Devils Postpile National Monument

"Who knew columnar basalt could be so cool?"

Once part of Yosemite National Park until miners decided they wanted to dig in the area, Devil's Postpile and the surrounding region are definitely sights that the whole family should see.  Devil's Postpile was created by a volcanic eruption eons ago.  The lava cooled at the same time creating these massive columns of basalt rock that look like strips of rock.  Its hard to explain without pictures (so look at the pictures. Ha ha!).  The top of the postpile looks like a tiles granite floor with amazing views of the San Joaquin River Valley below. The hike to the postpile is a quick 0.4 walk down a stroller friendly gravel path from the ranger station.  If you wish to go to the top of the postpile, there are steps so that portion is not stroller friendly.  Continue another mile and a half to Rainbow Falls (which you definitely should) or turn around and head back to the Ranger's Station.
Only people who are camping in the area, handicapped, or are staying at a resort in the area may drive down. The rest must take a shuttle ($7 for adults and $4 for kids) form Mammoth Mountain.