Hiking in Reds Meadow (Devils Postpile & Rainbow Falls)

May 21, 2024

Reds Meadow Road, the summer access point that takes you to Devils Postpile National Monument, the Reds Meadow Valley, and more, is undergoing reconstruction beginning this summer 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 summer visit, please check the Inyo National Forest's website for the most current updates and visitor expectations.

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). Once you board the Reds Meadow Shuttle from the Mammoth Adventure Center or The Village at Mammoth, you can hop on and off at any of the shuttle stops throughout your day, giving you access to multiple trailheads and miles of trails in Reds Meadow.

What To Expect On Hikes In Reds Meadow

Reds Meadow is the perfect place for a full day of exploration. A variety of trailheads lead to the region’s many iconic viewpoints and breathtaking landscapes. From easy hikes to Rainbow Falls, the wildflower-covered Agnew Meadows and Devils Postpile National Monument to more strenuous trails that wind through the John Muir Wilderness and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas past stunning alpine lakes and connect to parts of the Pacific Crest Trail, Reds Meadow offers something for hikers of all levels.

Trailheads In Reds Meadow

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

Shuttle Stop 1 – Agnew Meadow Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the Agnew Meadow – Pumice Flat Trail and Agnew Wildflower Loop trail.

Shuttle Stop 2 – Starkweather LakeTrailhead

From this trailhead, you can access Starkweather Trail.

Shuttle Stop 5 – Minaret Falls Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the Minaret Falls Trail, Minaret Lake Trail, Beck Lake Trail and Emily Lake Trail.

Shuttle Stop 6 – Devils Postpile Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the https://www.nps.gov/depo/plany....

Shuttle Stop 7 – Sotcher Lake Trailhead

From this trailhead, you can access the Sotcher Lake Feeder trail, Sotcher Lake Loop trail and Sotcher Lake – Mammoth Pass Trail.

Shuttle Stop 9 – Rainbow Falls & Mammoth Pass Trailheads

From this trailhead, you can access the Rainbow Falls Trail, Fish Creek Trail and Mammoth Pass Trail.

Getting To Reds Meadow

By Shuttle

The mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle operates from mid-June to early September. During these peak visitation months, the shuttle is the only way to access Reds Meadow for day use. Take the Reds Meadow Shuttle (tickets can be purchased at the Mammoth Adventure Center using any method of payment or on the bus with cash only) from either The Village at Mammoth on the Canyon Boulevard side or the Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge.

By Car

When the summer shuttle service wraps up for the season (around early September), private vehicles are allowed on the road to Reds Meadow. This may be impacted by the reconstruction project.

Author

Meghan Miranda

Meghan has been living and playing in Mammoth Lakes since 2016. She enjoys any outdoor activities that her dogs can tag along for. See more of Meghan's adventures on her blog Meg Moves Mountains.