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

the Reds Meadow Valley National Park Service U.S. Department of the Interior The Post 2009-2010

What’s Inside

Information and Services...... 2

Ranger-led Activities Shuttle Bus Information...... 3

Hiking ...... 4

Making the Most of Your Time Bear Safety...... 5

Maps ...... 6

Science and Resources Student Conservation Association Welcome to Devils Postpile Junior Ranger Program...... 7 Volcanic Landscape Aquatic Hitchhikers and the Reds Meadow Valley Bookstores and Partners...... 8 Welcome to Reds Meadow Valley and Southern Sierra species of plants as “wanton destruction of scenery” displayed as an exhibit in the valley or and Devils Postpile in the spectacu- and animals converge along the river and enlisted the support of District in Mammoth. If you have any pho- lar Upper Middle Fork of the San corridor and in the many wetlands. Forester F.E. Olmsted and Univer- tos or stories you would like to share, Joaquin River Valley. Beauty abounds sity of Professor Joseph N. please feel free to contribute these for in the forms of unusually rich and The value of the natural and recre- LeConte to evaluate the situation with possible inclusion in this exhibit. diverse flora and fauna, traditional ational resources was recognized in the hope of denying the permit and recreational opportunities and a 1890 with its inclusion in the initial protecting the area. Devils Postpile is also embarking on fascinating cultural history. boundaries of Yosemite National Park. its first ever general management plan, Their efforts, along with the support of in cooperation with the Inyo National Researchers, writers, visitors, and In 1905 the Devils Postpile formation, the Sierra Club, resulted in President Forest. Public involvement is encour- staff have learned much about the Rainbow Falls, and the entire valley Taft signing the enabling legislation for aged. We are reaching out to our visi- valley’s geologic and ecologic re- including the were removed the Devils Postpile National Monu- tors, public, and communities to invite sources and its historic sites. This from Yosemite’s boundaries due to ment on July 6, 1911. The monument comments and suggestions. The goal 50,000 acre valley is a crossroads of pressure from mining interests. The was ultimately transferred to the na- is for a draft vision for the future to be ecological and cultural diversity. area became part of the Sierra Forest tional park system in 1933. published for the Centennial Celebra- Reserve, managed by the newly orga- tion. The trail from Mammoth crossed nized U.S. Forest Service. Since then, the US Forest Service and the lowest pass in the Eastern Sierra National Park Service have worked While you are here, please appreciate and traversed one of the shortest Soon after, the Forest Service received together in this remarkable valley to the valley’s legacy of protection and be trans-Sierra Routes climbing over an application for a permit to build a care for the land and provide quality safe while enjoying your public lands. Granite Staircase to Fresno Flats dam on the Middle Fork of the San visitor experiences. Both agencies have (now Oakhurst). Native Americans, Joaquin River at the site of Devils Post- shared nearly a century of history and, Jim Upchurch, explorers, hunters, sheepherders, pile. The intent was to blast the forma- together, we are preparing a Centennial Supervisor miners, and the US Calvary used tion of the Postpile to create a rock Celebration of the creation of Devils this route and left evidence of their fill dam that could be used to support Postpile National Monument in 2011. passing. local mining operations. Deanna Dulen, Our hope is to discover many fascinat- Devils Postpile Superintendent In this valley, many Eastern, Western, Walter Huber, district engineer for the ing historical photos and stories to be Forest Service, regarded the proposal The Future of Devils Postpile Last summer, Devils Postpile Na- their decisions. tional Monument embarked on a new journey in park management: the With pressing issues such as climate development of a general management change, health of the , plan (GMP). The monument will work and visitor experience in the monu- closely with the Inyo National Forest to ment, a guiding document is necessary develop a shared vision for the monu- to direct decisions.The GMP involves ment and Reds Meadow Valley. partnerships between agency staff and National Park Service the visiting public. U.S. Department of the Interior What is a GMP? In short, it is a blueprint for mananging What does the GMP mean for you? Devils Postpile the monument. A general manage- Visitors and people from all over the National Monument ment plan provides the framework for country can contribute their thoughts managing many aspects of the monu- and ideas to the process. There will Mailing Address ment including natural and cultural be opportunities for your voice to be P.O. Box 3999 resources and the experiences of visi- heard on the monument’s website and Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 tors like you for the next 15-20 years. It at public meetings. The deadline for provides managers with guidance on public comment is September 22nd. Phone: (760) 934-2289 issues ranging from visitor services to Fax: (760) 934-4780 preservation of natural and cultural Devils Postpile National Monument Web site: www.nps.gov/depo resources. was created for the benefit of all peo- ple. Monument staff need your help Why do we need a GMP? to shape the future of Devils Postpile Devils Postpile has never had a GMP. and determine how it will be managed While each manager has acted to pro- for the next 20 years. For information, tect the monument’s special resources, visit www.parkplanning.nps.gov/depo. there has never been a GMP to guide Information and Services EMERGENCIES CAMPING PETS In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone Devils Postpile Devils Postpile National Forest Service coverage is limited. Pay phones are lo- Devils Postpile has a 21 site first-come, Pets are allowed on trails and in the U.S. Department of Agriculture cated at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow first-served campground for tents and campground at Devils Postpile Nation- and Pumice Flat campgrounds. RVs up to 32 feet in length. Sites are $14 al Monument and must be on a leash at Mammoth Ranger District per night or $7/night for Senior or Ac- all times. Pick up after your pet. Do not Inyo National Forest VISITOR CENTERS cess Pass holders. leave pets unattended in the monu- Devils Postpile ment or in vehicles if it is above 68 Mailing Address The Devils Postpile Ranger Station Inyo National Forest degrees farenheight outside. P.O. Box 148 is open from mid-June through mid- There are seven Forest Service camp- Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 October. Hours of operation are grounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Five Inyo National Forest from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Maps, campgrounds are first-come, first- Pets are allowed on all trails and in Phone: (760) 924-5500 backcountry permits, and other in- served and are $20/night. There are campgrounds within the Inyo National Fax: (760) 924-5547 formation is available. There is also a two group campgrounds which are Forest. Pets must be under control at all times and leashed in campgrounds. Web site: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/ bookstore and interpretive exhibits. available by reservation; rates range from $66/night to $143/night. Agnew Inyo National Forest Campground has three equestrian FISHING The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center campsites that are $22/night and are Fishing is permitted in most lakes in serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, also by reservation only. the valley and in the San Joaquin River. the Inyo National Forest, and the A fishing license is required for adults National Park Service. Hours of opera- CLOSING DATES ages 16 and older and must be dis- tion are from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. All campgrounds in the Red’s Meadow played at all times. Special regulations year-round. Vistors can obtain maps, Valley close on or before October 15, apply for the backcountry permits, area information, depending on the weather. There is no and can be found in the California De- and browse a bookstore and gift shop. overnight parking in the valley after partment of Fish and Game’s Freshwa- October 15. Please call for exact dates. ter Sport Fishing Book available online ENTRANCE FEES/PASSES or where fishing licenses are sold. Visitors on the road to the Reds Mead- SHOWERS ow Valley and Devils Postpile National There are public, hot-spring-fed HUNTING Monument must use the shuttle bus showers available at the Reds Meadow Devils Postpile system (with some exceptions). A Campground. The showers are open Hunting is prohibited within the transportation fee is charged. Federal from mid-June through mid-October. boundaries of the monument. Lands Recreation Passes do not apply. The fee is $7 per person for adults and FOOD SERVICES Inyo National Forest $4 per person for children under 12. Food service is available at the Red’s Hunting is permitted in designated Children under 3 are free. For visitors Meadow Resort. A store and a res- areas within the Inyo National Forest wishing to acquire a National Parks taurant are open during peak season. with a valid license. Contact the Cali- On the Cover: Fall colors reflected in and Federal Recreational Lands Pass, Basic camping supplies and groceries fornia Department of Fish and game Sotcher Lake. Photo: David Scott/NPS a Senior Pass, or Access Pass, they are are also available. at (760) 872-1171 for more information. available at the Mammoth Welcome Regulation booklets are available at 2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Center. USFS visitor centers. Ranger-led Activities

How was the Postpile formed? What Other programs will be offered includ- is a Wilderness area? Will I be eaten ing talks about local wildlife, hiking by a bear? Visitors to the monument and backpacking, and evening camp- and the national forest bring with them fire programs. many questions. Ranger led programs are a great way to have those questions Programs are also available for fall visi- answered. tors including hikes to Devils Postpile and ranger talks. Programs are offered at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center and at Devils For more information or for a sched- Postpile National Monument through- ule of program times and locations, out the summer season. Beginning in please check at the Mammoth Lakes mid-June, Rangers will lead daily walks Welcome Center or the Devils Postpile Photo: NPS to Devils Postpile at 11:00 a.m. Ranger Station. Hikes to Devils Postpile begin at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station every day at 11:00 a.m. Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus

The Need for a Shuttle System or driving into the Valley in an excep- Buildings at 8:30 pm. Please plan your Devils Postpile and Inyo National tion vehicle, everyone enjoys a more trip to coincide with the bus schedule. Forest Service staff work together to pristine and safer experience as a result For the most up-to-date shuttle sched- provide a memorable experience that of the shuttle operation. ule, visit the Devils Postpile web site transcends administrative boundaries. (www.nps.gov/depo), Mammoth Lakes Shuttle passes are available at the Shut- Welcome Center, or any of the Inyo Whether coming to hike to Rainbow tle Bus Terminal at Mammoth Moun- National Forest Visitor Centers. Falls, inspect the columnar jointing of tain Main Lodge Gondola building and the Postpile, or fish in Sotcher Lake, at all other Mammoth Mountain ticket Well behaved dogs on leashes and the Reds Meadow Valley is a special booths. Visitors not required to ride wearing muzzles are allowed on buses place. One reason the Valley is a spe- the bus can purchase their passes at at the discretion of the driver. cial place is because of the 30 year-old Minaret Vista Station. mandatory shuttle system, one of the Fees: Your input is needed! oldest and most successful shuttle sys- A New Partnership In order to provide improved recre- tems in the country. This is the first year that Inyo National ation opportunities in Reds Meadow Forest and Devils Postpile National Valley, the Inyo National Forest is The shuttle has allowed the valley to Monument have partnered with East- considering a change to visitor fees recover from intense use throughout ern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) to at Reds Meadow Valley in 2010 (the 1970’s. It has protected the area from operate the mandatory shuttle. shuttle bus will remain mandatory for additional degradation resulting from most visitors). the high numbers of visitors and lim- One immediate benefit from this ited parking. partnership is that visitors to Reds The Forest Services welcomes your Meadow Valley and Devils Postpile input and feedback about this potential In addition, the steep and narrow ac- National Monument can now board a change; however, the specifics of the cess road into the Valley would become few buses in the morning in Mammoth proposal were not available at the time a major traffic safety hazard during Lakes at The Village, instead of having this publication. peak times of visitation without the to drive up to the Mammoth Mountain shuttle. Main Lodge Gondola building. Most Information about the change and how buses will continue to board only at to comment will be available from staff Passes and Logistics the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Cen- To support the shuttle, all visitors ac- Gondola building. ter, the Minaret Vista Station, Devils cessing the recreational opportunities Postpile National Monument Ranger in the Reds Meadow Valley are charged Schedule Station, and the Inyo National Forest a transportation fee when the shuttle is Buses run every 20-60 minutes from website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/. in operation (June 13 to September 9). 7:30 am until 7:00 pm. The last bus of We look forward to hearing from you! The Reds Meadow-Devils Postpile Shuttle has been in operation for over 30 years. Although The shuttle is mandatory for all visitors, the day will leave the Gondola build- the brochures have been updated, the service unless they meet one of the following ing at 7:00 p.m., Devils Postpile at 7:45 and experience remains the same. exceptions: p.m., arriving back at the Gondola

• Have a handicapped parking Transportation Fees and Passes placard PASSES COST • Arrive in vehicles transporting livestock or cartop boats (kayaks, Day Pass $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. canoes, or float tubes). Campers $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. One time • Are staying overnight at Reds Resort Guests fee for the duration of stay in the valley, based on permit or reservation. Meadow Resort or in a developed Wilderness Hikers campground • Are administrative vehicles 3 Day Pass $14 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Season Pass $35 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Visitors who meet one of the above exceptions still must pay the transpor- Vehicle Pass $20 maximum charge per exception vehicle if staying overnight.. tation fee. Whether riding the shuttle Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 3 Hiking Hiking in the Eastern Sierra leads to many types of adventures. Everything from meandering wildflower walks to steep scrambles up glacially scoured peaks await. Below are some of the more popular hikes in the Reds Meadow Valley and at Devils Postpile.

Garnet Lake at sunrise. Photo:David Scott/NPS Permits Be Prepared Wilderness permits are required for Weather in the mountains changes in Hiking Trails (Blue numbers correspond to shuttle stops on Devils Postpile park map) overnight travel into the Ansel Adams an instant. Extreme temperatures, vio- Trail Shuttle One Way Description 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 Lake Ediza Moderate/Strenuous Follow switchbacks through vance for trips during the quota season bring plenty of water on any hike. Do Agnew 1 6mi / 9.7km an open hillside to specatular views of the High which is May 1 through November 1. A not drink water directly from streams Meadows Sierra. reservation fee of $5.00 is charged. No or lakes without filtering or boiling it 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 lopdgepole forests to the shores of Meadows Shadow Lake. Great mountain views at the lake. Permits are available at the Mammoth Sensitive areas Welcome Center and at the Devils Cross country travel is permitted in Wildflower Trail Easy Self guided wildflower walk. Late June to the Postpile Ranger Station, however some areas, but please observe posted Agnew 1 2mi / 3.2km middle of July tend to be the best times for wildflow- Devils Postpile Ranger Station can only signs. Sub-alpine meadows like the Meadows ers, but bring bug spray. issue permits for trip originating in the ones found in the Reds Meadow Valley Devils Postpile Easy Wide, level trail through shaded lodgepole for- Reds Meadow Valley. and areas of alpine tundra are sensitive Devils Postpile 6 0.4mi / 0.6km est. Moderate, steep hike to the top of the Postpile. and may take many years to recover Minaret Falls Easy Rolling trail through the forest travels by natu- For through hikes starting in Sequoia/ from “social” or unofficial trails. If 6 Kings Canyon or Yosemite National traveling off-trail, travel on durable Devils Postpile 1.5mi / 2.3km ral springs and seeps. Best in early summer. Parks, permits must be acquired surfaces. Rainbow Falls Moderate Rolling terrain through forest and open through those parks and will be valid Devils Postpile 6 2.5mi / 4km burn area from the 1992 Rainbow Fire. Great views for the duration of your trip. You do Backcountry Fires in open area. Bring plenty of water. not need multiple permits for a con- Fires are allowed in some backcountry tinuous trip. For trips originating in areas. It is your responsibility to know Minaret Lake Strenuous This can be done as a long day hike or Devils Postpile 6 8mi / 12.9km overnight trip. 2700 foot elevation gain brings hikers Sequoia/Kings Canyon call (559) 565- where fires are and are not allowed. to an emerald lake at the base of the Minarets. 3766. For trips originating in Yosemite Keep in mind that this information call (209) 372-0740. For more permit may change during severe fire seasons. Sotcher Lake Easy/Moderate Self guided nature trail loops information, call (760) 924-5500 or visit Check at the Mammoth Welcome Cen- Nature Trail 7 2mi / 3.2km around Sotcher Lake. Hikers pass springs, waterfalls the Inyo National Forest Web site. ter or Devils Postpile Ranger Station Sotcher Lake and seeps along the way. for the most current information. Rainbow Falls Moderate Slightly shorter than the trail to the falls Rainbow Falls 9 1.3mi / 1.2km from Devils Postpile, the terrain is similar. Bring plenty of water on this hike.

4 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Making the Most of Your Visit

If you have two to three hours... If you have three to four hours... If you have a full day... If you have multiple days... Ride the shuttle from the Adventure Start at the Devils Postpile Ranger Sta- Start at the Agnew Meadows Trailhead Opportunities for multiday trips Center to the Devils Postpile Ranger tion. Hike to Rainbow falls along the (shuttle stop 4) and hike up to Shadow abound in the valley. Popular trips to Station (shuttle stop 6) and either hike San Joaquin River before heading into Lake. This moderate 6 mile round trip alpine lakes include Thousand Island, to Devils Postpile or join a ranger-led the open vistas left by the Rainbow Fire trail takes you through open meadows, Garnet, and Fern Lakes (2-3 days). hike to the main feature of the monu- in 1992. Because this section the hike past cascading waterfalls to the subal- Yosemite or Kings Canyon National ment, an easy half mile walk. If you can be hot, bring plenty of water. You pine lake. Beautiful views of the peaks Parks can be reached via the John Muir have extra time, climb the steep, but can hike from the 101 foot Rainbow of the High Sierra await dedicated hik- or Pacific Crest Trails in 3-4 days. These short (0.25 mile)and rewarding trail to Falls out to the Rainbow Falls Trail- ers. Bring plenty of water and dress for are just a few of the many adventures the top of the Postpile for a spectacular head (shuttle stop 9) or to the Reds rapidly changing weather on this hike. that await hikers able to spend a few view of the entire valley. Once on top, Meadow Trailhead (shuttle stop 10) or Early season hikers, be aware, alpine days in the backcountry. They respre- you will find evidence of past glacial head back the way you came, and pick and subalpine lakes may be frozen and sent some of the most iconic and mag- events in the form of striations or up the shuttle during peak season. The trails may be snowy until July. Check nificent scenery in the Eastern Sierra. grooves and glacial polish. distance is about 3.5 miles to stops 9/10. with a ranger for more information.

Photo Shadow Lake

Photo: NPS Photo: NPS Photo: Jon C. Regelbrugge Photo: David Scott

Glacial striations at the top of the postpile. Rainbow Falls in June. Shadow Lake. Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite is just a short 34 mile hike away! Be Bear Aware Black Bears are frequently seen in the Reds Meadow Valley and in Devils Postpile. Seeing one in the wild is an amazing and inspiring experience. In order to keep these magnificent animals wild follow these tips to keep you safe from bears and bears safe from you. Food Storage Hiking and Camping Safety • A fed bear is a dead bear. Bears • Keep a clean and organized camp. allowed to access human food Keep all food within reach in case a become conditioned and reliant on bear should wander through camp. humans. These bears often become • When hiking through areas of aggressive. dense vegetation or loud water, • Bear boxes are located at every make noise so you do not startle a campground in the valley for prop- bear. er food storage. Please do not leave • If you see a bear, keep your dis- food unattended in your vehicle tance. Never run from a bear or over night. Use the bear boxes. climb a tree. Black bears are very • Backpackers should use bear re- fast and are excellent tree climbers. sistant canisters. They are available Back away slowly from the animal Photo: NPS for rent at the Mammoth Lakes and wait for it to leave the area. Welcome Center and at the Devils • Remember, we are visitors to their Where there is a black bear cub, there is usually a black bear mom. Give all bears in the Valley plenty of Postpile Ranger Station. homes. Respect all wild animals. space. If you encounter one, back away slowly and wait for the bear to leave the area.

Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle Americans generate about 251 Recycling recepticles can be The following items can be million tons of garbage each found at these locations: recycled: year. Although some amount of • Devils Postpile Campground waste is inevitable, the National • Forest Service Campgrounds • All numbered plastics Park Service and the National • Devils Postpile Ranger Station • All colored and clear glass* Forest Service would like to • At the Postpile • Aluminum cans encourage all visitors to recycle • Starkweather Lake Parking what they can. We can all make • Sotcher Lake Parking *Only at Devils Postpile Ranger a difference. • Agnew Meadows Trailhead Station and Campground. • Rainbow Falls Trailhead

Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 5 Area Maps

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DEVILS 7 B POSTPILE Rainbow ou NATIONAL nd ar MONUMENT Falls y C Reds re e 8 Meadow k Campground 9 Rainbow Falls 10 Trailhead

Reds John Muir and Meadow Paci c Crest Trail Resort Lower B Rainbow ou Falls nd ar Falls y C re e k Detailed view of Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls area

John Muir and Paci c Crest Trail Bus Route Lower Falls Bus Stop Gravel Roads Reds Meadow Valley map North Other Trails John Muir and Pacific Crest Trails Campground

G 0 0.5 Kilometer Group Camp

0 0.5 Mile Pack Station 6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Songbird Monitoring Continues in the Valley

In 2002, Devils Postpile National Mon- The summer study will use point ument began a partnership with the counts at different stations to deter- Point Reyes Bird Observatory (PRBO) mine the abundance and diversity of to monitor migratory birds within the breeding birds along the San Joaquin monument. There are two separate River corridor and in other sensitive ri- projects occurring in the Reds Mead- parian areas in the valley such as along ow Valley - a bird banding project that Reds Creek to Sotcher Meadows. will occur in the fall and a point count project that will occur in the summer. The point counts will also look to iden- tify any species of concern in the valley, “With some migratory bird populations monitor land birds, and contribute data known to be in decline, the monitoring to national long term monitoring pro- will help us understand what species grams, as well as to California Partners are here and how we can manage for in Flight bird conservation efforts in their protection. It also provides a riparian, , and coniferous great opportunity for visitors and local forest habitats. students to see scientific research first hand,” said Devils Postpile National In the fall, Devils Postpile National Monument superintendent Deanna Monument staff will provide programs Photo: NPS Dulen. for local school groups and the public related to the bird banding project. A researcher from the Point Reyes Bird Observatory and park staff collect a bird from one of the nets used to The monitoring and banding projects temporarily capture them for banding. will continue the work done in years The project provides learning experi- past and will provide the monument ence for school children where they Over all, this project will provide experiential learning opportunities to with valuable information to help it will experience scientific research hap- valuable scientific data related to bird park visitors and students from the lo- manage bird habitat in the future. pening first hand. species in the valley, contribute data to cal community. other studies, and provide an excellent Be a Junior Ranger!

Want to learn more about Devils Even if you’re not in a park, there are Postpile National Monument? The still ways to participate in the Junior Devils Postpile Junior Ranger Program Ranger program. One opportunity is is a great way to do it. Fun activities for through the WebRangers program, all ages are included in the booklets, which gives kids a chance to learn which are available free of charge at about national parks from their home the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. computer.

Many parks and monuments have For more information on these pro- Junior Ranger programs. They offer grams visit www.nps.gov/webrangers, kids a chance to learn about the area www.nps.gov/learn/juniorranger.htm. on their level. or contact your local park. Photo: NPS

A Park Ranger helps a junior ranger earn her badge at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Public Lands Benefit from SCA Programs

Environmental Education, Trail Crew, The monument is also hosting two in- The Inyo NF is also using high school Bear Management, Wilderness Protec- terns from Japan as part of an interna- intern crews from SCA to make trail tion - these are just some of the jobs tional SCA program. These interns will improvements on some of the heavier performed by interns from the Student learn about America’s National Parks used trails. Conservation Association (SCA). SCA first hand and will assist visitors at the is a non-profit organization that pairs monument. A public safety intern will The national monument and forest hard working volunteers with agencies be working on a project addressing combined are benefitting from the help that need their skills. visitor safety. A Junior Ranger Ambas- of 85 volunteer interns in 2009 to ac- sador intern will be developing a new complish everything from educational This summer, Devils Postpile National Junior Ranger book. outreach to resource management. Monument and the Inyo National For- est (NF) are involved in many projects In the Inyo NF, interns are involved Many of these interns go onto paid po- that would not be possible without in a wide range of projects. They will sitions with a public lands agency, but these hard working interns. be working to reduce human conflicts others will take the skills learned in the with bears, monitoring the use of field and apply them to other aspects of At Devils Postpile, SCA interns will backcountry campsites in the Wil- their careers. To learn more about the be patrolling trails and campgrounds, derness, providing infomation and SCA, visit www.thesca.org. assisting visitors and presenting ranger- educational programs at the Mammoth led programs. Lakes Welcome Center, and conduct- An SCA intern explains hexagons at the top of Devils Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide 7 Postpile. ing backcountry trail patrols. 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

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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 e

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Falls of Devils Postpile National Monument T

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

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M some dense, black, columnar-jointed younger flows and eruptions such as • Scenery enjoyed by few visitors u outcrops. Flow probably occurred in two i r

a stages. Source: near Reds Meadow n

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

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

Dehydration Swift Water The lakes, streams, and rivers in the It is common for these species to spead The main cause of medical emergen- The San Joaquin River runs cold and Reds Meadow Valley provide clear, quickly by hitching rides on wad- cies in the valley is dehydration. Hiking fast in June and July. Swimming dur- clean water for wildlife and recreation. ers, boats, and float tubes. To protect to Rainbow falls and other destinations ing periods of high water is dangerous. Outstanding trout fishing can be found aquatic resources, wash equipment can be hot, dry, and dusty. Bring plenty Floating the river within Devils Post- everywhere in the valley. throroughly after using it. It is recom- of drinking water for everyone in your pile National Monument is not permit- mended that all equipment is either hiking party. Drinking directly from ted. Because currents below Rainbow To protect our lakes and streams, frozen for at least 6 hours or washed in rivers is not recommended without Falls are hazardous, swimming below anglers, boaters, and other water users water over 113 degrees farenheight. filtration. the falls is not recommended. should be aware of invasive aquatic species that have the potential to se- For more information, visit the verely damage the trout fishery and the California Department of Fish and over all quality of the lakes and streams Game’s invasive species web site at throughout the Sierra. www.dfg.ca.gov/invasives/plan or for information in your area, visit There are numerous types of invasive www.protectyourwaters.com. aquatic species, or aquatic hitchhikers, as they are often called. In the Eastern Sierra, there have been documented cases of the New Zealand Mud Snail in Photo: Maureen Finnerty Photo: NPS the Owens River and drainages. Other Hikers filter water at a mountain stream. Rainbow Falls raging with spring run-off. areas in California have documented invasive algea and the Zebra Mussel. Sequoia Natural Eastern Sierra History Association Interpretive Association

The Sequoia Natural History Association (SNHA) is a non-profit organization that The Eastern Sierra Interpretive Association (ESIA) is a non-profit organization which provides vital services to Sequoia and Kings Canyon National Parks and Devils Postpile works in cooperation with the Inyo National Forest to promote and enhance the visitors’ National Monument, which are not otherwise available through federal funding. SNHA understanding and enjoyment of the natural, cultural, historic and recreational resources provides a wide range of books and educational materials in their bookstore at Devils of the National Forests. Proceeds from bookstores at each of our locations and your do- Postpile. nations support interpretive programs, printed materials and visitor center displays.

8 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide