action and learn about its history. The Geology of Devils Join Geologist Wes Hildreth on a 1.5 hour geologic tour 2-3:30 p.m. July 8 Devils Postpile Postpile and the Reds to learn about the astounding geology of Devils Postpile Ranger Station Meadow Valley and the Reds Meadow Valley. Meet at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. John Muir and the Sierra Meet for a 1-hour living history presentation by local John 8:00 p.m. July 8 Mammoth Welcome Club Muir expert Lee Stetson. Center Auditorium Bird Banding Drop by to learn about bird banding and bird monitoring 7-10:30 a.m. July 9 Devils Postpile Demonstration in Devils Postpile from Point Reyes Bird Observatory Eastern Amphitheater Sierra Project Director Stella Moss. The Geologic Story of the Join Geologist Wes Hildreth on a moderate 3-hour hike to 1-4:00 p.m. July 9 Devils Postpile Reds Meadow Valley sample the in-depth geologic story of Devils Postpile and Ranger Station the Reds Meadow Valley. Wear hiking shoes or boots. Layers of Stories: Nature Join National Park Service Historian Christopher E. Johnson 8:30 p.m. July 9 Devils Postpile and History in the Middle to learn about the engaging history of the monument and Amphitheater Fork Valley the valley. Meet at the Devils Postpile Amphitheater. Making the Most of Your Time

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 Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead Opportunities for multi-day trips Center to the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Hike to the 101-foot Rainbow (shuttle stop 1) and hike up to Shadow abound in the valley. Popular trips to Station (shuttle stop 6) and either hike Falls via the San Joaquin River and the Lake. Beautiful views of the high peaks alpine lakes include Thousand Island, to Devils Postpile or join a ranger-led open vistas left by the Rainbow Fire in of the Sierra await dedicated hikers. Garnet, and Fern Lakes (2-3 days). hike to the main feature of the monu- 1992. Bring plenty of water. You can This moderate 6-mile round trip trail Yosemite or Kings Canyon National ment, an easy half-mile walk. If you hike from Rainbow Falls to the Rain- takes you through open meadows, past Parks can be reached via the John Muir have extra time, climb the steep, but bow Falls Trailhead (shuttle stop 9) or cascading waterfalls to the subalpine or Pacific Crest Trails in 3-4 days. These short (0.25 mile) and rewarding trail to to the Reds Meadow Trailhead (shuttle lake. Bring plenty of water and dress are just a few of the many adventures the top of the Postpile for a spectacular stop 10) and pick up the shuttle during for rapidly changing weather. Early that await hikers able to spend a few view of the entire valley. Once on top, peak season. The distance is about 3.5 season hikers, be aware, alpine and days in the backcountry. They repre- you will find evidence of past glacial miles to stops 9/10. If the bus is not subalpine lakes may be frozen and trails sent some of the most iconic and mag- events in the form of striations or running, hike back to the monument may be snowy until July. Check with a nificent scenery in the Sierra Nevada. grooves and glacial polish. for a 5-mile round trip hike. 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 Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite Keeping Wildlife Wild

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 the bears safe from you. 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 Bears allowed to access human dense vegetation or loud water, food often become aggressive. make noise to let the bear know • Bear boxes are located in every you are in the area. campsite in the valley. Do not leave • If you see a bear, keep your dis- food in your vehicle over night. tance. Never run from a bear or Use the bear boxes. climb a tree. Black bears are very • Backpackers must use bear resis- fast and are excellent tree climbers. tant canisters. They are available Back away slowly from the animal for rent at the Mammoth Lakes and wait for it to leave the area. Photo: NPS 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.

Do Your Part: Recycle! Americans generate about 251 Recycling receptacles 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 • All numbered plastics waste is inevitable, the National • Forest Service Campgrounds • All colored and clear glass* Park Service and the National • Devils Postpile Ranger Station • Aluminum cans Forest Service would like to • The Devils Postpile formation encourage all visitors to recycle • Starkweather Lake parking *Only at Devils Postpile Ranger what they can. We can all make • Sotcher Lake parking Station and Campground. a difference. • Agnew Meadows Trailhead • Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 5 Area Map Where can I... Note: The trip into the Reds Meadow Valley and to Devils Postpile takes visitors 1,500 feet downhill from the Minaret Vista.

To Shadow Lake and Lake Ediza

Hike the high Sierra? One-way trail distances (in miles) Shuttle bus stop Agnew Meadows Trailhead Pack station and corral Agnew Meadows Ranger Station to: Ranger station Campground Devils Postpile ...... 0.4 1 Group Campground Rainbow Falls ...... 2.5 Telephone Horse Campground Wildflower Minaret Falls ...... 1.5 Trailheads for P Trail Pack station ac Pacific Crest Trail and River Trail ifi Reds Meadow Campground . . . . . 1.2 c Rainbow Falls to Shuttle Bus Food service Cr es Stop at Rainbow Falls Trailhead . . 3.8 M t id Campground dl T e ra Rainbow Falls Trailhead to: Fo il Trinity rk John Muir and S S Rainbow Falls ...... 1.3 Pacific Crest trails Lakes an h u J t o t Other hiking trails

a l

qu e Round-trip trail distances (in miles)

i B n R u Ranger Station–Devils Postpile . . 0.8 i s National Park Service v er R o Ranger Station–Rainbow Falls . . . 5.0 property u t e Rainbow Falls Trailhead– U.S. Forest Service / F Rainbow Falls ...... 2.6 property e Photo: NPS e

ro ad 2 Starkweather Lake 7988ft Attend a ranger program? 2435m

Devils Postpile Ranger Station Minaret Vista 9175ft 2796m Upper Mammoth Mountain Ski Area 9236ft Soda Springs 2815m and Adventure Center To Minaret Lake Soda Springs Mandatory Shuttle Bus Parking Minaret 3 U.S. Forest Service Minaret Station Winter road C closure r To Mammoth Lakes, e (Fee required) e and 395 k Pumice Flat

il ra T T A 4 Johnston Lake t L s F e r Pumice Flat Group Campground c C E iﬁ C J c I o a h P M Photo: NPS n Minaret U

Falls P

u Reds Lake i r 5

Minaret

Falls

a INYO

i l See stunning geologic NATIONAL FOREST features? Devils Postpile Trail To Beck Lakes NPS campground (Ansel Adams Wilderness) Mammoth Mountain 11030ft 3362m 9340ft 2847m Ranger Station 6 7560ft Sotcher INYO 2304m Lake NATIONAL FOREST Soda Springs 7

(Ansel Adams Wilderness) Devils Postpile

DEVILS POSTPILE NATIONAL 8 MONUMENT Reds Meadow Reds Creek Hot il Springs ra T Showers k e e Photo: NPS r C 9 Stock g 10 n i bridge Rainbow

Falls

Trailhead

r J e o Reds Meadow Resort

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Find a rainbow on a sunny M SNOW C u REEK i r

K day? Rainbow Falls a i n n

g d THE BUTTRESSES n McCloud Lake i P u a C q c A a iﬁ o c

N J C Y r 10020ft e O Bo s 3054m N C Rainbow und t re ar Tr e y ails k Falls C re n e a k S

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0.5 Kilometer M h 0 Lower

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T r Photo: NPS a i l

6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide First Bloom a Success at Devils Postpile and Beyond

In 2009, Devils Postpile began a part- One is located at the Paiute-Shoshone nership with the Bishop Paiute Tribe Cultural Center and the other at the through a grant from the National Park Pine Street Elementary School. Foundation and a program called First Bloom. Both of these projects have added beauty to the community and have The National Park Foundation’s First given the kids a sense of ownership of Bloom initiative provides an opportu- the gardens. The participants are also nity for fourth to sixth grade students responsible for the basic maintenance across the country to engage with their of the gardens, including weeding and local national parks and historic sites. pruning of plants. The participants and organizations have the chance to learn, hands-on, As part of an effort to educate partici- about the environment in a living class- pants about national parks and envi- room: the national parks. ronmental stewardship, the program also provides the participants with the This unique educational experience opportunity to visit the national parks includes several workshops and hands- in their “backyards”. on activities led by park rangers. The project culminates in a competition Through partnerships with Death where each group will design and plant Valley and Yosemite National Parks, an indigenous garden in their local Manzanar National Historic Site, and national park or community. of course, Devils Postpile National Monument, the kids are able to not Now in it’s second year, the partner- only visit those parks, but attend spe- ship has continued and expanded to cial programs and complete a steward- include partners such as the Tuniwa ship-based service activity while they Nobe Tribal Literacy Program and sur- are there. rounding national parks. The group has also partnered with Between 2009 and 2011, the 60 or so representatives from the Bureau of First Bloom participants have planted Land Management to work on projects several gardens including two that they in and around their local community, designed and planned themselves. which has expanded the outreach of They utilized basic math and measure- the program tremendously. ment skills in the planning process. Through the gardens and field trips, Their gardens include only plants that the youth learn not only about parks, are native to the Owens Valley and have but the importance of native plants in Paiute names. That not only teaches those parks and in their community. the kids about the importance of native plants, but about the importance of Currently, over 30 parks and partner those plants to their heritage. organizations participate in the First Bloom program throughout the coun- Photo: NPS The two gardens designed and planted try. The participants in the program by the participants are both in their maintain a blog and a web site at First Bloom participants work with a National Park Service Ranger on a service project restoring native local community of Bishop, California. www.first-bloom.org. lodgepole pine to a heavily impacted area near the San Joaquin River in the monument. Be a Junior Ranger! Ranger-led Activities

Want to learn more about Devils How was the Postpile formed? What Postpile or the U.S. Forest Service? The is a Wilderness area? Will I be eaten Devils Postpile Junior Ranger and the by a bear? Visitors to the monument National Junior Forest Ranger Pro- and the national forest bring with them grams are great ways to do it. many questions. Ranger led programs are a great way to have those questions Activities for all ages are included in the answered and to learn more. booklets, available free of charge at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station or at the Programs are offered at the Mammoth Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Lakes Welcome Center and at Devils Postpile National Monument through- Photo: NPS Ever wondered if there’s an online out the summer season. Beginning in Hikes to Devils Postpile begin at the Ranger program? To become a National Park late-June, Rangers will lead daily walks Station daily at 11:00 a.m. in the summer. to Devils Postpile at 11:00 a.m. Service Web Ranger, visit www.nps. For more information or for a schedule Other programs will be offered includ- gov/webrangers. of program times and locations, visit ing talks about local wildlife, hiking the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and backpacking, and evening campfire These programs are open to any age. or the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. programs and hikes. Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 7 One-way trail distances (in miles) Shuttle bus stop Pack station and corral Agnew Meadows Ranger Station to: Ranger station Campground Devils Postpile ...... 0.4 1 Group Campground Rainbow Falls ...... 2.5 Telephone Horse Campground Wildflower Minaret Falls ...... 1.5 Trailheads for P Trail Pack station ac Pacific Crest Trail and River Trail ifi Reds Meadow Campground . . . . . 1.2 c Rainbow Falls to Shuttle Bus Food service Cr es Stop at Rainbow Falls Trailhead . . 3.8 M t id Campground dl T e ra Rainbow Falls Trailhead to: Fo il Trinity rk John Muir and S S Rainbow Falls ...... 1.3 Pacific Crest trails Lakes an h u J t o t Other hiking trails

a l

qu e Round-trip trail distances (in miles)

ro ad 2 Starkweather Lake 7988ft 2435m

Upper Soda Springs

Pumice Flat

il ra T 4

t s

e r c C iﬁ J c o a h P n

i r 5 Volcanic Rocks Minaret

Falls of Devils Postpile National Monument T

A Volcanic Landscape i and Vicinity l

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. Sotcher Soda Springs 7 elevations near the Minarets you will • at least 1 liter of water Lake Basalt of the Red Cones DEVILS POSTPILE Devils Postpile Unglaciated red cinder cones and lava flows find old, metamorphosed volcanic • a map NATIONAL Youngest Basalt of the Devils Postpile rocks that have changed greatly over MONUMENT Dark gray, fine-grained basalt flow with abundant feldspar crystals. Source: near 8 time as the Sierra Nevada rose. What to expect: Reds Meadow Upper Soda Springs Hot Andesite of Mammoth Pass Springs • Moderate terrain with short, steep Showers Light gray to dark gray, fine-grained andesite. INYO Weathers red-orange. Glacially polished near 9 In and around Devils Postpile National sections NATIONAL FOREST Rainbow 10 Rainbow Falls. Source: Mammoth Pass Falls (Ansel Adams Wilderness) Trailhead Rhyodacite of Rainbow Falls Monument you will find rocks from • Sun and shade Light gray, fine-grained rhyodacite. Exhibits J o Reds Meadow Resort h horizontal platy weathering fractures and

younger flows and eruptions such as • Amazing scenery M some dense, black, columnar-jointed u outcrops. Flow probably occurred in two i r pumice, rhyolite, basalts, and andes- a stages. Source: near Reds Meadow n

THE BUTTRESSES d

P a Tuff of Reds Meadow c ites that have changed little since they You will find scenery enjoyed by i ﬁ Similiar to Bishop Tuff. Buff, ash-flow rhyolite c C r exhibiting welding of pumice and rock e cooled from lava into rock. relatively few visitors. If you have the st fragments. Source: Long Valley Caldera Rainbow Tr ails time and energy, hike South on the Falls Basalt of the Buttresses. Dark gray basalt. Crude columnar jointing. Source: Unknown

To visit the different flows in the valley, John Muir/Pacific Crest Trail to the Oldest follow the trails marked in red. Use the Red Cones for unparalleled views of North map on the right to identify rocks as the valley and a visit to the only intact, 0 0.5 Kilometer Lower Falls 0 0.5 Mile you hike through the monument. unglaciated volcanic cones in the valley. Reds Cones Enjoy a Safe Visit Protecting Special Places

Dehydration Swift Water Visitors to the Reds Meadow Valley • driving vehicles into sensitive The main cause of medical emergen- The San Joaquin River runs cold and are the area’s most important guard- meadows and off roadways cies in the valley is dehydration. Hiking fast in June and July. Swimming dur- ians. The valley has more than one • camping outside of designated to Rainbow Falls and other destina- ing periods of high water is dangerous. hundred thousand people visiting each campgrounds tions can be hot, dry, and dusty. Bring Floating the river within Devils Post- year. If we can get all those people to • using weapons plenty of drinking water for everyone pile National Monument is not permit- watch over the plants, animals, geologic in your hiking party. Drinking directly ted. Because currents below Rainbow features, historic and archeological Outside of the monument boundaries, from rivers is not recommended with- Falls are hazardous, swimming below sites, imagine how well-protected these the following is prohibited: out filtering or boiling the water first. the falls is not recommended. resources could be! • feeding or approaching wildlife • driving vehicles into sensitive Unfortunately, there are people who meadows and off roadways either intentionally or unknowingly • camping outside of designated harm resources. Please contact a park campgrounds except with a valid official if you see any of the following wilderness permit. illegal acts in the monument: • feeding or approaching wildlife If you see activities that could harm • hunting animals people or resources, jot down descrip- • collecting reptiles or butterflies tions or a vehicle license plate number • collecting plants or pine cones and contact park personnel at (760) • taking archeological/historic items 934-2289. If someone’s life is in dan- • carrying or using metal detectors ger, call 911. Hikers filtering water at a mountain lake. Minaret Falls during spring runoff to locate/collect historic objects Sequoia Natural Eastern Sierra History Association Interpretive Association

The Sequoia Natural History Association is a non-profit organization that pro- The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association is a non-profit organization which vides vital services to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils works in cooperation with the Inyo National Forest to promote and enhance the Postpile National Monument, which may not be available through federal fund- visitors’ understanding and enjoyment of the natural, cultural, historic and recre- ing. They provide books and educational materials in their bookstore at Devils ational resources of National Forests. Proceeds from bookstores and your dona- Postpile. To browse their online bookstore visit: http://www.sequoiahistory.org/. tions support interpretive programs, printed materials and visitor center displays. To browse their online bookstore, visit http://www.esiaonline.com.

8 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide