Rainbow Falls Trailhead
Limited access due to construction. See the Reds Meadow Road Reconstruction Project page.
This sunny and open, moderate hike leads to spectacular views of Rainbow Falls, within Devils Postpile National Monument. The waterfall often has a rainbow in the mist from the falls and is a popular day hike or destination for horseback rides.
Backpackers with permits for Fish Creek trail may choose to start their trip from Rainbow Falls Trailhead.
Why do you see so many uprooted trees in Reds Meadow? A powerful wind event on Nov. 30, 2011 toppled thousands of trees in the Reds Meadow Valley.
Active Alerts
General Information
Open 24 hours/day
Overnight trips beyond Rainbow Falls require a wilderness permit. Day use does not require a permit. Download area map for trail names
- No campfires above 10,000 ft and additional specific locations, see Maps of Campfire Restrictions.
- Camping is not allowed at Rainbow Falls.
- Camping within the boundaries of Devils Postpile National Monument is limited to designated campground sites.
- Bear containers are required for storage of food and trash (overnight trips).
- Overnight wilderness trips require a wilderness permit. Look at the area map to determine trail names. Quota is in effect from May 1 to November 1.
- Ansel Adams Wilderness regulations apply.
Reds Meadow Shuttle
https://www.estransit.com/routes-schedule/seasonal/reds-meadow-shuttle/
Contact Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more shuttle information. (760) 924-5500.
https://www.fs.usda.gov/recarea/inyo/recarea/?recid=20444
Visitors to the Reds Meadow Valley pay a per-person transportation fee which allows use of the mandatory shuttle bus. Call Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center for more information (760) 924-5500
Dogs must be leashed in all developed recreation sites.
Reds Meadow Pack Train is located near Reds Meadow Resort. 1(800) 292-7758
Address: 2510 Hwy 203 Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Phone: (760) 924-5500
Hours: Daily, 8:00am- 5:00pm
Getting There
Latitude / Longitude
Latitude: 37.6139
Longitude: -119.0766
Elevation
7,377 at Rainbow Falls
Directions
Leave Hwy 395 at Hwy 203 to the town of Mammoth Lakes. Turn right on Minaret Road and go to Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center (Main Lodge) for long term parking and to board the mandatory shuttle to the trailhead. Shuttle stop #8 is the Rainbow Falls trailhead or use shuttle stop #10 at Reds Meadow Resort if you want to visit the market or other resort services.
Facility and Amenity Information
Restrooms
Restrooms are available at this site.
Water
Potable water is not available at this site.
