A day trip from Mammoth Mountain Inn: Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls
From Mammoth Mountain Inn you can make a day trip to Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls by taking the seasonal Reds Meadow/Shuttle (departing from the Main Lodge area) and then hiking the short Postpile trail and the longer route down to Rainbow Falls. The shuttle is required during busy summer months; the Postpile is a short, easy walk from its trailhead and Rainbow Falls is about 1.25–1.5 miles further downriver.
In this guide
Getting there from Mammoth Mountain Inn
Mammoth Mountain Inn sits at Main Lodge (10400 Minaret Rd), a short walk from the Reds Meadow shuttle/boarding area used to reach Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls in summer. The property’s location gives you direct access to the shuttle without driving into the Reds Meadow area.
If you plan to drive instead of using the shuttle, note that shuttle service to Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile is mandatory during peak summer days — check current regulations before driving. Parking at Reds Meadow is limited and managed seasonally.
- Shuttle departs from the Mammoth Adventure Center / Main Lodge area (seasonal service).
- Shuttle service is required to access Devils Postpile during busy summer months — the inn’s concierge can confirm current rules.
- The inn is about 3.1–3.7 miles from Devils Postpile as the crow flies; shuttle and road routes are longer.
| From | How to reach |
|---|---|
| Mammoth Mountain Inn Main Lodge | Walk to shuttle pick-up / ask concierge for shuttle schedule |
| Driving yourself | Possible outside shuttle season — confirm seasonal shuttle requirement first |
| Town center / Village | Town shuttles and regional transit links may connect to Main Lodge |
Reds Meadow shuttle and timing
The Reds Meadow shuttle runs June through September and departs from the Mammoth Adventure Center / Main Lodge area. During shuttle season a ticket or fare is required to ride the shuttle.
Schedules and frequency change by season; the Eastern Sierra Transit Authority (ESTA) operates the shuttle and posts current fares and schedules. The dossier lists an adult fare and a child fare for the Reds Meadow shuttle.
- Typical shuttle season: June–September (seasonal; confirm current dates).
- Dossier-listed fares for Reds Meadow shuttle: adult fare $15, child fare $7.
- Buy tickets and check departure times at the shuttle desk or via ESTA before you go.
| Rider type | Fare (listed in dossier) |
|---|---|
| Adult | $15 |
| Child | $7 |
Devils Postpile trail: short walk to a unique rock formation
From the Reds Meadow trailhead the Devils Postpile outcrop is about a half-mile easy walk from the trailhead. The formation consists of columnar basalt that you can view from a short loop trail and lookout.
The trail to the Postpile is generally considered short and accessible for most hikers; bring layers and comfortable shoes, and allow time for returning shuttle schedules if you’re using the bus.
- Trail length from trailhead to Postpile: about 0.5 mile one-way (short, mostly level).
- Trail surface: natural dirt and boardwalk sections near the monument viewpoint.
- Accessibility: short but may include uneven surfaces—strollers and wheelchairs may be limited near viewing points.
| Feature | What to expect |
|---|---|
| Trail length | About 0.5 mile from trailhead to Devils Postpile |
| Trail type | Short loop with viewpoints; mostly easy walking |
| Continue to | Rainbow Falls (~1.25–1.5 miles further downstream) |
Hiking to Rainbow Falls
From Devils Postpile the route to Rainbow Falls continues downstream for roughly 1.25–1.5 miles (one way). Rainbow Falls is a 101-foot waterfall on the San Joaquin River and is commonly reached on foot from the Postpile area.
Expect a longer uphill return on the way back; plan water, sun protection, and enough time for the hike plus shuttle connections or return drive. Trail conditions vary by season and snowmelt can affect water flow and trail surfaces.
- Distance from Devils Postpile to Rainbow Falls: about 1.25–1.5 miles one-way.
- Feature: Rainbow Falls is a 101-foot waterfall on the San Joaquin River.
- Plan for steep sections and changing conditions on the return trip.
| Point | Detail |
|---|---|
| Waterfall height | 101 feet (as noted in destination dossier) |
| Trail distance from Postpile | About 1.25–1.5 miles one-way |
| Typical visit plan | Postpile short walk + hike to Rainbow Falls + shuttle back |
What to bring and safety notes
Bring layers, sunscreen, sturdy shoes, plenty of water, and snacks. High-elevation weather can change quickly, so carry an extra layer even on warm days.
If you use the shuttle, keep track of posted return times and allow padding for delays. The Reds Meadow/Shuttle operates seasonally; the inn’s concierge can provide current schedules and advice.
- Essentials: water, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, map or phone with battery, layered clothing
- Footwear: hiking shoes or trail runners — some sections can be uneven
- Logistics: note shuttle departure/return times; carry cash/card for shuttle if needed and confirmations
| Item | Why |
|---|---|
| Water (1+ liters) | Trails are semi-exposed and you’ll hike several miles round-trip |
| Layers | Rapid weather changes at elevation |
| Shuttle info/ticket | Required in summer and needed for returns |
Return to Mammoth Mountain Inn: food, rest, and rooms
After your day at Devils Postpile and Rainbow Falls, Mammoth Mountain Inn offers on-site dining at Mountainside Bar & Grill and grab-and-go at the Sierra General Store. Mountainside Bar & Grill serves breakfast, lunch and dinner during posted hours.
The inn has a heated outdoor pool and four hot tubs where guests commonly relax after hiking, plus a fitness room and a kids' game room. If you need luggage or shuttle help, the inn’s concierge and front desk can assist.
- On-site dining: Mountainside Bar & Grill (breakfast, lunch, dinner) and Sierra General Store for snacks.
- Recovery: outdoor heated pool and four spa-style hot tubs available daily; fitness room off the lobby.
- Rooms: choose among Room (Deluxe King Hotel Room - Sleeps 2), Room (Hotel Room with Two Queens Sleeps 4), Standard Room, or condo options such as One Bedroom Condominium or Two Bedroom with Loft Condominium for extra space.
| On-site amenity | Notes |
|---|---|
| Mountainside Bar & Grill | Meal service during set hours; breakfast not included with room rate |
| Pool & hot tubs | Outdoor heated pool and four spa tubs; open daily |
| Rooms & condos | Various room types and condominiums available at the inn |
Quick room choices for post-hike comfort
If you want a straightforward hotel room, the Room (Deluxe King Hotel Room - Sleeps 2) or Room (Hotel Room with Two Queens Sleeps 4) are standard choices listed by the property. For more space and a kitchenette, consider condo categories such as One Bedroom Condominium or Two Bedroom with Loft Condominium.
Check check-in time (starts at 4:00 PM) and check-out time (before 11:00 AM) when planning your return day; the front desk requires a photo ID and credit card at check-in.
- Standard hotel rooms: Room (Deluxe King Hotel Room - Sleeps 2), Room (Hotel Room with Two Queens Sleeps 4), Standard Room
- Condo options with kitchenettes: Studio Condominium, One Bedroom Condominium, Two Bedroom Condominium, One Bedroom with Loft Condominium, Two Bedroom with Loft Condominium
- Check-in begins at 4:00 PM; check-out is before 11:00 AM
| Room type (examples) | Best for |
|---|---|
| Room (Deluxe King Hotel Room - Sleeps 2) | Couples or single travelers |
| Room (Hotel Room with Two Queens Sleeps 4) | Small families or groups |
| One Bedroom Condominium | Guests who want a king bed plus a Murphy bed and kitchenette |
