Unfortunately too many people not wearing masks and unaware of hiking etiquette. Rainbow Falls via Devils Postpile Trail [CLOSED] is a 6 mile heavily trafficked out and back trail located near Mammoth Lakes, California that features a waterfall and is good for all skill levels. From granite crags to trout-stocked lakes, pine forests to alpine meadows, there’s something for all seasons, interests and abilities, motorized and non-motorized alike. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Very disappointed. We loved the wild flowers and the falls! Why you should go: An easy hike accessible by shuttle that features … Once at the falls there are some amazing views and a steep stairway that leads you right down to the water. I'd recommend going early to avoid the crowds and the heat. Its located about half way down the trail and only 150 feet off the trail. I took my parents and they loved it.They didn’t go to the bottom of the fall for safety reasons, but they enjoyed the whole view from the top. This is where the PCT trail crosses the rover. After viewing the falls, spend the day exploring Devils Postpile National Monument. This route is through Red’s meadow that is a part of the PCT John Muir Trail. I suggest you start early. I highly recommend this! Nice shady trail that leads to a pretty waterfall. Don't waste another minute waiting in line at the rental shops on your next ski vacation. This National Monument preserves and protects the Devils Postpile columnar basalt formation, Rainbow Falls and the pristine mountain scenery. We started early at about 8. There are also no facilities! Going down is easier than returning but doable with kids, just takes longer. Rainbow Falls is over 100 feet tall. It is administered by the National Park Service. Bring water, sun screen, and maybe a snack. Box 1499 , Sacramento, CA, 95812-1499, Phone: 800-862-2543. Stay on Road #25 (do not take Road #25-29). Hike down to the bottom and cross the water (yes you will get your feet wet) and go hangout on the right of the waterfall. A must do and not a difficult walk. This beautiful Mammoth Lakes hike features a 102 foot-high waterfall and spectacular views of the surrounding National Park area. Great trial for families. The Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) Reds Meadow Shuttle is the only way to travel to Reds Meadow, including Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls and numerous hiking trails, in the summer (mid-June to early September). During the summer, a shuttle bus connects all … The brink of Rainbow Falls air temp. But it can get crowded nearer to the falls and the stairs going down to the lower falls can get crowded. Unlike other river falls in the Sierra (minus Yosemite), it is a free fall. It's well worth the effort and a great experience. Beautiful! It was a wonderful hike. The waterfall often has a rainbow in the mist from the falls and is a popular day hike or destination for horseback rides. The 5.4 mile roundtrip hike is considered moderate in difficulty. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the super cold water prior to hiking out. Geologic Formations, Hot Springs & Geysers. As you turn off, not the mileage on your vehicle for future reference. We had come up in the middle of the day to do the hike and the trails were a little to crowded so we decided to come back the next day early. We did the hike on 8/24. From the end of the pavement drive 2.5 miles to a point where the road forks. The waterfall cascades some 200 feet and can impress when water volumes are high, but definitely diminishes when water levels are low. Fish Creek Trail continues to the left. Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. Arrive early as previous reviewers have stated especially if you don’t want to hike mid heat. Devils Postpile National Monument is closed for the season: https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm The Reds Meadow Valley Road to Devils Postpile National Monument is closed for the winter. This is why I'd recommend making it a morning hike because it can get very, very hot. The hike I feel was about less than 2 miles round trip. Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. People were jumping into the water as their prize once they reached the bottom part of the trail. As you continue along the trail, the grasses and wildflowers are dominant on one side, while the other is wooded. We started our hike at the Devil's Postpile parking lot. After 1.5 miles more the road forks again. Rainbow Falls is one of the must see places in Mammoth Lakes, California. Also, the latter half of the trail does not have a lot of shade and can get unbearably hot and uncomfortable. Devils Postpile National Monument is a National Monument located near Mammoth Mountain in eastern California.The monument protects Devils Postpile, an unusual rock formation of columnar basalt.It encompasses 798 acres (323 ha) and includes two main tourist attractions: the Devils Postpile formation and Rainbow Falls, a waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. The signage is good, making it easy to stay on track. They need to limit the number of people and they are not. Later on around 8-9am lots of hikers. If you get their early you don’t pay for parking. During extended winter cold spells, an impressive ice formation builds around the falls. I heard due to COVID the busses. Nov 18, 2020 - Mammoth Lakes in California is one of the most beautiful areas to explore. Although the falls are on National Park Service land, most of the trail wanders through Inyo National Forest. It was a perfect day, temperature between 55 and 65 degrees. I know there are times you have to take a bus to get there because the parking lots fill up. On a Friday morning it was almost full by 845am. At ~3.4 miles you get your first glimpse of Rainbow Falls from above the bluff. Book your tickets online for Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: See 315 reviews, articles, and 187 photos of Rainbow Falls, ranked No.1 on Tripadvisor among 37 attractions in Mammoth Lakes. You will pass Indian Fire area and the Eureka Diggins area. Its always packed. The main objectives of the project were to stabilize eroding sections of trail, and repair trail tread damaged by high winds and fire during the Chimney Tops 2 wildfire in November of 2016. Maybe on a regular weekend and on a less Smokey day, I will be able to capture the rainbow. One mile past the Eureka Diggins Area the pavement ends. Take the left fork, staying on Road #25. Early not many people. This sunny and open, moderate hike leads to spectacular views of Rainbow Falls. The worst part is when you think you finally got there, there is a sign that says.5 … We got there before 9 am and there were plenty of parking and not too crowded, but half of the hikers weren't wearing a mask. You can combine the Devil's Postpile monument and the Falls into one hike if you park at the main visitor center. It’s best to wear a hat, sunscreen and face covering when hiking this trail. Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: Address, Rainbow Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. Go early otherwise the line is crazy. About 11 when we were about to head back, the place became extremely crowded and it was impossible to social distance. It is a fairly flat trail with. I highly recommend doing that one. Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls. We were here in mid July and started at 48 Deg. Elevation change is manageable - some people may want to bring trekking poles for some of the stretches of elevation. 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