Minaret Falls Day Hike
Devils Postpile
Plan your visit to Minaret Falls for the spring or early summer when the broad 200-foot cascade along Minaret Creek is at its peak. Later in the summer a delightful weave of rivulets glide along the furrows in the granite and spill from ledges. Just below the falls, Minaret Creek joins the Middle Fork San Joaquin River. Visitors to Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile can glimpse the falls from various vantage points around the valley, but the cataract is most impressive close up.
Upper Minaret Falls
Minaret Falls Trailhead
Easy
3 miles
130 feet
Devils Postpile
Minaret Falls trailhead is at the Ranger Station in Devils Postpile National Monument (shuttlebus stop #6). During the summer visitors use the shuttlebus. At other times there is parking close by. Restrooms and water are available there.
Devils Postpile Ranger Station
Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus Information
During the summer, most visitors to the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile area must use the shuttle bus from near Mammoth Mountain Ski Area's Adventure Center. Fees are $15 for adults, $7 for children ages 3 to 15, free for children 2 and younger. The bus makes a number of stops around Reds Meadow. Once visitors are in Reds Meadow, the shuttle is free for trips among the various stops.
Read details of dates and times at
Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle Information.
Minaret Falls Trail
From the Devils Postpile ranger station (shuttlebus stop #6) head south on the main park trail. After 0.3 miles turn right onto a trail leading across a bridge over the river. Again turn right at the next 2 trail junctions, following the clear signs pointing to Minaret Falls.
Along the way the Minaret Falls Trail becomes part of the famous Pacific Crest Trail. Short sections are a little rocky. Keep an eye out for the eagle's nest perched atop a tree.
The trail passes out of the Devils Postpile boundaries, climbing gently, and then reaches the base of the falls after a total of 1.5 miles. During times of high water, the falls will be roaring. Later in the season they dwindle to a number of channels gliding down the polished granite.
Minaret Falls Trail
Things to Know
- Carry plenty of water.
- Leashed pets are allowed on Devils Postpile trails, but dogs must wear a muzzle when riding the shuttle bus.
- Before or after the summer season when the shuttle bus is no longer operating, visitors may drive their vehicles into Reds Meadow. They still must pay an entrance fee.
Meadow View along the Minaret Falls Trail
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Rainbow Falls - a beautiful 100-foot tall falls in Devils Postpile
- Crystal Lake - a dazzlingly beautiful lake
- Shadow Lake - a rewarding hike into the Ansel Adams Wilderness
Other Nearby Trails
The trail to the Devils Postpile extends south for a few tenths of a mile from the east side of the bridge to the main geologic features of the Monument. A short loop trail leads around the top of the postpiles.
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