I started this group of blogs by talking about my "bucket list," and the final day of our trip presented the chance to check off a another item: visit Devil's Postpile.
Devil's Postpile is a geologic formation called columnar basalt. Molten lava cooled in such a way that it formed hexagonal columns. After the columns had cooled, a glacier eventually scraped over the top, accentuating the joints between the individual columns.
Devil's Postpile is reached by driving to Red's Meadow and taking a short hike. If you go early enough you can drive in yourself. Most of the time, you'll have to board a shuttle bus instead. I categorically hate bus rides, but riding a bus was a worthwhile price to pay for what was in store.
You catch the bus (and buy your tickets) at the Mammoth Mountain Resort. Wooly, the metal mammoth, is heated so that the snow doesn't stick to him during ski season.
After you've arrived in Red's Meadow, you can connect to the John Muir Trail, or hike to Rainbow Falls which is the only waterfall listed as a "perfect 10" in a waterfall guidebook I bought recently.
The middle fork of the San Joaquin River courses through the valley, providing a soothing backdrop for the journey.