Rainbow Falls

End of CA-203 West
Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546

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Hours of Operation: Ranger station hours vary

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.

Mandatory Scenic Shuttle

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.

Accessibility to the Waterfall

2.5 miles or 5 miles round-trip moderate hike.

Traveler Reviews

TripAdvisor Traveler Rating

based on 314 reviews

Amazing Hike to Amazing Falls!

Amazing hike with great views of the falls and a lovely place to have a snack while you cool off in the water. We started our hike at the Devil's Postpile parking lot. On a Friday morning it was...
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5 Miles, start early, must see

We started out hike from the Devils Post Pile Ranger Station. We arrived around 8:30 am and there were already many cars there. I suggest you start early. I know there are times you have to take a...
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Definitely come early

After reading the reviews we decided to come before 8 am. We decided to start our hike at the lower parking area of the Red Meadows resort. Even around that time parking was relatively full. The...
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Amenities

Fall

Full day

Half day

Hiking & Backpacking

Summer

Takes 1 - 2 hours

Takes 2 - 3 hours

RELATED BUSINESSES

Devils Postpile National Monument

This unique geological structure features thousands of hexagonal basalt columns formed 100,000 years ago when lava flow slowed and then cooled and cracked. The area is accessible in summer months, and a mandatory shuttle offers visitors transportation to Devils Postpile and other Reds Meadow areas. Catch the shuttle from the...

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...