Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile

Monday, July 20, 2015

After a great hike around Convict Lake, I wanted to revisit Devil’s Postpile down the road. I hopped in my car and headed to the gates of the national monument only to find out that the only access into the area was by bus. That is of course unless I arrived before 7 a.m. or after 7 p.m. So I waited until Monday. I awoke early. As the sun was just clearing the horizon, I headed into the park. I chose a longer hike that day, close to 7.5 miles was my goal from Agnew Meadow down to Devil’s Postpile most of which was along the Pacific Crest Trail.

There were only a few cars in the parking lot at the trailhead for the route I had chosen. After a short while I started to descend into the valley made by the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The switchback trail led further and further downwards until leveling out a the river’s edge. Crossing the river I then started to make the climb out of the valley, passing by Upper Soda Springs, the Pumice Flats and Minaret Falls until finally I left the PCT and headed over to Devil’s Postpile. The sun was just above the edge of the lava flow that somehow dried to form this distinct landmark as I stopped to rest for a few minutes and enjoy a well deserved snack.

The trailhead from Agnew Meadow for the Pacific Crest Trail on Monday, July 20, 2015.

Agnew Meadow from the Pacific Crest Trail on Monday, July 20, 2015.

The Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River along the Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.

The Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.

The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River along the Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.

Mule deer graze for food just off of the Pacific Crest Trail on the way from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile National Monument in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.

The bridge to cross over the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River along the Pacific Crest Trail from Agnew Meadow to Devil’s Postpile National Monument in California on Monday, July 20, 2015.