I know there are times you have to take a bus to get there because the parking lots fill up. One mile past the Eureka Diggins Area the pavement ends. We did the hike on 8/24. Dogs are also able to use this trail. 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. Maybe on a regular weekend and on a less Smokey day, I will be able to capture the rainbow. We saw many people that looked like they were not in good enough shape to be hiking this trail. This is a great hike. It has a fair amount of shade in the beginning but gets sunny towards the end. Gorgeous waterfall and trail through Ansel Adams Wilderness. Start early and bring water. 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. This same trail is the hike to Rainbow Falls, the gorgeous cascading falls in Mammoth. Starting from the main trailhead in Devils Postpile National Monument, it’s a 3-mile round trip hike to Minaret Falls (with the option to link this trail with hikes to Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls). Saw the sun coming up over the hills and some deer & fawn roaming around. People were jumping into the water as their prize once they reached the bottom part of the trail. During the summer, a shuttle bus connects all … There are also no facilities! After reading the reviews we decided to come before 8 am. air temp. The first is via a bridge to another falls, the second is to the top of the Devil Postpile, the third is to the Rainbow falls, and fourth is to the lower falls. plan on a half day and check out the Devils Post Pile which is on the same trail. But it can get crowded nearer to the falls and the stairs going down to the lower falls can get crowded. Of course, the view of the rainbow falls, we hiked late in the afternoon, of course I did not see the rainbow but it's still amazing. I’m running out of adjectives to describe my hikes of late but this one was magical. 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. A must do and not a difficult walk. Its always packed. After 4.5 miles you will pass the old Cal-Ida Mill. The elevation gain is only 300 feet so it's a fairly easy hike to this natural wonder. I highly recommend doing that one. The trail was dog-friendly and we saw many furry family members on the trail. As you get started, the river is quite wide and then as you gain elevation you see less and less of the river. Take the bus down to Agnew Meadows Campground and head out on the trail. After viewing the falls, spend the day exploring Devils Postpile National Monument. We headed over to the lower falls which was less crowded and quite pretty too. This route is through Red’s meadow that is a part of the PCT John Muir Trail. Unlike other river falls in the Sierra (minus Yosemite), it is a free fall. This time take the right fork (do no take Road #25-32, which leads to the Morristown Diggings). Due to the early hour and also it being a Monday, there weren't a lot of people there yet. Arrive early as previous reviewers have stated especially if you don’t want to hike mid heat. The hike to Rainbow Falls was mainly down hill but it was 2 and a half miles long and dusty and there is little to no shade. Once at the falls there are some amazing views and a steep stairway that leads you right down to the water. By the time we got back it was 83 deg. We arrived about 0830 and parking was already limited since it’s Labor Day weekend. Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: Address, Rainbow Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. With premium delivery service, you can place your order for skis, snowboards, boots and helmets before you arrive. It is a fairly flat trail with. About 11 when we were about to head back, the place became extremely crowded and it was impossible to social distance. Minaret Summit Ridge to Deadman Pass OHV Route, Iva Bell Hot Springs via Fish Creek Trail, John Muir Trail: Devil's Postpile to Yosemite Valley [CLOSED], Devil's Postpile Ranger Station to Fern Lake [CLOSED], Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls and Fern Lake [CLOSED], John Muir Trail from Reds Meadow to Piute Pass, Reds Meadow to Gladus Lake, Rosalie Lake, Shadow Lake, Garnet Lake, Thousand Islands Lake [CLOSED], Red's Meadow to Rainbow Falls Overlook [CLOSED], Devils Postpile, 1000 Island Lake, Agnew Meadows [CLOSED], Agnew Mewdows, Agnew Lake, Gem Lake, Waugh Lake, 1000 Island Lake Lollipop [CLOSED], Devils Postpile, Beck Lake, and Shadow Lake Loop [CLOSED], Rainbow Falls via Devils Postpile Trail [CLOSED], https://www.nps.gov/depo/planyourvisit/conditions.htm. Unfortunately too many people not wearing masks and unaware of hiking etiquette. The trail offers a number of activity options and is best used from May until October. Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes: Address, Rainbow Falls Reviews: 4.5/5. We were super excited to hike to a raging Rainbow Falls this year. There are plenty of namesake rainbows here. As you continue along the trail, the grasses and wildflowers are dominant on one side, while the other is wooded. Red’s Meadow is known for spectacular horseback rides. The Little Lakes Valley hike is a really great one to do with kids because this hike … always a beautiful hike. The trail is accessed from the Rainbow Falls Trailhead at the end of Reds Meadow Road in Devils Postpile National Monument and ends at a viewing area across from the 101 foot waterfall. I'd recommend going early to avoid the crowds and the heat. The road is paved and has become Forest Road #25. Definitely a hike worth doing but go early or later in the day! We started out hike from the Devils Post Pile Ranger Station. Geologic Formations, Hot Springs & Geysers. Great trial for families. Rainbow Falls resides in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes in Fresno County and Mono County, California. The waterfall is so gorgeous. 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. Super easy, crowded. We offer these guided trail rides by horseback: the Rainbow Falls Ride, a Half Day Ride, and a Full Day Ride.Before calling please check through our requirements and make sure you can participate safely for a pleasant time.. If you want to swim without a lot of people around you, you should head over to the lower falls first. Also, the latter half of the trail does not have a lot of shade and can get unbearably hot and uncomfortable. 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). 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. The hike I feel was about less than 2 miles round trip. Proceed north on Cal-Ida Road. This is why I'd recommend making it a morning hike because it can get very, very hot. Established in 1911 by presidential proclamation, Devils Postpile National Monument protects and preserves the Devils Postpile formation, the 101-foot high Rainbow Falls, and pristine mountain scenery. Recommend getting there early in the day during the summer months. It's a great spot to take a break and enjoy the super cold water prior to hiking out. So take water not a can of Monster, maybe a good snack, and plan plan a couple hours. There are many things to see along the trail and make sure you check out the wood bridge that crosses the San Juaquin River. Most people were wearing mask or face covering and the trail is wide enough that you can stay socially distant. From here, steps lead down to the river, where you’ll find an overlook alongside Rainbow Falls. It's well worth the effort and a great experience. were not running but the lots were filling up fast So arrive early. Most people were wearing mask or face covering and the trail is wide enough that you can stay socially distant. A rainbow produced by mist from this 80-foot high waterfall is visible on sunny afternoons. For information or inquiries about the reserve as well as current … Otherwise trail is easy to follow and shaded for 0.6 miles the rest is open sun. Geologists refer to these rocks that as platy rhyodacite, a type of extrusive volcanic rock. We started our hike at the Devil's Postpile parking lot. Call 760-934-2345 or email us at: info@redsmeadow.com for current rates and ride times. Take the left fork, staying on Road #25. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and horses and is best used from May until October. 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. Definitely jump in and if you’re courageous enough go all the way to drop. Start your day the cowboy way! Sunrise Hike to Rainbow Falls Near Mammoth Lakes August 14, 2017 • California Day Hikes Sierra Nevada Waterfalls Rainbow Falls is a gorgeous 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River located in the Devil’s Postpile National Monument. Later on around 8-9am lots of hikers. more, Recommended experiences in and around Mammoth Lakes. Little Lakes Valley. Day hikers can choose between the 1.3-mile trail from a nearby trailhead or include the falls as part of a 4-mile loop though Devils Postpile. Many looked like they were unprepared and had no water. This beautiful Mammoth Lakes hike features a 102 foot-high waterfall and spectacular views of the surrounding National Park area. Rainbow Falls is over 100 feet tall. In contrast, summer months bring numerous hikers in to explore the many trails of Mammoth Lakes or Devils Postpile National Monument. It was a much better hike as few people were out walking. A Hike Totally Worth Waking Up Early For! Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. After 1.5 miles more the road forks again. Although the falls are on National Park Service land, most of the trail wanders through Inyo National Forest. If you are a resident of another country or region, please select the appropriate version of Tripadvisor for your country or region in the drop-down menu. Definitely get there early. 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. It was a perfect day, temperature between 55 and 65 degrees. Falling over a sharp 101-foot drop, Rainbow Falls is an easy 2.5 mile walk from the trailhead at Devil's Postpile National Monument in Mammoth Lakes. Dogs are also able to use this trail but must be kept on leash. maintained. This is a collection of our day trips to hiking trails including Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Lakes, Mammoth Lakes California things to do, Mammoth Lakes hot springs, Mammoth Lakes hikes, camping in Mammoth Lakes, and more. You will pass Indian Fire area and the Eureka Diggins area. The majesty of these natural wonders lie just over the shoulder of Mammoth Mountain in the San Joaquin River Valley. There are a few detours you can take on the trail. The waterfall cascades some 200 feet and can impress when water volumes are high, but definitely diminishes when water levels are low. Please choose a different date. The last 3/4 mile to the falls you are in open sun so bring sun screen. You can avoid these other trails if you just want to see the Rainbow falls. We loved the wild flowers and the falls! Even around that time parking was relatively full. some shade. This is where the PCT trail crosses the rover. amazing. We arrived by 7, still plenty of parking but on our way out around 1030 the road to the parking lot was closed and everyone had to park farther up. Fish Creek Trail continues to the left. The route to Rainbow Falls is well marked, so bear right and head back into Devils Postpile National Monument. This is the version of our website addressed to speakers of English in the United States. The falls are named for the rainbows that often appear at their base. We hiked all the way down to the falls and wet our feet in the water. But it can get crowded nearer to the falls and the stairs going down to the lower falls can get crowded. The only bad part today is the smoke and ashes from forest fires rolled in an caused a gloomy day. We were here in mid July and started at 48 Deg. 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. The Rainbow Falls area was formed after a volcanic explosion approximately 75,000 years ago. So take layers!. This National Monument preserves and protects the Devils Postpile columnar basalt formation, Rainbow Falls and the pristine mountain scenery. There is a parking area next to the Devils Postpile Shuttle Stop. I highly recommend this! The water was very cold too. This featured hike takes you across the river to Devils Postpile, then back across to go down the JMT toward Rainbow Falls (you can also stay on the Postpile side and go down to Rainbow).If you haven't been to Lower Rainbow Falls, be sure to go—the falls are different and beautiful and great for a swim. Mammoth Mountain is a popular hub for snowboarding, skiing, and hiking. The trail is well. It did start getting busy around 10:30 am. Nice shady trail that leads to a pretty waterfall. California Travel and Tourism Commision, P.O. The waterfall often has a rainbow in the mist from the falls and is a popular day hike or destination for … Early is freezing!! Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls. This sunny and open, moderate hike leads to spectacular views of Rainbow Falls. We stayed for a few hours having snacks and taking in the scene! We were at the Rainbow falls around 9.30ish. You can combine the Devil's Postpile monument and the Falls into one hike if you park at the main visitor center. Awesome great beautiful scenery lots of interesting thing and views, cool to see the new growth. After 1 mile Road #25 veers to the left. Driving the last 0.7 miles, you will reach the trailhead where there is ample parking in the roadside. #49 east for 12 miles to the Cal-Ida Road, which is on the left just past the Indian Valley Outpost. So the hike is worth the view. Your gear will be delivered at a time that’s convenient for you and does a custom fitting while you sit back and relax in your hotel room, condo or vacation home. In 2017 the park addressed the situation by launching a major, two-year project to rehabilitate the trail and improve hiker safety. The view is worth the extra few minutes. The waterfall often has a rainbow in the mist from the falls and is a popular day hike or destination for horseback rides. Love the trail, very easy and close to the parking lot, about two miles. You will for sure get a workout but it’s honestly not too bad. The hike takes you right past Devil's Postpile which is. Access Rainbow Falls by taking the mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus departing from Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Directly after the mill the road forks. We decided to start our hike at the lower parking area of the Red Meadows resort. 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. Coming out after noon still parking available. Rainbow falls is a beautiful sight to see and truly worth the hike. The view from the top of Devil Postpile is amazing! It was a great trail! I heard due to COVID the busses. The trail is primarily used for hiking, walking, nature trips, and horses and is best used from May until October. 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