Visiting Devils Postpile in Mammoth Lakes was our main objective when we left our Bed and Breakfast early in that morning. After a few long and strenuous hikes the days before, my knee wasn’t in the best shape. Therefore, we weren’t sure if we really wanted to make that 6-mile hike to Rainbow Falls. I’m so glad that we did. It was worth all the excruciating pain on the way back. Rainbow Falls is a breathtaking and impressive 101ft waterfall. It is known for the way its mist creates colorful rainbows. And the best thing about this waterfall is that not only you can see the waterfall from the top, you can also hike down to the bottom of it too.
STATS:
Where:
Rainbow Falls Trailhead through Devils Postpile:
37°37’49.3″N 119°05’04.7″W
(This is at shuttle stop #6)
Rainbow Falls Main Trailhead: 37°36’55.3″N 119°04’34.4″W
(This is at shuttle stop #9)
Fee:
Shuttle Cost: $8
If you drive your car: $10 (free with Interagency pass)
For more up to date info, check out here.
Parking:
A decent size dirt parking at either trailheads.
Restrooms:
There are restrooms at the parking lot for Devils Postpile
Distance:
From Devils Postpile parking to Rainbow Falls overlook:
2.5 miles each way
From the main trailhead to Rainbow Falls overlook:
1.3 miles each way
Rainbow Falls overlook to the bottom of the Falls:
about 0.5 miles each way
Elevation Gain:
300 ft
Level:
Easy
Estimated Completion Time:
2-3 hours depending on where you start
Ideal Weather:
Devils Postpile National Monument, the Reds Meadow Valley Road, and the shuttle are only opening during Summer, sometimes late Spring and early Fall depending on the weather. You can check out more info here. Rainbow Falls is most impressive in June and July.
Ideal Time:
Early mornings will give you cooler temperatures and a better chance of getting a parking spot. However, mid-day will give you the famous view of the rainbows over Rainbow Falls.
Pet-friendly:
Pets are allowed on the trail as long as they are leashed.
Weather:
VIDEO:
GETTING THERE:
Normally, during the operating season (summer), you will have to take the shuttle from the Village at Mammoth Lakes to the Ranger Station at Devil’s Postpile. If you want to avoid taking the shuttle, you can arrive before 7:00 am, after 7:00 pm or outside of shuttle bus operating hours or seasons. For more info on the shuttle, you can check it out here. Shuttle stop for Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls Trailhead is #6. Shuttle stop for the main Rainbow Falls Trailhead is #9.
At the moment, during Covid-19 time, the shuttle is not operating. Therefore, you can drive straight to the parking lot in front of either trailhead. If you get there before 8 am, you’ll have a better chance of getting a parking spot and you don’t have to pay for the entrance fee. Make sure to check up on the road condition before you go, in case the roads are closed.
There are two different trailheads to go to Rainbow Falls. The shorter route is to go from the main trailhead, which is located at shuttle stop #9, near Reds Meadow Resort. The longer route but also the more rewarding one is to hike through Devils Postpile. When the shuttle is running, you can always hike through Devils Postpile on the way there (downhill), then use the shorter route to the main trailhead near Reds Meadow Resort and take the shuttle back.
THE ADVENTURE:
After we parked, we found our way toward Devils Postpile. We wanted to go the longer route because we wanted to see this unique rock formation. If you’re in this area, don’t skip out on Devils Postpile. It is a quick stop, but it is super cool to see. Whether you’re at the bottom or the top of the Postpile, you can just follow the sign to Rainbow Falls. From the bottom trail, if you continue straight, the trail will take you to Rainbow Falls.
One thing I love about all the trails in Mammoth Lakes is that they are very well-marked. The trail takes you through a forest area. It is quite beautiful. There were tons of these smaller pine trees that looked like a Christmas tree farm. At one point, we stopped to put on sunscreen when I heard a rustling noise on the trail behind us. As I turned around, I found myself staring at a pair of antlers. There was a herd of deer walking along the trail, about 10ft from us. Both sides stared at each other in surprise as the deers finally veered off to the right and pranced through the pine forest. It totally made our day. I guess it paid off hiking this early in the morning.
Excitedly, we continued on our hike to see the beautiful Rainbow Falls. As I said, the trail is very well-marked. There are signs everywhere pointing you in the right direction. Not the far from the falls, the view opens up to a vast area filled with green hills and what looks like tons of tree stumps. This is where the Rainbow Fire in 1992 took place. This fire burnt down 8,000 acres of the dense forest. As the forest slowly regrows, new plants and animals have moved in, taking advantage of the productive, yet temporary gap in the forest.
As you hike along, you’ll get glimpses of the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Rainbow Falls is where this river tumbles over a 100 feet basalt cliff in a vertical-walled canyon. It was kinda cool to see where the river abruptly stopped because you approach it from the top. As we rounded the corner, we were greeted by a massive waterfall cascading over the cliff. It was such an impressive transition.
The interesting thing about Rainbow Falls is that as the water rushes over the cliff, it erodes the vertical wall. A small cavern begins to form at the base of the falls, causing the overlying rock to lose its supports and collapse. This is the reason why Rainbow Falls has retreated about 500ft from where it originally was.
The view from the top lookout is really beautiful. If you’re there at the right time of the day, you can see the rainbows in the mist of the falls. There is a second lookout, less crowded, just a few feet away. From here, if you keep going a bit further and round the corner, there is a set of stairs that will take you down to the bottom of it. Now, don’t confuse that with the Lower Falls. Lower Falls is different. You have to go another 3/4 miles each way to get there. With my knee acting up, and we opted not to go to Lower Falls. Maybe next time! If you have gas left in the tank, we recommend it though.
If you get here, you HAVE to hike down the stairs to the bottom of the falls. It is not that bad, and it is worth it. The view from the bottom, looking up at this giant waterfalls is breathtaking. Be careful if you’re using your camera, there is mist everywhere. Depending on the season, the flow can be very strong and dangerous. DO NOT CROSS OVER OR ATTEMPT TO SWIM AT THE BOTTOM OF THE FALLS. The water was also very cold. Be sure to watch your step as well. The basalt rocks here have an almost polished texture to them, and when you add the fact that they are wet, it makes them quite slippery.
After spending sometimes eating our lunch and admiring the handy work of Mother Nature, we headed back up the stairs. It had gotten very warm as the sun went up higher. The way back is mainly uphill. However, it wasn’t too bad, except for those rock-stairs toward the beginning of the trail.
There are many things to do here in Mammoth Lakes, which we will cover soon. Meanwhile, don’t forget to check out the unique Mono Lake, where you can kayak among the unique tufas, take a quick stop at the Hot Creek Geological Site. Along the 395, you can stop at Fossil Falls, the unique roadside sculptures of Olancha. If you head up to Tahoe, don’t forget to go kayak at Sand Harbor, check out the sunset at Chimney Beach, or be super adventurous and climb up Via Ferrata Tahoe.
Happy Adventuring. Don’t forget to follow us on Instagram, subscribe to our Youtube channel, and sign up for our newsletter!
RECOMMEND GEAR:
Don’t forget to check out our Recommended Gear section as well.
• Hiking shoes
The trail can be a bit slippery. Make sure to wear your hiking shoes. Vy’s shoes are Merrell Women’s Moab 2 Mid Waterproof Hiking Boot. Dustin’s shoes are TARGHEE III WATERPROOF.
• Snacks/Lunch
Rainbow Falls is a great lunch spot. Make sure to bring some snacks with you too!
• Sunscreen
The trail is exposed. Bring sunscreen. We use eco-friendly, reef-safe sunscreen, All Good Organic Sunscreen Butter – Zinc Oxide – Coral Reef Safe, and All Good Sport Sunscreen Lotion – Coral Reef Safe (3 oz)(2-Pack) or Stream2Sea SPF 30 Reef Safe Sport Tinted Sunscreen.
• Water
The trail can get very warm! Bring lots of water. Especially if you go in the afternoon. Vy uses the Camelback L.U.X.E. Dustin uses the Clik Small pack (sadly Clik is no longer around)
• Jacket
Depends on the season, it might get cold up there. We love our packable Patagonia Puff Jackets! You can get Vy’s version here, and Dustin’s version here.
CAMERA GEAR:
• Camera:
Sony a7 III
Gopro Hero 7 Black
• Lenses:
Sony 24 -70mm f/2.8 Carl Zeiss Vario Sonnar T Zoom Lens
• Accessories:
GoPro The Handler Floating Hand Grip – Official GoPro Mount
Aluminum GoPro protection frame
