Rainbow Falls Day Hike
Devils Postpile
Beautiful Rainbow Falls spill 100 feet off a broad ledge along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River in Devils Postpile National Monument west of Mammoth Lakes. The falls are named for the rainbows that often appear at their base. Day hikers can choose between the 1.3-mile trail from a nearby trailhead or include the falls as part of a 3.8-mile loop though Devils Postpile.
During the summer, a shuttle bus connects all key points in the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile area. Before planning your hike, be sure to read about the shuttle bus schedule and the limitations for private vehicles in the area.
Devils Postpile
Rainbow Falls Trailheads
Easy
2.6 or 3.8
260' or 650'
Devils Postpile
Two trailheads serve hikers headed to Rainbow Falls. Shuttle Bus stop #9 near Reds Meadow Resort is the closest to the falls and by far the most popular. Restrooms and drinking water are available there. For a longer hike, a second choice is the Devils Postpile Ranger Station trailhead at Shuttle Bus stop #6. Restrooms and water are available there also.
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 3-12. Children 2 and younger are free. 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.
Rainbow Falls Trail
The shorter trail to the falls begins at a parking lot at an elevation of 7,670 feet near Reds Meadow Resort (shuttle bus stop #9) and descends 260 feet along a 1.3-mile trail to a viewpoint overlooking the falls.
Those wanting to include the falls as part of their visit to Devils Postpile begin at the Ranger Station at the north end of the Monument (shuttle stop #6) and follow the park trail south past the geologic features and then continue south along the river. This 2.5-mile section of trail climbs about 300 feet through the center of park as it passes the geologic formations and then descends gradually as it approaches the falls.
Rainbow Falls Trail
The 1.3-mile trail to the falls is wide and easy to follow with only a few rocky sections along the way. At the falls there are two main, easy-to-access viewpoints along with a path leading down steps to the river below the falls.
Regardless of their starting points, most hikers choose the shorter trail back to the trailhead near Reds Meadow Resort and take advantage of the shuttle bus from there (shuttle stop #9). The trek back the trailhead is uphill and may require more time and effort than the trip down to the falls.
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 operating, visitors may drive their vehicles into Reds Meadow. They still must pay an entrance fee.
Rainbow Falls Viewpoint
Nearby Sierra Day Hikes
- Minaret Falls - a short hike to pretty cascade
- Rainbow Falls - a beautiful 100-foot tall falls in Devils Posptile
- Shadow Lake - a full-day outing to a pretty alpine lake along the John Muir Trail
Other Nearby Trails
The Lower Falls Trail continues beyond Rainbow Falls for ¾ to the Lower Falls. Although not as impressive as Rainbow Falls, the Lower Falls are worth visiting.
Choose from all the Best Campgrounds around Reds Meadow and Mammoth Lakes
