Crossing Devils Postpile Off My Bucket List
Over a decade ago, I visited Giants Causeway in Ireland and I was amazed with the thousands of hexagonal shapes that formed. I was so intrigued that I researched similar areas and found Devils Postpile in Mammoth Lakes, California. The monument features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when a lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked. It immediately went on my bucket list and yesterday I was finally able to cross it off.
Leaving from the village of Mammoth, I took a bus to Devils Postpile National Monument trailhead. The entire hike is only 1 mile but I added other interesting stops a little further down the trail.
When I arrived at the Postpile, I was as impressed with it as I’d hoped. This rare geological wonder is not to be missed. It’s columns stretch 60 feet high and a foot path allowed me to walk to the top to see the hexagonal pattern of unusual symmetry.
It looked like a professional craftsman shaped the columns. It’s hard to believe they were made by nature.
I walked down the other side of the columns and I was awestruck that on this side they jetted out from the cliff sideways.
Even with a detailed explanation of how it happened, I still feel like it’s a wonder that I don’t understand. Seeing it for myself helps but I’m still amazed at Devils Postpile.