A recommended day trip: Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow
From Tamarack Lodge and Resort, plan Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow as a half- to full-day outing: the drive to Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile is about 35 minutes from Mammoth Lakes and the Reds Meadow Road is usually open to vehicles mid/late June through mid-to-late October. During peak summer the monument is reached via a mandatory seasonal shuttle from the Village area, so check current road and shuttle status before you go.
In this guide
- Why this day trip works from Tamarack Lodge and Resort
- Getting there: road access and summer shuttle
- What to expect at Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow
- Timing your day and sample itinerary
- Packing and safety tips
- After the trip: dining and lodging back at Tamarack Lodge
- Quick tips from front desk and logistics
Why this day trip works from Tamarack Lodge and Resort
Tamarack Lodge sits on the shore of Twin Lakes about one mile from downtown Mammoth Lakes, putting you close to the Eastern Sierra sights while keeping a lakeside base for morning or evening time by the water.
Devils Postpile National Monument and the Reds Meadow area combine short scenic walks, basalt column formations and alpine meadows—suitable for families and active travelers who want an accessible nature outing without a long drive.
- Tamarack Lodge address: 163 Twin Lakes Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA — easy access to Highway 395 and Reds Meadow Road.
- Drive time to Devils Postpile/Reds Meadow: roughly 35 minutes from Mammoth Lakes (plan more time in summer shuttle traffic).
- Elevation in the area is high (Tamarack sits near 9,000 ft), so allow time to acclimate and dress in layers.
| From Tamarack Lodge | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Downtown Mammoth Lakes (Village) | 7 minutes |
| Reds Meadow / Devils Postpile | ~35 minutes |
| Mammoth Mountain Ski Area | ~10 minutes (by car to Eagle Lodge) |
Getting there: road access and summer shuttle
Reds Meadow Road (the route into Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow) is a seasonal mountain road. It typically opens to vehicles in mid/late June and closes in mid-to-late October depending on snowpack and conditions.
During peak summer, access to Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow is managed by a mandatory shuttle system. The shuttle operates from the Village/Main Lodge area; shuttles reduce traffic on the mountain road and are the usual way most visitors get to the monument.
- Check current opening dates for Reds Meadow Road before you go—roads and shuttle rules change with snow and season.
- Expect shuttle requirements and additional travel time during July–August peak season.
- If driving yourself when the road is open, allow extra time for slow mountain driving and limited parking at trailheads.
| Access method | Typical season |
|---|---|
| Vehicle access on Reds Meadow Road | Mid/late June – mid/late October (seasonal) |
| Village/Main Lodge shuttle to Reds Meadow | Peak summer (mandatory at times) |
| Off-season | Roads often closed by snow — plan alternate outings |
What to expect at Devils Postpile and Reds Meadow
Devils Postpile National Monument features a striking formation of basalt columns roughly 60 feet tall created by cooling lava from many thousands of years ago; the monument’s short trails and viewpoints let you see the column faces up close.
Reds Meadow offers meadow scenery, streams, and connecting trails to Rainbow Falls and other nearby alpine spots. Trails here are family-friendly but can be exposed and at high elevation.
- Main highlights: Devils Postpile basalt columns and nearby Rainbow Falls.
- Trail surfaces: mostly well-marked dirt trails; expect roots and rocks—sturdy footwear recommended.
- Altitude: trails are high-elevation; bring water and go slowly if you’re not acclimated.
| Feature | Note |
|---|---|
| Basalt columns | About 60 feet tall |
| Popular hike | Trail to Rainbow Falls from Reds Meadow |
| Best for | Short scenic walks, photography, families |
Timing your day and sample itinerary
Start early from Tamarack Lodge to beat shuttle lines and to have calmer conditions at the monument. Bring a lunch or plan to return to Mammoth for a late lunch at The Lakefront Restaurant (dinner service runs Wed, Thu, Sat, Sun evenings).
The outing can be a half-day if you stick to the main viewpoints, or a full-day if you include longer hikes such as the route to Rainbow Falls or extended meadow walks.
- Early-morning departure: fewer people and better light for photos.
- Half-day plan: drive/shuttle there, 1–2 short walks, return by early afternoon.
- Full-day plan: include Rainbow Falls hike or explore more of the Reds Meadow trail network.
| Option | Approx. time |
|---|---|
| Quick visit to Devils Postpile viewpoints | 2–3 hours |
| Devils Postpile + Rainbow Falls hike | 4–6 hours |
| Leisurely day exploring Reds Meadow trails | Most of the day |
Packing and safety tips
Be prepared for high-altitude weather changes: sun, wind, cool temperatures and sudden showers are possible even in summer. Pack layers, sun protection, and enough water for everyone in your group.
Cell service can be spotty in high-country areas. Let someone know your plan and expected return time, and bring a paper map or download offline directions if you expect limited reception.
- Wear sturdy shoes or hiking boots and bring a warm layer.
- Carry 1–2 liters of water per person for hiking; snacks or lunch if you plan a full-day trip.
- Bring a light first-aid kit and check trail conditions at the visitor information points or shuttle staging area.
| Essentials | Why |
|---|---|
| Layers (jacket + sun layer) | Fast weather shifts and high elevation |
| Water & snacks | Limited services on trails |
| Sturdy footwear | Uneven trail surfaces |
After the trip: dining and lodging back at Tamarack Lodge
Return to the lodge for lakeside downtime—Tamarack offers rooms and cabins that can suit different group sizes. Room choices include Room (Lodge Room with Private Bath-NO PETS), Deluxe One Bedroom Cabin, Historic One Bedroom Cabin and larger cabins if you’re traveling with family.
For dinner consider The Lakefront Restaurant at Tamarack Lodge; its hours vary by season but the restaurant is a small, roughly 8–10 table dining room and dinner reservations are recommended.
- Recommended room picks after a day outdoors: Deluxe One Bedroom Cabin (room for gear and a living area) or Historic One Bedroom Cabin for a single-bedroom cabin option.
- The Tamarack Fireplace Lounge offers cocktails and lighter fare if you prefer a more relaxed post-hike drink by the fire.
- Front-desk note: check-in at Tamarack begins at 4:00 PM and check-out is by 11:00 AM.
| On-site dining | Typical hours / note |
|---|---|
| The Lakefront Restaurant | Dinner service; call ahead for current hours and reservations |
| Tamarack Fireplace Lounge | Lounge/bar service with light bites; live music scheduled seasonally |
| Lakeside terrace (summer) | Lunch service on terrace may be available in summer |
Quick tips from front desk and logistics
Ask the Front Desk for current shuttle schedules, road opening updates, and trail condition notes before you leave the property. The lodge provides seasonal shuttle access into town and can advise about vehicle access to Reds Meadow.
If you have special gear needs (canoes, bike rentals, guided hikes or fly-fishing classes), ask the lodge staff. Tamarack lists on-site bike and boat/canoe rentals and guided activities on its guest activity roster.
- Front Desk phone (BookResorts agents, 24/7): +1 (888) 605-1350
- Check the lodge’s resort fee and included amenities—Wi‑Fi and two parking spaces are typically covered with the nightly resort fee.
- If you’re traveling with a dog, remember dogs are allowed in cabins only (not lodge rooms) with a per-dog fee and refundable deposit—confirm seasonal rules.
| Useful contacts | Why |
|---|---|
| Tamarack Front Desk via BookResorts | Shuttle and activity updates |
| Shuttle staging at Village/Main Lodge | Boarding point for Reds Meadow shuttles in peak season |
| Mammoth Mountain info pages | Cross-country and trail condition details |
