Rainbow Falls Hike
Waterfall · about 101 ft high | California
5.1 mi round trip
Route line not shown. The 5.1 mi distance for this hike is verified (hikespeak.com), but we don't yet have a trail track we trust, so the map shows only the destination. Carry an official map.
About Rainbow Falls
Rainbow Falls is a waterfall in California, about 101 feet high, on land managed by Devils Postpile National Monument. Its height is from nps.gov.
The Hike
The hike to the falls follows the Rainbow Falls Trail: 5.1 miles round trip, from Devils Postpile Ranger Station. Distance from hikespeak.com.
Before You Go
- Pets must be on a leash at all times within the monument. (nps.gov)
- Reds Meadow Road is typically closed from sometime in October to sometime in June. (nps.gov)
- The walk to Rainbow Falls is very hot, dry, and has little shade. (nps.gov)
- Rock around waterfalls is slick when wet; stay on the trail and back from the edge.
- Check Devils Postpile National Monument for current conditions, closures and parking before you go.
Sources
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is the hike to Rainbow Falls?
The Rainbow Falls Trail to Rainbow Falls is 5.1 miles round trip.
Where does the Rainbow Falls hike start?
It starts from Devils Postpile Ranger Station.
How tall is Rainbow Falls?
Rainbow Falls is about 101 feet high.
Are dogs allowed on the Rainbow Falls trail?
Pets must be on a leash at all times within the monument.
Safety Information
Current Hazards
- Slippery wet rock near the falls
- Fast, high water after rain or snowmelt
- Check weather before departure
Turn-Around Time
1:00 PM (2:00 PM summer)
Plan to reach the falls by this time so you are back before dark.
Essential Gear Checklist
* Critical items - do not hike without these
Emergency Contacts
Emergency / Search & Rescue
911Point Forecast
NWS Point Forecast →In most of the US, backcountry search and rescue is dispatched through 911 — tell the operator you have a hiker emergency and your GPS coordinates.
Downloads
Sources for The Rainbow Falls Guide
Where the trail data, elevation and route line on this page come from.
- Verified against
- hikespeak.com
- Distance
- hikespeak.com
- Falls height
- nps.gov
- Falls location
- en.wikipedia.org
Conditions change. Check the land manager for closures, fees and weather before you go.
Nearby Hikes
Other hikes within 30 miles of Rainbow Falls.