Rainbow Falls
A waterfall about 31 m high on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. On sunny days, rainbows often appear in the spray, and it is the endpoint of the Devils Postpile hike.
Rainbow Falls lies in the southern part of Devils Postpile National Monument. The Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River drops about 31 m over a rhyolite cliff, and in the midday sun a rainbow often appears in the mist, which gives the falls their name. The falls can be reached by a walk of about 4 km from Devils Postpile or about 2.5 km from Red's Meadow. The route passes regrowth forest that has recovered from the 2002 wildfire, with strong sun and little shade. A viewing platform overlooks the falls, and steep steps lead down to the pool. Access requires the Devils Postpile shuttle bus.
Opening hours
Approx. mid-Jun–Oct (depending on snow)
Nearby sights
- Devils Postpile National Monument
- Mammoth Mountain Ski Area
- Minaret Vista
- Panorama Gondola & Mammoth Summit
- Horseshoe Lake
- Lake George & Crystal Lake Trail
- Lake Mamie
- Twin Lakes & Twin Falls