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DEVILS POSTPILE |
DISTANCE: 5.0 miles round-trip
HIKING TIME: 2.5 hours
SEASON: June–October
DIFFICULTY: moderate
Devils Postpile National Monument features two geologic marvels: the Devils Postpile itself—an amazing collection of columnar basalt “posts” remaining from an ancient lava flow—and 101-foot Rainbow Falls, one of the Sierra’s most beautiful waterfalls. See them both on this one trail, which starts by the ranger station at Devils Postpile.
From the trailhead, the Postpile is a mere 0.3 mile away. After marveling at these strange rocks, continue onward to Rainbow Falls. You’ll travel through a forest of lodgepole pines and pass a trail to Reds Meadow. Continue past this side trail, and descend more steeply until meeting a channel in the deep river gorge. You’ll hear Rainbow Falls before you see it. Its thundering drop plunges 101 feet over hard rock. Around midday, you’ll see Rainbow Falls’ namesakes—two rainbows arcing over the falls’ mist.
Walk past the lip of the falls. The trail has two viewing areas. A path from the second viewpoint descends on steps to the base. Retrace your steps back to the ranger station.
From Mammoth Lakes near U.S. 395, take Hwy. 203 west for 4.0 miles. Turn right onto Minaret Rd. (still Hwy. 203) and drive 4.5 miles to the Devils Postpile shuttle terminal, adjacent to Mammoth Mountain Ski Area. Purchase a shuttle pass and ride the bus into the monument; disembark at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station. The trail begins left (south) of the parking area beyond the ranger station.
