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