Devil's Postpile National Monument...

I had the opportunity this weekend to spend some time at the Devil's Postpile National Monument, outside of Mammoth Lakes, California.

Tucked in a canyon, literally behind the Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, the Devil's Postpile (el 8000') is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt. Its columns tower 60 feet high and display an unusual symmetry.

Devils Postpile National Monument's landscape is a reflection of fire and ice. The eruption and uniform cooling of basalt lava created an impressive wall of columns. Later a glacial event exposed the columns and polished smooth the top of this formation enhancing the pattern of hexagons that are a result of the mineral composition of the lava.



Devil's Postpile...

Also part of the monument are the beautiful 101 foot, Rainbow Falls. When the sun is overhead, they live up to their name.



Rainbow Falls...

While in the area, I stayed at the Red's Meadow Resort which is located about one mile from the postpile. I was providing re-supply for my wife and friends on their backpacking trip on the John Muir Trail. (See their journal, "The Long Walk" for more details)

Red's Meadow was lush with plant life and wildflowers. While there, I broke out my macro lens and took advantage of the conditions...



Ladybug...



Queen Ann's Lace...

At the top of the canyon that leads to the Devil's Postpile and Red's Meadow, is a wonderful view of the Minarets, a series of beautiful mountain peaks in the central Sierra. Nana and I enjoyed a great sunset...



Crescent Moon over the Minarets...

On Saturday morning, the ladies again headed south on the John Muir Trail towards their next destination, the Vermillion Valley Resort.

Till next time...

Bill