Devil's Postpile Nat'l Monument & Vicinity

[monik7]

I'm traveling on US 395 along the Eastern Sierra Nevada in California. Today was hiking to Devil's Postpile and Sotcher Lake.

Beginning of the trail to Devil's Postpile


Devil's Postpile was formed after a glacier cut a narrow valley and subsequently lava flowed in to a depth of 400'. As it cooled, it fractured into hexagon shapes (called nature's perfect shape). When a fracture got about 10", it would branch off 120 degrees and then repeat when it reached 10" again and again until it formed a hexagon. As it cooled it formed the basaltic columns.




Sotcher Lake. The trail goes all the way around the lake.


Mammoth Mountain is a huge ski area. I took the gondola to the top.




At the top! 11,053'. That's snow behind me.


View from the top. The jagged mountains to the left are called The Minarets.

Sandi

[Liz]

What a fun adventure, thanks! I will have to make a note of that for future reference.

[gypsyrose1126]

Great pictures, thanks!

[avalen]

Wow what an interesting geological place, gonna have to make a note of that place myself.
How was the campground?

[chalet05]

Interesting and great photos! Glad you are out and about!

[monik7]

I'm staying at Mammoth Mountain RV Park in Mammoth Lakes. It's a large park with some FHU sites, electric/water only sites in addition to tent sites. Nice because it's close to get to the Postpile. The Forest Service runs shuttles similar to what Yosemite has to cut down on pollution. After certain morning hours, you cannot drive your car up and must take the shuttle. You can get off at any of 10 stops at trails and scenic sites along the way. There is a charge for the shuttle ride and you can buy a ticket at the booth next to the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center near where you catch the shuttle.
Sandi

[Bethers]

What a neat place. Thanks for taking us along!

[snowball]

looks really interesting
thanks for showing us
sheila

[MandysMom]

Interesting scenery. ESP the hexagon shapes. Glad ou are having fun.
Velda

[mtngal]

Nice pics Sandi! It's a fascinating area!

[SoCalGalcas]

I love that area! I will be at Tom's Place end of July! lyn

[BarbaraRose]

So many interesting places to see in California!