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+ 36

Devils Postpile to Upper and Lower Rainbow Falls

Trail Running Route

Easy
3.69 mi
614 ft
Visit both the upper and lower falls on this run.

The route to Rainbow Falls follows a wide, extremely popular sandy trail. Despite being located in the John Muir Wilderness Area, this short trail 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. This section is guaranteed to be a bit more runnable thanks to the lower traffic!

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Written by Greg Heil
Created By
Strava Routes

Route and Elevation

Segments

NameDistanceElev. Diff.Avg. Grade
Rainbow Falls to Lower Falls0.57 mi-141 ft-4.7%
Lower Falls to Rainbow Falls0.57 mi135 ft4.4%
Rainbow -> Parking Lot1.02 mi246 ft4.3%