California’s Great Beyond

Devils Postpile

Hiking The Reds Meadow Area

Devils Postpile National Monument is a must-see wonder when visiting Mammoth Lakes in Summer. Once you have visited this amazing columnar basalt formation, hike to Rainbow Falls…or Shadow Lake from Agnew Meadows...or any number of wonderful trails in the area! 

Devils Postpile

Getting To Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile

Bus is the only way (and it's fun!)*

Mammoth Mountain’s Adventure Center is the departure point for this popular daytrip. It starts with a 10-minute scenic bus ride into the diverse river valley. Stops along the route include meadows, lakes, streams, and waterfalls. The bus operates approximately June through September. For information, please call or e-mail the National Park Service at 760-934-2345 or info@redsmeadow.com

An inter-valley shuttle bus goes from Reds Meadow Parking Lot to Devils Postpile. It's free to ride, allowing visitors to complete the "loop" hike from Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls and take the shuttle bus back to their vehicles.

Devils Postpile
Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls

Part of the National Monument, Rainbow Falls is a two-mile trek downstream from Devils Postpile. A relatively flat hike - except for the steps down to the base of the falls - most visitors find the reward well worth the effort. Rainbow Falls is an impressive 101-foot drop and is usually graced with a rainbow, especially about mid-day.

Devils Postpile National Monument is open from approximately mid-June through mid-October - the road is closed in winter months due to snow. A mandatory shuttle bus brings visitors from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge (which has ample parking) to the Postpile, the Rainbow Falls trailhead, and other stops in the Reds Meadow area. for more information, call 7760-934-2289 or visit www.NPS.gov/depo 

Rainbow Falls
Defualt Camping Image

Can I camp and stay in the valley?

Yes. Services include campsites, a pack station and a general store. Campgrounds include Agnew Meadows Campground, Minaret Falls Campground, Pumice Flat Campground, and Upper Soda Springs Campground.

Defualt Camping Image

Essential Mono County