Red Cones: A Volcanic Sightseeing Guide

July 15, 2026

Tucked away in the heart of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, two vivid cinder cones rise dramatically from the forest floor. The Red Cones at Mammoth Lakes offer a striking visual contrast to the surrounding granite peaks. These twin volcanic hills serve as a beautiful reminder that the seemingly tranquil alpine forests sit atop a dynamic and active volcanic field.

At a Glance

Cone height: ~300 ft each | Formed: 8,000-9,500 years ago | Access: Devils Postpile trailhead (2.5 mi) or Horseshoe Lake via McLeod Lake Trail (3.5 mi) | Season: Mid-June through early September (shuttle)

Where to See the Cones

For a memorable day of Reds Meadow sightseeing, you can view these ancient formations from several different vantage points. Visitors can admire the cones from a distance along portions of the John Muir Trail. If you want a closer look, you can follow the trail from the Devils Postpile trailhead for about 2.5 miles until you reach a signed spur.

For a completely different approach, hikers can start at Horseshoe Lake in the Mammoth Lakes Basin. From there, you can take the McLeod Lake Trail over Mammoth Pass. This route covers about 3.5 miles one way and offers a great alternative before or after the valley's shuttle season.

A Martian Landscape in the Forest

What makes the Red Cones of Reds Meadow so visually distinctive is their deep red to rust-brown coloration. This rich hue comes from the oxidation of iron in the basaltic rock as it cooled in the open air roughly 8,000 to 9,500 years ago. Each nearly symmetrical cone stands about 300 feet tall.

Walking on the loose cinder slopes creates a surreal, Martian-like landscape amid the dense Jeffrey pines. You can hike steep use paths to the top of the cones for expansive views across the San Joaquin River valley, the Minarets, and Mammoth Mountain. Because these slopes are fragile, please stay on marked trails to protect the cinder soils on these Nüümü (Paiute) lands.

Shuttle Access and Practical Info

Accessing the valley requires a bit of planning. During the summer season, typically mid-June through early September, the mandatory shuttle operates for all-day visitors. Shuttles depart regularly from the Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge, where parking is freely available. Private vehicles are restricted from entering the valley during operating hours.

There are no restrooms or trash facilities directly along the trail to the cones. You will need to bring all necessary supplies and pack out all waste, utilizing the amenities at the Devils Postpile trailhead or Reds Meadow Resort. You will need to bring all necessary supplies and pack out all waste, utilizing the amenities at the Devils Postpile trailhead or Reds Meadow Resort.

Plan Your Alpine Stay

After a full day of Mammoth Mountain sightseeing and hiking the vibrant slopes of the Ansel Adams Wilderness, you will want a comfortable place to relax. Return to town to reflect on the ancient geological forces that shaped your journey. Browse our lodging options to book the perfect Eastern Sierra cabin or resort stay.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are answers to the questions visitors most often ask about the Red Cones.

How old are the Red Cones?

The cones formed roughly 8,000 to 9,500 years ago, as oxidized iron in basaltic rock gave them their distinctive red-to-rust-brown color.

How do you get to the Red Cones?

Two main routes lead there: a 2.5-mile hike from the Devils Postpile trailhead, or a 3.5-mile route from Horseshoe Lake via the McLeod Lake Trail over Mammoth Pass.

How tall are the Red Cones?

Each of the two nearly symmetrical cones stands about 300 feet tall.

Can you hike to the top of the Red Cones?

Yes, via steep use paths, though the cinder slopes are fragile—stay on marked trails to protect the soil.

Is the Reds Meadow shuttle required to see the Red Cones?

Yes, during the summer season (typically mid-June through early September), private vehicles are restricted, and the mandatory shuttle is the only way into the valley.

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