Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Devils Postpile National Monument. This national monument is named for its unique
and rare set of basalt columns, which rise 60 feet into the air with eerie geometric
consistency. The columns resulted from the cooling and shrinking of lava flows and
are thought to be less than 100,000 years old—relatively new by geological standar-
ds. For more information on the formations and day hikes in the area.
Signposts along the following segment can be confusing. Follow signs to Devils
Postpile and walk through this area (with a final climb!) until reaching the junction
with Red's Meadow, where the PCT rejoins the trail. From here, there are a number
of options: The first way to reach civilization is to continue straight toward Devils
Postpile, veer left at the next junction, cross the bridge, and veer left again to hike
out to the ranger station at Devils Postpile Campground. This is Shuttle Stop #6. A
free bus runs here seasonally from 7:30 a.m. to 6:20 p.m., and it can take you to
Red's Meadow Resort (Shuttle Stop #10), a short distance from the Red's Meadow
Campground. You can also shuttle from here all the way to Mammoth Mountain Inn.
See the Directions for more transit information .
Otherwise, to continue walking to Red's Meadow, instead of veering left at the
second intersection toward the ranger station, follow signs to Devils Postpile, John
Muir Trail South, and Red's Meadow, passing in front of the basalt columns to the
next junction. To bypass the campground and head directly to Red's Meadow Resort
from here, turn right to follow the trail to the amenities at Red's. For the camp-
ground, walk straight toward the road, turn left, then cross the street to follow a path
into the camp. At the campground, there is a free walk-in site for backpackers on
your left. It can get crowded (and even full!), but it's usually a friendly and accom-
modating crowd. The highlight for most at Red's Meadow Campground is the free
hot-spring-fed showers (bathhouse). You'll find the naturally heated showers at the
top of the campground, near the restrooms. You can also just follow the slight smell
of sulfur and the long line of hikers waiting with towels.
The trail to Red's Meadow Resort and the return to the JMT is directly across
from the restrooms near the showers and bathhouse. This short path to the resort is
surprisingly lovely considering its proximity to the road. Look for aspens, horsetail
ferns, and vibrant wildflowers scattered about the hillside rising toward the resort.
Those looking for food caches can collect them at the Red's Meadow Resort's
general store (mid-June through mid-September; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.), while those look-
ing for a hot meal can step into the Mulehouse Café (mid-June through mid-Septem-
ber; 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.). There is also a hiker's barrel at the back of the general store,
where hikers can leave food they don't want and scavenge for a little upgrade to their
culinary assortment. It sometimes includes clothing and gear.
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