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| DEPO 2286: Rainbow Falls |
Devils Postpile National Monument was established in 1911 and is located on the western slope of the Sierra Nevada range in California. Among several scenic destinations protected by the monument are Rainbow Falls, the Devils Postpile basalt columns, Mammoth Pass Trail, John Mur Trail, the Rainbow Fire Burn Area, Soda Springs Meadow, Minaret Falls, and Reds Creek Falls.
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| DEPO 2286: Devils Postpile |
This lava flow was then hindered, perhaps by a glacial moraine, down the valley allowing a lava lake to form in depths as deep as 400 feet. The lake contracted as it began to cool and transform into solid rock. This contraction formed cracks or joints in the rock. Although jointing occurred throughout the cooling process, only some portions of the cooled lava lake exhibited columnar jointing. Devils Postpile reflects this type of jointing. The hexagonal columns at the postpile, however, were not always exposed. Glaciers continually carved the postpile until about 15,000 years ago. These glaciers exposed the columns and drastically eroded them to their current height of 60 feet. Glacial activity also left striations and polish on the tops of exposed columns. Thanks to this activity, we can now marvel at this geological wonder.
Mammoth Pass Trail has significant historical value. It closely follows the original Native American trail and links the North Fork San Joaquin Valley to the Mammoth Lakes Basin. It was used by Native Americans, sheepherders, miners, and U.S. cavalry during the late 19th and early 20th centuries. Forest Service crews, hikers, and pack-stock outfits continue to use the trail today.
Between the 1950's and 1970's, the trail, its’ natural environment, and packers’ livelihoods were threatened with a proposal to turn the corridor into a trans-Sierra highway complete with shops and other tourists’ accommodations. This proposal pitted business owners in a battle with citizens, conservationists, and packers who opposed the highway. Those in opposition to the highway fought back by proposing that the road was not worth the cost and the destruction of the natural environment, which served as a space for enjoyment and scientific research for posterity. “Stopping the Road: The Campaign Against the Trans-Sierra Highway” by Jack Fisher details the struggle and ultimate defeat of the business initiative when President Richard Nixon denied funding for the road in 1972. The news was hand delivered by Ronald Reagan when he was Governor of California. The 1984 California Wilderness Act aided in further protecting the proposed highway area from future development by designating it as part of the Ansel Adams Wilderness. This Act also designated 85% of the monument as federally protected wilderness.
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| DEPO 2287: Black Bear |
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| DEPO 2286: Trout |
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| DEPO 2287: Indian Paintbrush |
The wetlands, marshes, swamps, forest, meadows, and varying elevations in the monument provide many habitats for animals and flora. Upon visiting the monument, one may encounter black bears, see a solitary pine marten dashing through the brush, spot a mule deer grazing in Soda Springs Meadow, or hear coyotes howling in Devils Postpile or Reds Meadow Valley. Trout fishing is also popular in the monument. Indian Paintbrush, Ranger’s Button, and Sierra Shooting Star are among the many wildflowers seen at the monument.
Visit Devils Postpile National Monument or explore their park page and online collection to learn more about this unique portion of our nation’s natural heritage.
References:
http://www.nps.gov/DEPO
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC3GWnZJVv4OQH-BHK9WnjBw
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cGt_v_fC4aM
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pM62_0fcu48
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CGysBehFa1s
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ckzLMO_f0sc
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7G7PfW1_Dl0
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