+ 35
Devils Postpile to Upper and Lower Rainbow Falls
Hiking Trail
Easy
3.69 mi
614 ft
Visit both the upper and lower falls on this hike.
The hike to Rainbow Falls follows a wide, extremely popular sandy trail. Despite being located in the John Muir Wilderness Area, this short hike is an ultra-popular tourist jaunt. When you reach the overlook for Upper Rainbow Falls, you’ll see why: Rainbow Falls is a stunning 101-foot-tall cascade in a rugged rock canyon.
Bring your cameras: this waterfall is extremely photogenic! To best capture the colorful rainbow mist, try to reach the falls at midday when the sun is highest in the sky ([Source](
During peak tourist season, you’ll have to board a mandatory shuttle at the Mammoth Adventure Center in order to reach the trailhead. Personal vehicles are allowed up the road to the trailhead outside of the shuttle season.
While most people stop at the upper falls, a less-used trail continues further down the river to the lower falls. If you haven’t had enough on the short hike to the upper falls, be sure to venture further down river!
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
The hike to Rainbow Falls follows a wide, extremely popular sandy trail. Despite being located in the John Muir Wilderness Area, this short hike is an ultra-popular tourist jaunt. When you reach the overlook for Upper Rainbow Falls, you’ll see why: Rainbow Falls is a stunning 101-foot-tall cascade in a rugged rock canyon.
Bring your cameras: this waterfall is extremely photogenic! To best capture the colorful rainbow mist, try to reach the falls at midday when the sun is highest in the sky ([Source](
During peak tourist season, you’ll have to board a mandatory shuttle at the Mammoth Adventure Center in order to reach the trailhead. Personal vehicles are allowed up the road to the trailhead outside of the shuttle season.
While most people stop at the upper falls, a less-used trail continues further down the river to the lower falls. If you haven’t had enough on the short hike to the upper falls, be sure to venture further down river!
Sources:
Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes
Route and Elevation
Segments
| Name | Distance | Elev. Diff. | Avg. Grade |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pacific Crest Trail Climb | 0.64 mi | 210 ft | 6.2% |