National Park Service Visitor Guide to Devils Postpile U.S. Department of the Interior National Forest Service and the Reds Meadow Valley U.S. Department of Agriculture The Post

Photo: NPS Living with Wildland Fire Fire is a way of life in California and The Rainbow Fire provided a good example Wildland Fire Management Today property and the ecological health of the throughout the west. Its effects can be of what can happen when fire is removed Today’s forests are thinned and cleared forest. seen from the sagebrush to the red fir from an ecosystem for years and fuels are and low-lying vegetation is removed by Inside this guide, you will find valuable forests. With changing climate, California allowed to build up. The fire also provided prescribed fire, mechanical thinning, information on what you can do during is experiencing warmer, drier winters an opportunity for managers to look at how and pile burning. This management your visit to help protect your public and the possibility for large, damaging to live with wildland fire and how to include strategy helps to decrease the poten- lands from human caused fire. fires is increasing for a larger proportion fire in the management of public lands. tial of catastrophic fires and promote Be a part of the solution this summer of the year. Are there Benefits of Wildland Fire? healthier forests. When people live in or near the wildland, careful planning and and help eliminate human-caused wild- History of Fire Yes, and changes created by fire are land fire. For thousands of years prior to the 20th important. Fire, when managed properly, work is required to manage forests and he monument is updating the existing century, fire shaped this landscape. creates habitat diversity, valuable homes protect the community. Reducing fuel is T Fire and Fuels Management Plan and Forests had fewer, yet larger, healthier for wildlife, and improves the health of a critical component in protecting life, Environmental Assessment. The pur- trees, more widely spaced apart. In 1992, ecosystems while also protecting human pose of the update is to expand fire and the Rainbow Fire burned hot and fast life and property. Fire plays a natural role fuels management, respond to declining through the Reds Meadow Valley. The fire in clearing limbs, dead leaves, needles, forest health, protect natural and cul- burned in areas where fire suppression small trees and shrubs from the forest tural resources, and reduce the risk of had been in practice for years, leaving floor. Fire also helps manage insect pop- catastrophic fire. The draft will be open excessive fuel and dense stands of trees. ulations that prey on trees. But fire can for public comment in July. Check the The fire quickly threatened structures also be catastrophic and in some cases, website for updates. and human life and consumed all vegeta- extremely damaging to ecosystems, life tion in its path. and property. www.parkplanning.nps.gov/depo

Trail to the Base of Rainbow Falls What’s Inside

The trail to the base of Rainbow Falls is temporarily closed Shuttle Bus Information...... 2 in order to complete needed trail work on the popular route to the base of the waterfall. The trail to the top of Rainbow Information and Services...... 3 Falls remains open, and visitors have access to the two viewpoints of the waterfall. Area Map...... 4-5 The temporary closure of the trail is necessary for park crews to complete much needed trail maintenance and to mitigate Hiking...... 6 rockfall hazards. The closure is expected to last throughout Every Kid in a Park the season. and Junior Rangers...... 7 Trail work is being completed by Devils Postpile National Monument staff with assistance from a local conservation Citizen Science, Wildlife trail crew. and Bookstores...... 8 Photo: NPS

Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 1 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 can • 7:15 a.m. be purchased at the Adventure Center, located at the main gondola building at • 8:00 a.m. Mammoth Mountain. • 8:45 a.m. At which stop National Park Service Parking for the shuttle bus is along the • 9:00 a.m.–4:30 p.m. every 30 min. U.S. Department of the Interior will I find... roadside near Mammoth Mountain Main From 9:00 a.m.-4:30 p.m., visitors will Lodge. Leashed and muzzled dogs are board the Mammoth Mountain Bike Park Food and Bottled Water..... Devils Postpile welcome on buses. Please be careful Shuttle to get to the Adventure Center National Monument walking along the roadside from the Wildflower Walk...... (free for hikers). parking areas to the Adventure Center to Mailing Address purchase bus tickets. From the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Shadow Lake/River Trail...... P.O. Box 3999 Center: Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 The trip into the valley takes about 30 minutes. Be prepared for a variety of • 7:30 a.m. – 9:45 a.m. every 45 min. Ranger Station, Programs..... Phone: (760) 934-2289 conditions. Hiking shoes, sunscreen, • 10:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. every 20 min. water, and food are recommended. Devils Postpile Trail...... Fax: (760) 934-4780 • 5:00 p.m.–7:00 p.m. every 30–45 min. Web site: www.nps.gov/depo If you are one of the following, you Starkweather Lake...... qualify as an exception to the bus system The Need for a Shuttle System and will be allowed to drive into the Sotcher Lake...... valley, and must pay a fee at the Minaret The shuttle has allowed the valley to Vista Station. recover from intense use that occurred Rainbow Falls Trail...... • Visitors displaying a disabled persons throughout the 1970’s. It has protected parking placard or plate the area from degradation caused by high Bookstore/Souvenirs...... visitation and limited parking. Whether • Visitors with an inflated float tube or Payphones...... non-motorized vessel for use on valley riding the shuttle or driving into the valley lakes in an exception vehicle, everyone enjoys a safer experience as a result of the shuttle First Aid/Emergency Care...... • Visitors staying in a designated campground in the valley (backpackers operation. National Forest Service must use the shuttle) U.S. Department of Agriculture • Visitors towing livestock trailers Adventure Center Area Map To Mammoth Lakes & 395 395 Mammoth Ranger District • Overnight guests of Reds Meadow Inyo National Forest Resort • Visitors entering the valley when the Shuttle Mailing Address bus is not running Parking P.O. Box 148 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 • Hunters transporting weapons or game

Fees for exception vehicles: Caution: Please be Phone: (760) 924-5500 careful while walking Fax: (760) 924-5547 • One Day Pass: $10/vehicle alongside the road The Web site: http://www.fs.usda.gov/inyo • Three-day pass: $20/vehicle (Good for Yodler three of five consecutive days) Mammoth Climbing • Campers: $10/vehicle for the duration Mountain Inn Wall Shuttle Boarding of stay. • Season pass: $35/vehicle. Three-day and season passes for excep- Statue Zip-line Main tion vehicles are accepted at Mono Lake Area Lodge South Tufa and Schullman Grove Day Adventure Center use Areas. Interagency Annual, Military, Senior, 3) North 20 te and Access Passes are only accepted for Rou nic (Sce vehicles that are exceptions to the shuttle Minaret Road Gondola to top of bus. Interagency passes are not valid for To Minaret Vista Mammoth Mountain 0 100 Meters and Devils Postpile shuttle bus tickets. 11053ft 0 100 Feet 3369m

Shuttle Bus Passes PASSES COST Day Pass $8 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Wilderness Hikers $8 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 $16 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Season Pass $40 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free.

2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Information and Services

EMERGENCIES SHOWERS Forest. It is the responsibility of visitors to In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone The Reds Meadow hot spring fed showers understand and comply with all applicable coverage is limited. Pay phones are located will not open this season. The tub will be state, local, and federal firearms laws Length Limits on at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow Resort locked for safety reasons. Showers will be before entering the monument or forest. the Postpile Road and Pumice Flat campground. available at the Reds Meadow Resort and For information on California regulations, To decrease risks and provide for Packstation. Showers are $7.00. Towels are visit: the safety of all visitors traveling on VISITOR CENTERS available for $1.00. http://ag.ca.gov/firearms/ Devils Postpile the narrow road accessing Devils Postpile National Monument, The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is open FOOD SERVICES Federal law prohibits firearms in all Devils Postpile has restricted the daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. from late- Food service is available at the Reds federal facilities including the Devils length of vehicles on the section of June through Labor Day. It will be open Meadow Resort. A store and a restaurant Postpile Ranger Station and the Mammoth road in the monument to 25 feet. in September and October as staffing are open from June through September. Lakes Welcome Center, unless specifically permits. Maps and other information is Camping supplies and groceries are also This does not apply to the entire authorized (18 USC 930(a)). road. This only applies to the short available. There is also a bookstore on site. available. section of road that spurs off the STOCK USE Reds Meadow Road and enters the Inyo National Forest PETS Devils Postpile national monument. The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center Devils Postpile Stock are allowed on monument trails serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, the Pets are allowed on trails and in the with the exception of the Devils Postpile Commercial vehicles longer than Inyo National Forest, and the National campground at the monument and must Trail and a short section of trail near 25 feet should contact Eastern Park Service year-round. A bookstore and be on a leash at all times. Rainbow Falls. Ask for a detailed map at Sierra Transit Authority (www. permits are available. Hours of operation the Ranger Station. estransit.com) for information on are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. daily (760- Inyo National Forest entrance into Devils Postpile. 924-5505). Pets are allowed on trails in the Inyo Stock should enter the monument via Recreational vehicles longer than National Forest as long as they are on the Rainbow Falls Trailhead. Parking and 25 feet are advised to use Forest CAMPING leash or under voice control, and near maneuvering in valley parking lots can Service campgrounds that will Devils Postpile the owner. Pets must be on leash in be very challenging for large vehicles and accommodate 25 foot vehicles all National Forest campgrounds and The Devils Postpile National Monument trailers. Please use caution on the narrow and utilize the Reds Meadow developed sites including parking lots, Campground will be closed for the 2018 Reds Meadow Road and in parking lots. Shuttle bus if visiting Devils season. The purpose is to accommodate trailheads, and day use areas. Postpile. The shuttle bus is free an increase in day use visitation and to Off-trail stock use is prohibited. River between Agnew Meadows and provide better services to the highest On the Shuttle Bus crossing is only permitted at the Reds Meadow Resort. number of visitors. Leashed and muzzled pets are permitted designated stock bridge located in on on the shuttle buses. Muzzles can be Groups eligible for an educational the John Muir/Pacific Crest Trails within Inyo National Forest purchased at pet stores in Mammoth fee waiver traveling in buses longer the monument. The Soda Springs Bridge than 25 feet should contact Devils There are seven Forest Service Lakes or at the Mammoth Mountain is not designed for stock use. Grazing Postpile National Monument for campgrounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Adventure Center. is prohibited and weed free feed is information pertaining to special Five campgrounds are first-come, recommended. use permits. first-served. Current fees for all Inyo FISHING campgrounds (including group and horse) A fishing license is required for adults ages The road is narrow and visibility Inyo National Forest can be found on the Inyo National Forest 16 and older. Regulations can be found is limited. All vehicles should use Website or by calling 760-924-5500. in the California Department of Fish and Stock are allowed on most National caution on both the Reds Meadow Two group campgrounds are available Wildlife’s Freshwater Sport Fishing Book Forest trails. Several trailheads are and Devils Postpile roads. by reservation. Agnew Campground has available online or where fishing licenses suitable for stock loading and unloading three equestrian campsites and are also by are sold. including Agnew Meadows and Rainbow reservation only. Falls. HUNTING AND FIREARMS Special Campground Information Devils Postpile Group size is limited to 15 people and 25 At the time of printing, exact opening Hunting is prohibited within the stock. Stock must be kept 200 feet from dates for campgrounds in the Reds boundaries of the monument. all lake shores. Pellets, cubes, or grain Meadow Valley were unknown. Please call must be used where feed is limited or ahead to ensure that the campground in Inyo National Forest grazing is not allowed. Weed free feed is which you wish to stay will be open. The Hunting is permitted in designated areas recommended. Remove excess pellets or Inyo National Forest is working to open within the Inyo National Forest with cubes and remove or scatter manure. these sites as soon as possible. Please call a valid license. Contact the California ahead for the most current information. Department of Fish and Wildlife at 559- Use hitchlines or hobbles to constrain 243-4005 ext. 151 for more information. stock in backcountry campsites. Campground Closing Dates Regulation booklets are available at the Highlines are preferred in many areas to All campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. reduce impacts. Camps must be set up Valley close on or before October 15, 200 feet from water or any trails. depending on weather. Call ahead for Firearms Regulations exact dates. Typically, campgrounds are Federal law allows people who can legally Watering of stock should be done away open through the Labor Day weekend and possess firearms under applicable federal, from marshy areas, ponds, lakes, and some stay open into early October. There state, and local laws, to legally possess other places susceptible to bank erosion. is no overnight parking in the valley after firearms in Devils Postpile National Established fords or low, rocky spots in October 14. Monument and on the Inyo National the bank should be used. Photo: NPS

Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 3 What to Do Area Map ROAD TUNNEL OOP in the Area? Deer L IC Note: The trip into the Reds Meadow Valley and to Devils Postpile Mountain N E 8,786' C takes visitors 1,500 feet downhill from the Minaret Vista. S P A H 3S08 CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T N M AT Craters A IO San Joaquin Ridge Crater N Trail M A . LEGEND L S Lakes CEN IC T RA Paved Roads Campground I L . Agnew Meadows

Group High

Trail Unpaved Roads Private Campground

D .

G Agnew A

Meadows O

R G

Group Campground

F Hiking Trail . . F

River Trail 1 O T Smokey Bear

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

L bicycles, motorized vehicles and

I

M all wheeled mechanical devices . Hiking Trailhead P AC W IF IC A Deadman San CR S ES Winter Road Closure T Pass Footbridge NA Take a hike! TI Joaquin ON AL Information/Visitor Center S C E N Horseback Riding/ IC .

River T R A Ranger Station Pack Station IL

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 Rest NO Main The Office Shady WILDERNESS Lake Trailhead Rest Pumice RR Lodge Village MAIN ST. Mammoth Lakes Flat . Welcome Center No wheeled FEE REQUIRED Hot 4 and Ranger Station mechanical devices . G Pumice BEYOND PANORAMA GONDOLA THE TOWN OF Group Geothermal Attend a Ranger Program. A D MAMMOTH LAKES Plant THIS POINT RO Mammoth Mountain M RV Park Y IN Minaret Ski Area and Bike Park R A A RE Falls T Hot Creek M Fish Hatchery D 5 Reds A R RO Lake E O MERIDIAN BLVD. RY Minaret K A HE Falls 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 Mammoth O Museum 6 M Sierra Meadows Nature Mammoth D M A M Ranch Sherwin 7 Trail OL 4S08 Creek Creek Mammoth . % Snowcreek RWI Yosemite . Valentine Golf Course E N Mammoth Reserve SH CR Airport . Sotcher NO EE o Devils Mountain Mill City K . Lake RR NO RO Postpile Stamp Mill RR A 11,053' Sherwin

NT ANSEL ADAMS Panorama D 7,560' Mammoth Reds Dome Trail 4S08 8 Meadow Rock Trail LE NO WILDERNESS NO RR Bike 4S19 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 See Devils Postpile. 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

C

R Lake

E Horseshoe Lakes S NA T Mamie

N Lake A McLeod T IO Lake . Pine N A Crystal Lake Mary City L Boundary S FOREST Rough 4WD Road C Lake Trail E NI Lake Rainbow C Convict Lake Creek TR Falls A . . Trailhead IL . La ke Mary Lake George NO RR w George . Coldwater 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 Mammoth 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 o Trailhead Creek J Lake

Cast your line. n Coldwater

a S

JOHN MUIR

k Arrowhead Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide r Upper

4 o Lake F

Crater e

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 P A H 3S08 CIF T IC O C R M ES Inyo Inyo T N M AT Craters A IO San Joaquin Ridge Crater N Trail M A . LEGEND L S Lakes CEN IC T RA Paved Roads Campground I L . Agnew Meadows

Group High

Trail Unpaved Roads Private Campground

D .

G Agnew A

Meadows O

R G

Group Campground

F Hiking Trail . . F

River Trail 1 O

T Smokey Bear

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

L bicycles, motorized vehicles and

I

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

River T R A Ranger Station Pack Station IL

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 Rest NO Main The Office Shady WILDERNESS Lake Trailhead Rest Pumice RR Lodge Village MAIN ST. Mammoth Lakes Flat . Welcome Center No wheeled FEE REQUIRED Hot 4 and Ranger Station mechanical devices . G Pumice BEYOND PANORAMA GONDOLA THE TOWN OF Group Geothermal A D MAMMOTH LAKES Plant THIS POINT RO Mammoth Mountain M RV Park Y IN Minaret Ski Area and Bike Park R A A RE Falls T Hot Creek M Fish Hatchery D 5 Reds A R RO Lake E O MERIDIAN BLVD. RY Minaret K A HE Falls 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 Mammoth O Museum 6 M Sierra Meadows Nature Mammoth D M A M Ranch Sherwin 7 Trail OL 4S08 Creek Creek Mammoth . % Snowcreek RWI Yosemite . Valentine Golf Course E N Mammoth Reserve SH CR Airport . Sotcher NO EE o Devils Mountain Mill City K . Lake RR NO RO Postpile Stamp Mill RR A 11,053' Sherwin

NT ANSEL ADAMS Panorama D 7,560' Mammoth Reds Dome Trail 4S08 8 Meadow Rock Trail LE NO WILDERNESS NO RR Bike 4S19 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

C

R Lake

E Horseshoe Lakes S NA T Mamie

N Lake A McLeod T IO Lake . Pine N A Crystal Lake Mary City L Boundary S FOREST Rough 4WD Road C Lake Trail E NI Lake Rainbow C Convict Lake Creek TR Falls A . . Trailhead IL . La ke Mary Lake George NO RR w George . Coldwater 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 Mammoth 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 o Trailhead Creek J Lake

n

Coldwater

a S

JOHN MUIR k Arrowhead r Upper Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide

o Lake 5 F

Crater e

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. Photo: M. Finnerty Sotcher Lake. Photo: M. Finnerty

Permits an instant. Extreme temperatures, vio- Wilderness permits are required for lent storms, and unexpected changes Select Hiking Trails overnight travel into the Ansel Adams are not uncommon. Dress in layers and (Numbers correspond to shuttle stops on Devils Postpile park map) Wilderness year round. Reservations bring plenty of water on any hike. Do may be made up to six months in not drink water directly from streams Destination Shuttle One Way Description Trailhead Stop (mi / km) advance for trips during the quota sea- or lakes without filtering or boiling it son which is May 1 through November before consumption. Lake Ediza Moderate/Strenuous Follow switchbacks through an 1. A $5 per person reservation fee plus Agnew 1 6mi / 9.7km open hillside to spectacular views of the Sierra. Meadows a $6 per reservation transaction fee is Sensitive Areas charged at the time you reserve with Cross country travel is permitted in Shadow Lake Moderate Rolling trail takes hikers through open mead- www.recreation.gov. No fee is charged most areas, but please observe posted Agnew 1 3mi / 4.8km ows and lodgepole forests to the shores of Shadow Lake. for walk-in permits. signs. Meadows like the ones found in Meadows Great mountain views at the lake. the Reds Meadow Valley and alpine Wildflower Trail Easy Self guided wildflower walk. Late June to the middle Permits and maps are available at the areas are sensitive and may take many Agnew 1 2mi / 3.2km of July tend to be the best times for the flowers, but bring Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. For years to recover from “social” or unof- Meadows bug spray. trips originating in the Inyo National ficial trails. If traveling off-trail, travel Devils Postpile Easy Wide, level trail through shaded lodgepole forest. 6 Forest, call (760) 873-2483 or visit the on durable surfaces such as rock or Devils Postpile 0.4mi / 0.6km Moderate, steep hike to the top of the Postpile. Inyo National Forest website. snow. Minaret Falls Easy Rolling trail through the forest travels by natural 6 1.5mi / 2.3km For hikes starting in Sequoia, Kings Backcountry Fires Devils Postpile springs to the falls. Best in early summer.

Canyon or Yosemite National Parks, Fires are allowed in some backcountry Rainbow Falls Moderate Rolling terrain through forest and open burn permits must be acquired through those areas. It is your responsibility to know Devils Postpile 6 2.5mi / 4km area from the 1992 Rainbow Fire. Great views in open parks and will be valid for the duration where fires are and are not allowed. area. Bring plenty of water and sunscreen. of your trip. For trips originating in Keep in mind that this information may Minaret Lake Strenuous This can be done as a long day hike or over- 6 Sequoia or Kings Canyon, please call change during severe fire seasons. Visit Devils Postpile 8mi / 12.9km night trip. 2,700 foot elevation gain brings hikers to an (559) 565-3341 or visit www.nps.gov/ the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center emerald lake at the base of the Minarets. seki. For trips originating in Yosemite or Devils Postpile Ranger Station for Sotcher Lake call (209) 372-0826 (summer only) or the most current information. 7 2mi / 3.2km Easy/Moderate Self guided nature trail loops around Sotcher Nature Trail Lake. Hikers pass springs and waterfalls along the way. visit www.nps.gov/yose. Sotcher Lake Food Storage Moderate Slightly shorter than the trail to the falls from Be Prepared Approved bear canisters are required in Rainbow Falls 9 1.3mi / 1.2km Devils Postpile, the terrain is similar. Bring plenty of water Rainbow Falls Weather in the mountains changes in all backcountry areas. on this hike.

6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Let’s Get Every Kid in a Park!

“Oh the places you’ll go, Today is your To visit the Reds Meadow Valley and provided additional opportunities for day! Your mountain is waiting. So get Devils Postpile National Monument, youth to explore the federal public lands on your way!” Dr. Suess’ rhyming and fourth grade students with plastic throughout this area. In partnership rallying charge captures the spirit of the Interagency Fourth Grade Annual Pass with the Bishop Paiute environmental Every Kid in a Park initiative, launched can ride the Reds Meadow Shuttle bus education program, Firstbloom, Devils by the White House and Federal Land for free. Those travelling with the student Postpile National Monument is one Management Agencies. In celebration will need to pay for a bus ticket. This of 186 federal sites to receive an Every of the National Park Service Centennial, pass cannot be used to discount camping Kid in a Park field trip grant from the fourth graders can obtain a pass that fees. In other federal public lands where National Park Foundation. This summer, provides free access to students to all an entrance fee is charged per vehicle, Firstbloom participants will be engaged federally managed lands and waters. anyone in a vehicle with a 4th grade stewards of public lands—learning and By introducing America’s youth at an student that has a pass will be admitted volunteering to help protect public lands early age to public lands, near and far, for free. while exploring the Inyo National Forest, this program is a call to action to get Devils Postpile National Monument, and all children to experience breathtaking With millions of acres of federal lands Yosemite National Park. places and meaningful stories throughout across the nation, there might be a place the nation. for students to explore right in their Whether you’re in fourth grade, or a own backyard! Public lands provide fourth grader at heart, public lands are Fourth graders can start the adventure by opportunities for youth to be active, for us to explore, so get on your way! visiting: www.everykidinapark.gov. spend time with friends and family, After playing an online game, the and learn in outdoor classrooms and student can print a voucher which where history was made. Through these can be exchanged for a durable plastic experiences, the initiative hopes to Interagency Fourth Grade Annual inspire the next generation of stewards, Pass at federal lands centers that issue motivated to protect our public lands for passes, such as the Welcome Center in future generations. Mammoth Lakes. This pass is good for the 2015-2016 school year and summer. The Every Kid in a Park initiative has also Be a Junior Ranger! Protecting Special Places

Want to learn more about Devils Visitors to the Reds Meadow Valley are • driving vehicles into sensitive meadows Postpile or the U.S. Forest Service? The the area’s most important guardians. and off roadways Devils Postpile Junior Ranger and the The valley has more than one hundred • camping outside of designated National Junior Forest Ranger Pro- thousand people visiting each year. If all campgrounds grams are great ways to do it. of those people watched over the plants, • using weapons animals, geology, historic and archeological Activities for all ages are included in the sites, imagine how well-protected these Outside of the monument boundaries, the resources could be! 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 meadows Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. either intentionally or unknowingly harm and off roadways resources. Please contact a park official if • camping outside of designated Ever wondered if there’s an online 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 • hunting animals www.nps.gov/webrangers. • collecting reptiles or butterflies If you see activities that could harm people • collecting plants or pine cones or resources, write descriptions or a These programs are open to any age. • taking archeological/historic items vehicle license plate number and call (760) • carrying or using metal detectors to 934-2289. If someone’s life is in danger, locate/collect historic objects call 911.

7 Citizen Science NPS Accessibility

With just the tap of a button, a single documenting the diversity of plants The NPS is working on a strategy to improve picture from a smartphone’s camera— and animals. For example, volunteers accessibility at Devils Postpile National Photo: NPS which automatically records the compiled the first formal report on Monument. date, time and location—can provide nesting and breeding birds within valuable data for scientists. An image the monument which led to more An Accessibility and Self Evaluation and can show the life stage and visual monitoring and improved protection Transition Plan (SETP) has been developed habitat conditions of a plant or animal of habitat. Additionally, volunteers by a NPS interdisciplinary team that at a specific location by recording GPS conducted the first snow surveys at provides recommendations to improve the accessibility at the monument. Key park coordinates. Devils Postpile to better understand experiences were identified and park areas snowpack. This information was so evaluated to determine how to improve Smartphone apps, like iNaturalist valuable that the California Department accessibility needs. The plan includes and Natures Notebook, provide of Water Resources decided to include an opportunity for scientists to implementation strategies for improving the the monument in the statewide snow “crowdsource” data collection from the accessibility at key locations. survey database. general public – which we call “citizen The SETP is available at: https:// science.” These data can be used to Want to help? Download and create parkplanning.nps.gov/DEPO_SETP detect changes over time -from the an account with iNaturalist. While shifting migration patterns of birds to The monument is now working to you’re out on your adventures, take earlier flowering dates. implement short and medium term photos of plants and animals that you improvements and plan for long term But you don’t need a smartphone to be see (respecting nature, of course!). improvements to make the special places of a citizen scientist! Many national parks Being a citizen scientist helps you learn the monument more accessible. recruit volunteers to help collect data in about the natural world and can make If you would like further information, please the field. At Devils Postpile, volunteers exploring even more exciting - whether contact the Park Superintendent at depo_ have made major contributions towards it’s in a neighborhood or national park. [email protected]. 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 anything Keep all food within reach in case a with an odor including used paper bear should wander through camp. plates, dishes, and toiletries. Bear • When hiking through areas of boxes are located in every campsite dense vegetation or loud water, in the valley. Do not leave food in make noise to let the bear know your vehicle over night. you are in the area. • Backpackers must use bear resistant • If you see a bear, keep your canisters. They are available for rent distance. Back away slowly. at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome • Never approach wildlife. Center and at the Devils Postpile • Remember, we are visitors to their Photo: NPS Ranger Station. homes. Respect all wild animals. Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association

The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is a non-profit organization that provides vital services to Devils Postpile National Monument and the Inyo National Forest which may not be available through federal funding. They provide books and educational materials in their bookstore at Devils Postpile, the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and the Mono Basin Scenic Area Visitor Center.

ESIA provides a connection to the Eastern Sierra and public lands through interpretive and education opportunities. ESIA achieves its mission by operating quality bookstores 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. Inspire~Educate~Explore

8 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide