listing_616-1433

Rainbow Falls

End of CA-203 West
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

Local phone: 760-934-2289

Website Get Directions

Hours of Operation: Ranger station hours vary

Closed : September 1 - mid-June

The 101-foot waterfall is part of the Devils Postpile National Monument. It is known for the colorful rainbow that its mist creates. The best time to experience the rainbows is midday, when the sun is highest.

Please Note: The mandatory shuttle runs through September 5, 2022. After that time, visitors can enter in their own vehicle. Starting on October 1, 2022, please be prepared for up to 30 minute delays due to tree work along the road. The road will close for the season on October 11, 2022.

The mandatory shuttle is operated by Eastern Sierra Transit and boards at Mammoth Adventure Center. Personal vehicle travel is allowed outside of the shuttle season. Please Note: The road to Reds Meadow Valley will be closed for the 2023 season, so this fall is a unique opportunity to see this area. The mandatory shuttle runs through September 5, 2022. After that time, visitors can enter in their own vehicle. Starting on October 1, 2022, please be prepared for up to 30 minute delays due to tree work along the road. The road will close for the season on October 11, 2022. The road is slated to reopen, weather dependent, Late May – June 2024.

Accessibility to the Waterfall

2.5 miles or 5 miles round-trip moderate hike.

Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

Overall Rating: 4.5

based on 326 reviews
Rating: 5
Beautiful hike
Took the shuttle ($15/person) to stop 6 where we got off and did this 4+ mile hike via Devils Postpile. It was hot with little shade, but the falls were well worth it.
Read full review
Rating: 5
Magnificent
Rainbow falls is worth the walk/hike. It lives up to its name of reflecting rainbows. Wear bug spray because there are mosquitos.
Read full review
Rating: 5
Rainbow Falls - logistics without a car
Beautiful waterfall. You can see other folks reviews on the hike. I'm going to give the logistics we used to get there. We were only in town for a long weekend, no car From our condo (Snowcreek...
Read full review

Amenities

Fall

Full day

Half day

Hiking & Backpacking

Summer

Takes 1 - 2 hours

Takes 2 - 3 hours

RELATED BUSINESSES

Devils Postpile National Monument
Please Note: The mandatory shuttle runs through September 5, 2022. After that time, visitors can enter in their own vehicle. Starting on October 1, 2022, please be prepared for up to 30 minute delays due to tree work along the road. The road will close for the season on October...
Devils Postpile Campground
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. The formation is a rare sight in the geologic world and ranks as one of the world’s finest examples of columnar basalt.  Visitors can...
Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA)
ESTA offers a variety of bus services, including; deviated fixed routes, local in-town dial-a-ride services, multiple town-to-town services throughout the Hwy 395 and Hwy 6 corridors, and interregional service (CREST) extending from Reno, Nevada, to Lancaster, California, with connections to the Los Angeles area. Locally, ESTA operates summer and winter...