🌤 Trail Weather — Plan Your Hike
Updated every 6 hrs · Trailhead coords
✅
Good Conditions — Solid Day to Hike
59°F, Clear Sky. Wind 3 mph. Standard 10 Essentials apply.
💨 Wind
3 mph SW
Gusts to 7 mph
💧 Humidity
22%
Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi
Good visibility
☁️ Cloud Cover
2%
Clear — full sun exposure
🌅 Sunrise
6:37 am
Ideal start time
🌇 Sunset
7:06 pm
Off trail by this
Today — 3-Hour Intervals
11 am
☀️
59°
Feels 55°
💨 3/7
2 pm
☀️
61°
Feels 57°
💨 8/10
5 pm
☀️
63°
Feels 60°
💨 9/7
8 pm
🌙
53°
Feels 50°
💨 1/3
11 pm
🌥️
48°
Feels 48°
💨 2/4
5-Day Forecast
💧 Humidity
22% Dry — drink before thirsty
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
2% Clear — full sun exposure
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
☁️
Tue, Sep 15
Overcast Clouds
💧 Humidity
34% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
✅
Good Conditions — Go Hike
💧 Humidity
43% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
64% Humid — heat feels stronger
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
20% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
💧 Humidity
47% Comfortable
👁 Visibility
6.2 mi — Good visibility
☁️ Clouds
0% Clear — full sun exposure
🥾
Acceptable — Check Elevation
Trailhead elevation only. Conditions change at altitude. Check weather.gov before heading out.
Sep 14, 12:55 pm
A globally renowned trek past a massive wall of symmetrical basalt columns, then down-canyon to a 101-foot waterfall that casts vivid rainbows in the afternoon mist. Wide accessible trail with minimal elevation change.
Trail Overview
This is one of the most accessible spectacular hikes in California. The basalt columns at Devils Postpile are genuinely jaw-dropping and unlike anything else in the Sierra. Rainbow Falls is outstanding. The shuttle is straightforward and the trail is flat and well-maintained. The rainbow effect at the falls is best in afternoon light.
This Hike Is For You If…
Everyone. Beginners, families, visitors with limited hiking experience. Outstanding introduction to the Mammoth area.
Skip This Hike If…
Almost nobody. This is appropriate for nearly all fitness levels.
What to Expect on Trail
Terrain: Wide flat trail with minimal technical sections. Accessible and well-maintained throughout.
Shade: Mostly Shaded
Water: Reliable Year-Round. San Joaquin River runs alongside trail.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: One of most popular trails in Mammoth area. Weekdays or early mornings to avoid peak crowds.
Dogs: Yes, dogs are welcome on this trail.
Best Arrival: Mid-morning shuttle works fine for this length. Afternoon light on the falls is exceptional.
This is a Tier 1 sourced review. Trail information is based on published sources and research. Andrew has not personally hiked this trail yet. Photos and firsthand sensory detail will be added when upgraded to Tier 2.
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4.9 miRound Trip
400 ftElev. Gain
ModerateDifficulty
2-3 hoursEst. Time
7600 ftHighest Point
Out-and-BackRoute Type
YesDogs
RequiredPermit
Trailhead & Logistics
Address: Devils Postpile National Monument, Reds Meadow Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA 93546
Parking: Mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center June through September. $10 per person.
Bathroom: Flush Toilets
Cell Service: None
Best Arrival: Mid-morning shuttle works fine for this length. Afternoon light on the falls is exceptional.
Trail Reality Check
This is one of the most accessible spectacular hikes in California. The basalt columns at Devils Postpile are genuinely jaw-dropping and unlike anything else in the Sierra. Rainbow Falls is outstanding. The shuttle is straightforward and the trail is flat and well-maintained. The rainbow effect at the falls is best in afternoon light.
Terrain: Wide flat trail with minimal technical sections. Accessible and well-maintained throughout.
Shade: Mostly Shaded
Water: Reliable Year-Round — San Joaquin River runs alongside trail.
Views: Outstanding
Crowds: Very Busy — One of most popular trails in Mammoth area. Weekdays or early mornings to avoid peak crowds.
Who should do this: Everyone. Beginners, families, visitors with limited hiking experience. Outstanding introduction to the Mammoth area.
Who should skip this: Almost nobody. This is appropriate for nearly all fitness levels.
