rainbow falls

yeguerrero

I have been to Rainbow Falls many time in the last 20 yrs. You can drive to the falls or hike from Devils Post Pile. This area which includes Red Meadow and Devils Postpile is only accessible once the snow melts, usually middle of June until Sept. Or the first snow fall.To prevent a lot of traffic you must take a bus unless you go before 7 or have a handicap placard. I've always driven and it's so much better.From the parking lot at Rainbow Falls it's about a 15-30 min hike depending on your speed. Once you get there climb down to see them from the base. You will see the 150ft drop and a rainbow that is formed by the light. Be careful the wet rock can be slippery.

urban_girlie

We did a combo Rainbow Falls/ Devils Postpile hike. It was a trek, perhaps 5+ miles from the general store and back. I expected a cool waterfall but we got so much more! It was a most picturesque spot and we had it all to ourselves for over 1/2 hour (we traveled the last week in August.) It must be noted that to make this trek one needs adequate clothes, shoes, water & sunscreen if making the hike in the noon-3 time frame. The falls are quite mesmerizing! It still amazes me that natural sites such as Rainbow Falls hold so much more allure than anything man-made at least in my opinion.

507DavidN507

It's a bit of a hike to get to rainbow falls but it's worth it! We were there in September when there wasn't much water about but it still impressed us! It's amazing how the falls have eroded the rock over 100s of years!

HBmike001

Okay first bring water ten essentials and such. Sunglasses and a hat the sun is merciless at imes. The hke is a reverse hike down then up n the way back. The hike to the falls bottom is worth it but 160 feet straight down then the bad part ..up.The devils postpile is on the way.Bring extra botyles of water to give to the fools who forget. Go early the lot fills fast

Travelcrazyperson_12

A little hike but worth the visit. The falls are huge and has a great view from top as well as from front of the falls after getting down the stairs in front of the falls.

ycnans coat

A cool and exciting 6 mile round trip walk through Devils Postpile National Monument and Ansel Adams Wilderness. The Fall colors with the fire devastation of fallen trees was such a contrast between beauty and death. Bring water, suntan lotion, and a healthy appetite of oneness with nature and you will not be disappointed.The Falls itself is so wonderful with gushing waters and a background of beautiful colors!Continue your walk down the make believe stairs and become one with the Falls.btw, walking on this journey you will imagine Alice chasing the White Rabbit down the hole... One pill makes you larger and one pill makes you small... Pass me another red vine please, yummy!

hotzim

Do this early in the day before the sun is too high because the sun will fry you. 300' elevation gain on the return

Bella4tunata

Rainbow falls is about 6 mile round trip from the car park. Just follow the path past Devil's Postpile.In the heat, remember to take plenty of water as the path is dusty, uneven and has a number of steep ups. But it's absolutely worth it. Take in the scenery along the route and keep an eye out for your chickaroo companions along the route.

sharonsG4069RV

Beautiful walk/hike thru the Ansel Adams Wilderness. If you bring a dog, there is a spot where you can duck off to the right into the stream/river. Beautiful nature all around. The hike down to the waterfall is a lot of steps. Looks like it will be daunting on the way back up - it is, but not really. The falls are gorgeous even during this awful drought, you could still see the rainbow and sitting on the rocks taking in the sights and sounds is quite meditative and peaceful.

Y4553ITcindys

A very nice walk through different environments, fall colors were nice, path well marked, falls were wonderful even though I went late in the day.

959phillips

We visited after Labor Day, which is off season and you can drive your own vehicle all the way down to the Devil's Postpile parking area. Was a great hike, especially given cool temperatures (35dF).

BRIANH649

Although not the best time (low water levels) it was still great cascade in a wonderful sylvan setting. Worth the hike.

Drybourne

What a wonderful trail, saw chipmunks and squirrels along the way, paths well signposted and bear boxes available for food storage in the car park.

StephanieG242

Great trail we walked from the devil's postpile but you can access the trail further down the postpile road. Falls great and the dog loved the river. Nice hike for all.

Dazcat22

Great hike back to see the falls. Some people swam at the base but was way too cold for me ! The Devil's Pit Pile is along the hike back. We did the trail on the lower track coming in and then went up the higher track on the way back to see the formations. It's worthwile to see them from above.