2010-2011 U.S

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

Reds Meadow Valley National Park Service 2010-2011 U.S. Department of the Interior

What’s Inside

Information and Services...... 2 The Post Ranger-led Activities Shuttle Bus Information...... 3

Hiking ...... 4

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

Map ...... 6

Climate Friendly Parks Youth Programs Junior Ranger Program...... 7

Volcanic Landscape Aquatic Hitchhikers Bookstores and Partners...... 8

Welcome to Devils Postpile and the Reds Meadow Valley

Welcome to Reds Meadow Valley In this valley, many Eastern, Western, Walter Huber, district engineer for the Devils Postpile is also in the process of and Devils Postpile in the spectacu- and Southern Sierra species of plants Forest Service, regarded the proposal developing its first general management lar Upper Middle Fork of the San and animals converge along the river as “wanton destruction of scenery” plan, in cooperation with the Inyo Joaquin River Valley. Beauty abounds corridor and in the many wetlands. and enlisted the support of District National Forest. Public involvement is in the forms of unusually rich and Forester F.E. Olmsted and Univer- encouraged. We are reaching out to our diverse flora and fauna, traditional The value of the natural and recre- sity of California Professor Joseph N. visitors, public, and communities to recreational opportunities and a ational resources was recognized in LeConte to evaluate the situation with invite comments and suggestions. fascinating cultural history. 1890 with its inclusion in the initial the hope of denying the permit and boundaries of Yosemite National Park. protecting the area. For information about the centennial Researchers, writers, visitors, and celebration or the General Manage- staff have learned much about the In 1905 the Devils Postpile formation, Their efforts, along with the support of ment Plan, visit the Devils Postpile valley’s geologic and ecologic re- Rainbow Falls, and the entire valley the Sierra Club, resulted in President Ranger Station or www.nps.gov/depo. sources and its historic sites. This including the Minarets, were removed Taft signing the enabling legislation for 50,000 acre valley is a crossroads of from Yosemite’s boundaries due to the Devils Postpile National Monu- While you are here, please appreciate ecological and cultural diversity. pressure from mining interests. The ment on July 6, 1911. The monument the valley’s legacy of protection and be area became part of the Sierra Forest was ultimately transferred to the Na- safe while enjoying your public lands. A well-used trail from Mammoth Reserve, managed by the newly orga- tional Park System in 1933. Lakes crossed the lowest pass in the nized U.S. Forest Service. Eastern Sierra and traversed one Since then, the US Forest Service and of the shortest trans-Sierra Routes, Soon after, the Forest Service received National Park Service have worked climbing over the Granite Staircase an application for a permit to build a together in this remarkable valley to Jim Upchurch, to Fresno Flats (now Oakhurst). dam on the Middle Fork of the San care for the land and provide quality Inyo National Forest Supervisor Native Americans, explorers, hunt- Joaquin River at the site of Devils Post- visitor experiences. Both agencies have ers, sheepherders, miners, and the pile. The intent was to blast the forma- shared nearly a century of history and, US Calvary used this route and left tion of the Postpile to create a rock together, we are preparing a celebra- evidence of their passing. fill dam that could be used to support tion of the Devils Postpile National Deanna Dulen, local mining operations. Monument Centennial in 2011. Devils Postpile Superintendent Planning for the Future

In 2009 Devils Postpile National What did people have to say? comments on the alternatives and help Monument began developing a general Many visitors appreciate the remote- shape the future of the monument. management plan (GMP). The monu- ness and rustic character of the monument and the Inyo National Forest ment, access to wilderness experienc- Devils Postpile National Monument are developing a shared vision for the es, and trails, among other values. was created for the benefit of all peo- monument and the surrounding valley. ple. Monument staff need your help Partnership, especially with the Inyo to determine how it will be managed National Park Service What is a GMP? National Forest, emerged as an impor- for the next 20 years. For information, U.S. Department of the Interior In short, it is a blueprint for managing tant theme. A range of opinions was visit http://parkplanning.nps.gov/depo. the monument. A GMP provides the heard concerning transportation and Devils Postpile framework for managing many aspects recreational issues. National Monument of the monument including natural and cultural resources and the experiences What is the next step? Mailing Address of visitors for the next 15-20 years. The monument is reviewing comments P.O. Box 3999 and will use them to inform the devel- Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Where are we in the process? opment of management alternatives. Last summer, the public was asked to Phone: (760) 934-2289 share their ideas through comment The monument is planning to release Fax: (760) 934-4780 cards and public meetings. People the draft alternatives in 2011. Once Website: www.nps.gov/depo commented on the trails, the experi- those alternatives are released, the ence and many other factors that affect public will be asked for their input and Photo: NPS the management of the monument. opinions again. Monument visitors Park and Forest Service staff engage the and the public will be able to provide public during the comment period last fall. Information and Services

EMERGENCIES Inyo National Forest FISHING In an emergency, dial 911. Cell phone There are seven Forest Service camp- A fishing license is required for adults coverage is limited. Pay phones are lo- grounds in Reds Meadow Valley. Five ages 16 and older and must be dis- cated at Devils Postpile, Reds Meadow campgrounds are first-come, first- played at all times. Special regulations National Forest Service and Pumice Flat campgrounds. served and are $20/night. Two group apply for the Ansel Adams Wilderness U.S. Department of Agriculture campgrounds are available by reserva- and can be found in the California De- VISITOR CENTERS tion and are from $66/night to $143/ partment of Fish and Game’s Freshwa- Mammoth Ranger District Devils Postpile night. Agnew Campground has three ter Sport Fishing Book available online Inyo National Forest The Devils Postpile Ranger Station is equestrian campsites that are $22/night or where fishing licenses are sold. open daily from 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and are also by reservation only. Mailing Address from mid-June through mid-October. HUNTING AND FIREARMS P.O. Box 148 Maps, backcountry permits, and other Campground Closing Dates Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546 Devils Postpile information is available. There is also a All campgrounds in the Reds Meadow Hunting is prohibited within the bookstore and interpretive exhibits. Valley close on or before October 15, boundaries of the monument. Phone: (760) 924-5500 depending on the weather. Please call Fax: (760) 924-5547 Inyo National Forest for exact dates. There is no overnight Inyo National Forest Website: http://www.fs.fed.us/r5/inyo/ The Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center parking in the valley after October 14. Hunting is permitted in designated serves the Town of Mammoth Lakes, areas within the Inyo National Forest the Inyo National Forest, and the Na- SHOWERS with a valid license. Contact the Cali- tional Park Service year-round. Hours There are public, hot-spring-fed fornia Department of Fish and game at of operation are from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 showers available at the Reds Meadow (760) 872-1171 for more information. p.m. daily. Visitors can obtain maps, Campground. The showers are open Regulation booklets are available at the backcountry permits, area information, from mid-June through mid-October. Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. and browse a bookstore and gift shop. FOOD SERVICES New Firearms Regulations ENTRANCE FEES/PASSES Food service is available at the Reds As of February 22, 2010, a new federal Visitors using the road to access the Meadow Resort. A store and a restau- law allows people who can legally pos- Reds Meadow Valley and Devils Post- rant are open from mid-June through sess firearms under applicable federal, pile National Monument must use the September. Camping supplies and state, and local laws, to legally possess shuttle bus system (with some excep- groceries are also available. firearms in Devils Postpile National tions). A transportation fee is charged. Monument. Federal Lands Recreation Passes are PETS not valid. The fee is $7 per person for Devils Postpile It is the responsibility of visitors to adults and $4 per person for children Pets are allowed on trails and in the understand and comply with all appli- under 12. Children under 3 are free. campground at Devils Postpile Nation- cable state, local, and federal firearms al Monument and must be on a leash at laws before entering the monument. CAMPING all times. Please pick up after your pet. Devils Postpile Federal law prohibits firearms in all Devils Postpile has a 21 site first-come, Inyo National Forest federal facilities including the Devils On the Cover: Clouds gather over first-served campground for tents and Pets are allowed on all trails and in Postpile Ranger Station, unless specifi- Devils Postpile. Photo: NPS RVs up to 32 feet in length. Sites are campgrounds within the Inyo National cally authorized (18 USC 930(a)). $14/night or $7/night for Senior or Ac- Forest. Pets must be under verbal con- 2 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide cess Interagency Pass holders. trol and leashed in campgrounds. 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 campfire and the national forest bring with them programs and hikes. many questions. Ranger led programs are a great way to have those questions Programs are also available for fall visi- answered and to learn more. 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 schedule Postpile National Monument through- of program times and locations, visit out the summer season. Beginning in the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center mid-June, Rangers will lead daily walks or the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Photo: NPS to Devils Postpile at 11:00 a.m. Hikes to Devils Postpile begin at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station every day at 11:00 a.m. Park the Car and Ride the Bus!

The Need for a Shuttle System Possible Fee Change Schedule Whether coming to hike to Rainbow The National Forest Service and the Buses run every 20-60 minutes from Falls, inspect the columnar jointing of National Park Service are looking into 7:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. The last bus of the Postpile or fish in Sotcher Lake, the a fee change in 2010. Public comment the day will leave the Adventure Center Reds Meadow Valley is a special place, was solicited in 2009 and a decision at 7:00 p.m. and Devils Postpile at 7:45 partly due to the 31-year-old shuttle is pending. More information will be p.m. Please plan your trip accordingly. system, one of the oldest and most suc- available at the Devils Postpile ranger For the most up-to-date shuttle sched- cessful shuttle systems in the country. station, at the Mammoth Lakes Wel- ule, visit the Devils Postpile website, come Center and on Forest and Park the Inyo National Forest website, or at The shuttle has allowed the valley to Service websites. the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. recover from intense use that occurred throughout the 1970’s. It has protected Adventure Center Area Map To Mammoth Lakes & 395 395 the area from degradation from high visitation and limited parking. Shuttle Whether riding the shuttle or driving Parking into the Valley in an exception vehicle, everyone enjoys a safer experience as a result of the shuttle operation. Caution: Please be careful while walking Shuttle Bus Fees and Passes alongside the road At the time of printing, all visitors ac- The cessing the Reds Meadow Valley are Yodler charged a fee during bus operation Mammoth Climbing Mountain Inn Wall (June 12 to September 8). The bus is Shuttle Boarding mandatory for all visitors, unless they meet one of the following exceptions: Statue • Visitors displaying a Disabled Per- Zip-line Main Lodge sons Parking Placard or Plate Area Adventure Center • Visitors with an inflated float tube or non motorized vessel for use on

valley lakes 3) North 20 te • Visitors staying in a designated Rou nic (Sce campground in the valley (back- Minaret Road The Reds Meadow-Devils Postpile Shuttle Gondola to top of has been in operation for 31 years. Although packers must use the shuttle) To Minaret Vista Mammoth Mountain 0 100 Meters and Devils Postpile much has changed over that time, the service • Visitors towing livestock trailers 11059ft 0 100 Feet 3379m and experience remains the same. • Overnight guests of the Reds Meadow Resort

Visitors who meet the exceptions must Transportation Fees and Passes* still pay the fee. PASSES COST $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. Passes are available at the Mammoth Day Pass Mountain Adventure Center and all Campers/hikers $7 per adult, $4 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. One time Mammoth Mountain ticket booths. Resort Guests fee for the duration of stay in the valley, based on permit or reservation. Visitors not required to ride the bus can purchase passes at the Mina- 3 Day Pass $14 per adult, $8 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. ret Vista Station. Interagency passes Season Pass $35 per adult, $20 per child (aged 3-15), children 2 and under are free. are not accepted at this time. Senior and Access passes may be used for Vehicle Pass $20 maximum charge per exception vehicle. campground discounts. Leashed and *Fees are subject to change during the 2010 season. Contact (760) 934-2289 or (760) 924-5500 for more information. muzzled dogs are welcome on buses. 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 website. 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 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. Tuolomne Meadows in Yosemite is just a 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 the 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 in every make noise to let the bear know campsite in the valley for proper you are in the area. 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 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 Posptile 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

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Falls P

u Reds Lake i r 5

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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

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6 Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow Guide Making a Difference in the Face of Climate Change

In the Sierra Nevada, many of the natu- In 2009, the National Forest Service The easiest thing to do may be to ride ral resources that visitors enjoy exist in developed the Forest Service Global the shuttle bus. In 2009, visitors who part because of climatic influences. The Change Strategy. This plan deals with rode the shuttle bus saved 437,799 granite domes, exposed columns of adaptation and mitigation strategies miles of vehicle emissions! For the av- the Postpile, and the San Joaquin river and creates a framework for planning erage American, close to 50% of his or valley were shaped by some of the most and research for the next decade. her carbon footprint is related to driv- intense climatic events in the history of ing or flying, so reducing vehicle miles What is a carbon footprint? the planet—the ice ages. The National Park Service has devel- travelled makes a huge difference. The term carbon footprint is becom- oped the Climate Friendly Parks Pro- ing more commonplace each year. Today, managers and scientists in the gram. There are currently 14 parks that Riding the bus isn’t the only way to throughout the National Park Service have completed all of the requirements help. Recycling containers are located A person’s carbon footprint is the and Forest Service face another change to become an official Climate Friendly throughout the valley. Recycling con- quantity of carbon dioxide and other in the climate. Levels of greenhouse Park and many more, including Devils serves the resources needed to make global-warming gases produced gases are on the rise and have been Postpile, that are well on their way. plastic, glass, and metal from scratch. by driving, heating and cooling linked to warming global temperatures our homes, and other energy uses. and rising sea levels. The monument has committed to On your visit, think about what you can Using less energy yields a smaller reducing its carbon footprint by 2016 do to go green. Beyond your visit, take carbon footprint. Jon Jarvis, Director of the National through a variety of techniques. those practices home. National Parks Park Service calls climate change and Forests are not islands. What hap- The Do Your Part! program allows “…our newest, greatest challenge to Projects include using Energy Star® pens in cities and towns affects the air, visitors like you to track your carbon maintaining America’s natural and equipment, reducing waste and excess water, and climate in all of our national footprint. For more information, visit cultural heritage unimpaired for future travel, and encouraging environmen- treasures. For more information, visit http://www.doyourpartparks.org. generations.” tally friendly purchasing. www.nps.gov/climatefriendlyparks or www.fs.fed.us/climatechange. The National Park Service and Nation- Another component of both of these al Forest service recognize the role that plans involves you, the visitor. There humans play in climate change. are many ways that you can help . Be a Junior Ranger!

Want to learn more about Devils Postpile or the U.S. Forest Service? The Devils Postpile Junior Ranger and the National Junior Forest Ranger Pro- grams are great ways to do it.

Activities for all ages are included in the booklets, available free of charge at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station or at the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center.

Photo: NPS To become a Junior Ranger online, visit www.nps.gov/webrangers Researchers monitor water levels in the San Joaquin River in Devils Postpile National Monument. Conse- quences of climate change are smaller snowpacks and reduced spring runoff. Public Lands Benefit from Youth Programs

Environmental education, trail crew, Conservation Corps. They are a cost- In the Inyo National Forest, SCA in- wilderness protection— these are just effective youth work force that has im- terns will work to monitor wilderness some of the jobs performed by youth proved most of the monument’s trails. campsites, conduct backcountry trail from the Student Conservation As- patrols, and provide information and sociation (SCA), the Youth Conserva- The CCC will continue to do so in educational programs at the Mammoth tion Corps (YCC) and the California 2010 with trail projects to make access- Lakes Welcome Center. YCC crews Conservation Corps (CCC). ing the Devils Postpile formation and will also be doing a variety of projects Rainbow Falls more enjoyable. for the national forest. SCA is a non-profit organization that places interns into positions with At Devils Postpile, SCA interns will Without these hard-working groups, public land agencies that encourage patrol trails and campgrounds, assist many of the projects in both locations stewardship and develop career skills. visitors, present ranger-led programs, would not be possible. and work on climate related projects. The YCC has provided crews for the For more information, visit National Park Service since 1970. The A YCC crew will clear trails, reha- www.thesca.org, www.ccc.ca.gov, YCC creates lasting life and work expe- bilitate the monument campgrounds or www.nps.gov/gettinginvolved/ riences for young men and women. and visitor use areas; all critical early- youthprograms/joinycc.htm, or contact Photo: NPS season jobs that mitigate damage from the monument or national forest. The CCC was created in 1976 and winter snow loads and the spring melt. CCC crews work with National Park Service staff to improve trails in Devils Postpile. is modeled after the 1930’s Civilian 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

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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 rela- 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. tively few visitors. If you have the time st fragments. Source: Long Valley Caldera Rainbow Tr ails and energy, hike South the John Muir/ Falls Basalt of the Buttresses. Dark gray basalt. Crude columnar jointing. Source: Unknown

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

Dehydration Swift Water The lakes, streams, and rivers in the It is common for these species to The main cause of medical emergen- The San Joaquin River runs cold and Reds Meadow Valley provide clear, spread quickly by hitching rides on cies in the valley is dehydration. Hiking fast in June and July. Swimming dur- clean water for wildlife and recreation. waders, boats, and float tubes. To pro- to Rainbow Falls and other destina- ing periods of high water is dangerous. Outstanding trout fishing can be found tect aquatic resources, wash equipment tions can be hot, dry, and dusty. Bring Floating the river within Devils Post- everywhere in the valley. thoroughly after using it. It is recom- plenty of drinking water for everyone pile National Monument is not permit- mended that all equipment is either in your hiking party. Drinking directly ted. Because currents below Rainbow To protect our lakes and streams, frozen for at least 6 hours or washed in from rivers is not recommended with- Falls are hazardous, swimming below anglers, boaters, and other water users water over 113°F. out filtering or boiling the water first. 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 overall quality of the lakes and streams Game’s invasive species website 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: NPS Photo: NPS the Owens River and drainages. Other areas in California have documented Hikers filtering water at a mountain lake. Minaret Falls during spring runoff invasive algae and the Zebra Mussel. 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