This amazing Monument was once part of Yosemite National Park, but discovery of gold in 1905 near Mammoth Lakes prompted a boundary change that left the Postpile on public land. Later, a proposal to build a dam called for blasting the Postpile into the river. Influential Californians, including John Muir, persuaded the federal government to stop the demolition and in 1911, President William Howard Taft protected the area as a National Monument.
How it happened-
The name "Devils Postpile" refers to a dark cliff of columnar basalt when lava erupted in the valley of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. As lava flowed from the vent, it filled the valley near the postpile to a depth of 400 feet. Radiometric dating of rocks thought to correlate with this basalt-a dark gray, fine-grained rock with feldspar crystals suggests an age of less than 100,000 years.
Surface cracks formed when tensions caused by the shrinkage of the cooling lava were greater than the lava’s strength. Each crack branched when it reached a critical length. Together with other cracks it formed a pattern on the surfaces of the flow. Ideal conditions allowed surface cracks to deepen and form long post-like columns.
Plan your visit:
While planning your upcoming visit, it is important to remember that Devils Postpile National Monument is only open during the summer months. Enjoy such activities as hiking, fishing, horseback riding and mountain biking. When you book your next Mammoth trip you should definitely take the bus to this unique and beautiful spot. This is truly a place you do not want to miss!
Stay with Mammoth Rental By Owner and get monumental accommodation at Devishly low prices. WWW.MammothRentalByOwner.com or give us a call on the hot line at (818)883-2488 and keep us posted!
[ view entry ] ( 7116 views ) | permalink |
( 3 / 7407 )
Calendar
