Ansel Adams Wilderness - Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls
There are amazing geological formations we can visit around the world, and on this tour I would like to share with you an amazing sight I saw in the Ansel Adams Wilderness. I camped, hiked, and swam in this Wilderness. Come along with me as I share this National Monument. First let us discuss some of the history of the area.
Devils Postpile
Nearly 500 million years ago in the location of Eastern California was a shallow sea and was part of a supercontinent called Pangaea. About 200 million years ago, Pangaea split and move. During this movement, land masses were eroding and washing into the shallow sea. The Postpile was formed less than 100,000 years ago when these land masses were washing into the sea, and when cooling lava flow cracked into the water.
During the volcanic period there is much evidence of dark green rocks of that were created by a caldera that formed during this time in the Postpile area. A renewal of volcanic activity in this area began some 30 million years ago and continues to this day. About 3 million years ago the lava flowed and dark layered reddish rock can be seen from the bridge near the Devils Postpile, a one quarter walk from the Ranger Station.
The hot volcanic lava east of Sierra’s crest that had ice along the shelf, earthquakes pushed the mountains higher and at the same time the glaciers ground the mountains into domes. This is how the unusual formation of the Devils Postpile was created.
It is amazing to realize that Reds Meadow Valley was once filled with lava as it has been a common stop for those walking the Pacific Crest Trail. There are showers, food, and an amazing natural hot spring. We were able to take in a night soak with the locals and someone had brought fresh mint along. The stars were bright and it was certainly a beautiful experience. I tend to have a much better time when I am getting to know the local people and having good conversation.
Of course, you have to bring something like a flask of whiskey or food to share. It is in these moments that connecting to other people is the best ever. What is even more interesting, is that there was a lava lake approximately 400 feet deep in this areas, and these lakes played a large role in the formation of the columns we see in the Postpiles. Today, we see the horses grazing in the valley and the area offers a resort along with horseback riding.
As the lava hit the cooler surface from the top and the bottom at the edges around the lake, the cracks would have extended inward over time. The lava lake released enough thermal energy to change from liquid to solid. The change of the Postpiles over time have been due to erosion and earthquakes. Rivers slowly eating away the natural columns and the excavation of the glaciers.
Rainbow Falls
In the same area of the Devils Postpile in the Ansel Adams Wilderness there is a hike that is quite breathtaking. The hike is approximately 1.3 miles one way. You can actually feel yourself going back in time when the beginning of mankind walked these trails and became one with nature.
The location of Rainbow falls is where the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River flows 100 feet over a basalt cliff into a canyon. The water literally falls into a nonstop rainbow mist into an icy pool of water that is open to swimmers. I tried placing my feet into the water, but it was so cold my feet turned instantly numb. I opted out of a full body swim.
A little further down the hiking trail there is a smaller waterfall called Lower Falls, that is a 15 foot drop over granite rock. This will add 0.7 miles one way to the hike. The entire hike will run approximately 4 miles and 1.5 hours, not including swimming, stopping to take photos, picnicking, or exploring. There is so much to see, and the hike can be highly trafficked.
I found the area very interesting geologically and historically. There may be a time when we may never be able to see sights like these, so if you are ever in the area I highly suggest you see this natural wonder. Peace.
Thank you.
How appropriate that Ansel Adams should have a wilderness named after him. I love it. And wonderful scenery and geological formation there. This part of the world is truly beautiful, thanks for sharing it.
@naquoya California loves renaming things, usually with Muir in the title. It was refreshing to walk through something named differently. LoL
Of course i tend to revert back to the Native American names of things. Thank you so much for stopping by, reading and commenting. As always it’s an honor to have you take a look. xx 🦅
This location and it's history are both fascinating and beautiful. Well captured and thank you for making it possible for me to learn about Ansel Adams Wilderness. Adding this spot to my bucket list. Lava formations and waterfalls? I'm there.
@shawnamawna thank you so much for your comment and appreciation. You will definitely love this spot, it is a beauty! IKR, it was very crazy. I didn't say it in the post but the flat surface area with the octagonal-square shaped image is that on top of the formation. So that is where the lava hit the cold water. Crazy!
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Fantastic photos and wonderful information! Looks like an awesome place to visit!
@rwedegis thank you so so much for stopping by and appreciating my photos and post. It is definitely worth visiting once in our life. xx
Pity it so far from where I live @eaglespirit - you have made me want to see it myself!
From the other side of the globe!
@clicketyclick yay! You will have to come visit sometime, you can take a tour of the area and everyone loves the four corners: colorado, arizona, new mexico, utah! :)
How i wish i can pay this place a visit wowo nice history and thanks for this @eaglesspirit
@tfame of course you can visit, do it quick before CA sinks into the ocean or moves south to the equator. 😂
Thank you for stopping by to read and comment. xx🦅
A nice piece of art from Mother Nature! Cheers!
hello @shoganaii, thank you for stopping by and appreciating my post. Mother Nature is definitely beautiful art. Cheers.
Awosome place and amazing pictures.
@holger80 thank you so much for reading and appreciating my work. xx🦅
I love this area! I've done backpacking trips there on several occasions. I even climbed Mt. Ritter once. That was a super cool trip. Also, I like to go snowboarding at Mammoth, so each winter I get to overlook this area all covered in snow from on top of Mammoth mountain. Anyways, I really enjoyed your informative write up and your great photos!
@derekrichardson hey dood! Thanks for stopping by and taking a peek at your local hangout. You may not recall but I posted on your 3 day hike to the hot springs post. I’m born and raised SFer. CA has always been my playground. Not a bad place to grow up. I came back home for 15 months not long ago so you may see some familiar sights come up. Thank you for the appreciation and reading what is probably boring info to you. I have plenty of stuff I’ve been posting about CO too. 😉
xx 🦅
Thank you for taking little ol me along for the trip! Beautiful pictures! Its on the list of places to see! Along with Yosemite and yellowstone!
I am glad to have you along @mnmleger! Thank you for the appreciation and so glad you will think about visiting. Yosemite is definitely a gem, my post on that will be coming up shortly. Yes. You and me both regarding yellowstone! xx