Devils Postpile – Rainbow Falls loop from Devils Postpile National Monument

Hiking trails & Routes

United States

California

Madera County

Devils Postpile – Rainbow Falls loop from Devils Postpile National Monument

Moderate

4.8

(5922)

9,486

hikers

Devils Postpile – Rainbow Falls loop from Devils Postpile National Monument

03:07

11.0km

250m

Hiking

Moderate hike. Good fitness required. Easily-accessible paths. Suitable for all skill levels. The starting point of the route is accessible with public transport.

Last updated: August 2, 2026

Tips

Your route passes through protected areas

Please check local regulations for:

Ansel Adams Wilderness

Inyo National Forest

Waypoints

Start point

Bus stop

Get Directions

1.16 km

Devils Postpile

Highlight • Natural Monument

The Devils Postpile National Monument, which is only open from mid-June to mid-October, was once part of the Yosemite National Park and was only placed under protection as an independent …

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1.42 km

The short connector trail to get from the actual location of the Devil's Postpile basalt columns back on the PCT/JMT crosses the river at a perfect fishing spot with an awesome view across the lush valley and the peaks beyond.

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2.81 km

Devil's Postpile National Monument Ranger Station — PCT/JMT

Highlight • Rest Area

Visitor center, parking, cafe, and trailheads to Devil's Postpile, John Muir Trail, and PCT.

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5.04 km

Reds Meadow Campground

Highlight • Rest Area

Reds Meadow Campground is just a short hike from the Pacific Crest Trail. Sites cost $23 per night. For PCT hikers there is an extra site (#38 A, B and …

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5.70 km

Reds Meadow Resort & Shop

Highlight • Mountain Hut

The resort offers some cabins and has a small shop. A resupply is basically possible here, but the products are very expensive (Mountain House Spaghetti for 15 Dollars). Either send …

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6.06 km

Rainbow Falls Trailhead 🏞️

Highlight • Trail

Most hikers begin just the short hike to the spectacular Rainbow Falls from here. But past that turnoff the trail continues along Fish and Crater Creeks to the idyllic remote …

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7.13 km

Forest recovery from 1992 Rainbow Fire

Highlight • Forest

Rainbow and Fish Creek Trails lead through open burn areas, with young growth showcasing forest recovery from the 1992 Rainbow Fire that devastated the area.

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7.93 km

Rainbow Falls

Highlight • Waterfall

Rainbow Falls is the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Plunging 101-feet down to the turbulent water below, the falls are named for the rainbows …

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11.0 km

End point

Bus stop

Way Types & Surfaces

Way Types

9.45 km

892 m

377 m

257 m

Surfaces

9.83 km