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!
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( 3 / 7389 )History:
Prospectors came to this region in their endless search for gold and silver in the late 19th century. The Lakes Mining District was organized on Mineral Hill near Lake Mary in 1877. The following year, General George Dodge organized the Mammoth Mining Co. Over a thousand people flocked to Mammoth City the summer of 1878 and perhaps 1,500 the next. The riches and the bonanza never materialized and the Mammoth Mining Co. shut down its mill in 1880. In the 1890's a different people discovered Mammoth. They were looking for recreation in the Eastern Sierra. Fishing, hunting, photography, camping, hiking, horseback riding were what drew the summer visitors to Mammoth and with them came the businesses to support them. Only a few caretakers stayed to protect the properties that were here during the winter. Mammoth became a quiet and remote area until the completion of a modern highway in 1937.
Today:
Lake Mary (Elevation 8,920 feet) is the star of the Mammoth Lakes region. Of all of the lakes in the area, Mary is the largest and most developed. The lake provides a great base for activities like fishing, viewing waterfalls, flat-water paddling, camping, hiking and backpacking.
Recreation:
Lake Mary receives the highest number of trout stocks in the Mammoth Lakes Basin, and it is well-known to anglers for its rainbow, brook and brown trout fishing. No swimming or wading is allowed in the lake.
Though no hiking trails begin by the lake, several interesting trails offer a variety of hikes nearby, including day hiking and backpacking trails into the rustic John Muir Wilderness.
Come check out Lake Mary. Need lodging visit mammothrentalbyowner.com or give us a call at 818-883-2488
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( 3 / 7395 )Hey,
Check out the fish my granson caught!
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( 3 / 7401 )Great fishing hole
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( 3 / 7045 )The 3rd Annual Mammoth Mud Run is Saturday, August 24!
Have you raced through fire, crawled under barbed wire, and sloshed through mud pits with your friends? What are you waiting for? It’s probably the most fun you’ll ever have at a race.
The Mammoth Mud Run tests your endurance and strength on a brand new course over a series of obstacles, mud pits and more over 5 kilometers! This year there is a new course starting and ending at Canyon Lodge, with new features and old favorites.
Registration:
Individuals - $65
Advance adult entry includes a free event t-shirt!
Teams of 4 - $220
Advance adult entry includes a free event t-shirt!
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