Guide to Reds Meadow

September 05, 2025

Located just 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley is lined with granite boulders, Jeffery pines, and wildflowers.

History
Getting There
Things to do
Trailheads
Where to Stay

History of the Area

In the 1800s, prospectors traveled to the Eastern Sierra along the French Trail, a route from Fresno to the Mammoth Lakes area. Red Sotcher settled in the valley on the western slope of Mammoth Mountain and farmed vegetables and sold them to the miners. While people came from far and away to mine for gold and silver, it was Sotcher who prospered. Reds Meadow and Sotcher Lake were eventually named in his honor. Today, the region is a destination for outdoor recreation.

lake surrounded by trees and granite rock

Getting There

By Reds Meadow Shuttle

The shuttle system reduces congestion on park and forest roads, protects sensitive resources from damage due to illegal parking, and reduces vehicle emissions. Visitors who ride the bus save an average of 437,799 miles of vehicle emissions!

From mid-June to early September, the mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle is the only way to access the area for day use. Tickets can be purchased at the Mammoth Adventure Center using any method of payment or on the bus with cash only.

2025 Shuttle Information:

For more information on the shuttle schedule and fares, click here.

July 2 at 8pm - July 6 at 11pm: Open
July 6 - August 28: Open Thursdays 6am through Sundays at 11 pm. Please note: Thursdays will have up to a 2 hour traffic delays from 6am-8pm
August 28 - September 1: Open Thursday at 6am through Monday at 11pm.
September 2 - September 14: Open Thursdays 8pm through Sundays at 11pm
September 15 - October 5: Open Saturday at 7am through Sunday at 11pm. Please note: Last day for ESTA shuttle bus operations are October 5.
October 6 - end of year: Closed to vehicle and pedestrian traffic for construction and winter season.

By Car

When the summer shuttle service wraps up for the season, private vehicles are allowed on the road to Reds Meadow. However, road construction may impact travel - check current conditions before visiting.

Reconstruction Project

Reds Meadow Road, the summer access point that takes you to Devils Postpile National Monument, the Reds Meadow Valley, and more is undergoing reconstruction to greatly improve public access and traffic safety for all who visit the area. Additionally, the reconstruction is expected to reduce the likelihood of vehicular accidents and shorten emergency response times.

The reconstruction is a very dynamic project that will impact visitors coming in and out of the Valley. As you start to plan your visit, please check the Inyo National Forest website for the most current updates and visitor expectations.

Things to Do in Reds Meadow Valley

Hiking

Reds Meadow offers trails for all levels—from easy hikes to Rainbow Falls, Agnew Meadows, and Devils Postpile to challenging routes through the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, with alpine lakes and Pacific Crest Trail access. Pets must be leashed within the national monuments.

  • Devils Postpile National Monument: Formed 100,000 years ago by cooling lava, this 60-foot wall of hexagonal basalt columns is reached via a short, easy walk from the ranger station along the San Joaquin River. Benches offer rest and views, or you can hike up for a top-down perspective. Explore this amazing geological wonder via an easy 1.2 mile loop trail.
  • Rainbow Falls: A 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, known for the rainbow that appears in its mist around midday. It's one of the area’s most popular spots, accessible by hike or horseback. Midday offers the best chance to catch the full rainbow. Starting from the monument's ranger station, this is a moderate 5 mile hike, round-trip, via the Devils Postpile Trail.

  • The Minarets: The jagged Minarets of the Ritter Range can be seen from many lookout points, but the best views come from Minaret Lake—an alpine gem tucked beneath the peaks. This strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike is one of the top long day hikes in the area.
National Monument Devils Postile, a volcanic rock formation
Devils Postpile

Fishing

Reds Meadow boasts some of the best fishing spots in the Mammoth region, with Brown, Rainbow, Brook and the occasional Golden trout thriving in its waters.

  • Sotcher Lake: Known for its rare German browns, this glacier-carved lake features submerged logs that provide excellent fish habitat. Large trout can be hooked here, but it is recommended to catch-and-release because it is a sensitive fishery.
  • Starkweather Lake: A favorite for its easy access and regular stocking of rainbow trout, ideal for shore fishing or float tubing.
  • Middle Fork San Joaquin River: A freestone creek with diverse water types, including pocket water, pools, riffles, runs and flats, creating exceptional fly-fishing opportunities. The Troutfitter in Mammoth offers half and full-day guide trips on the area waters and is an abundant source of information on fishing conditions and hatches.
green grass and forest surrounding river
San Joaquin River

San Joaquin River

Fed by alpine springs and snowmelt, the San Joaquin River begins high in the Ansel Adams Wilderness and flows through the dramatic landscape of Reds Meadow Valley. Along its course, the river carves lush meadows, thunders over Rainbow Falls, and provides excellent trout fishing. Whether you’re hiking along its banks, enjoying a riverside picnic, or casting a line, the San Joaquin River is one of the most scenic waterways in the Sierra.

Horseback Riding

For a unique way to explore the area, Reds Meadow Pack Station offers guided horseback rides, choose from 2-hours, half-day, or full-day trips. Riders can travel to scenic spots like Rainbow Falls or deeper into the Ansel Adams Wilderness. Advanced reservations are required and can be booked online.

Trailheads in Reds Meadow by Shuttle Stop

Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to purchase a map of hiking trails in Reds Meadow.

Where to Stay

Reds Meadow Campgrounds

There are 7 campgrounds in Reds Meadow, including 2 group campgrounds. All campsites are only accessible in summer, and are available on a first come, first served basis, unless otherwise noted. The campgrounds are in active bear areas. To be prepared for a possible bear encounter, explore our guide to bear safety.

*Check out our Campground Report for the latest updates on campgrounds in Reds Meadow.

Reds Meadow Resort

Reds Meadow Resort has cabins, motel rooms, a general store and the Mule House Café. Resort services include backcountry supply package delivery, showers, summer entertainment, barbecues and wagon rides.

More Posts Like This

Related Content