Is swimming allowed at Minaret Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Minaret Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · About average

Minaret Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Minaret Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Minaret Falls.

California

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Inyo National Forest NF · US Forest Service

Photo Credits (5)

sandy.redding CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

George Lamson CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

davidseibold CC BY-NC 2.0 · Flickr

Ryan Grimm CC BY-ND 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Easy

Trail Length

1.5 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

200 ft

About Minaret Falls

Minaret Falls tumbles through alpine forest near Devils Postpile National Monument, offering a classic Sierra cascade set against rocky ledges and conifered slopes. The falls sit on Inyo National Forest land managed by the U.S. Forest Service and are often visited in conjunction with the striking columnar basalt of Devils Postpile — the nearby national monument (near Mammoth Mountain) that protects the mosaic-like basalt formation and, within its roughly 798 acres, attractions such as Rainbow Falls. Access to the Minaret Falls area is commonly made via the USFS MINARET CREEK (Trail #2621). The setting feels remote but approachable, with forests, mountain views, and nearby backcountry camping; Pumice Flat Group Camp lies about 1.91 km from the trailhead for those planning an overnight stay.

The Setting

Minaret Falls sits at 8,104 feet within Inyo National Forest, in the high alpine of California.

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Rainbow Falls (101 ft) lies 2.8 miles to the south. Also nearby: Lower Rainbow Falls (101 ft, 3.2 mi).

Rainbow Falls Lower Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

1.5 mi distance 200 ft climbed

The Approach

The easy hike follows Minaret Creek (#2621), a 1.5-mile out-and-back trail over natural surface. Expect 200 feet of elevation gain with grades of 5-8%. The trail is developed (Class 3).

USFS Trail

MINARET CREEK #2621

Trail Class

Developed

Surface

Native Material

Avg Grade

5-8%

USFS Segment

2.04 mi

Trail Description

The official route to Minaret Falls follows the MINARET CREEK, Trail #2621 (USFS). According to USFS data the trail is Class 3 with a native-material surface and a typical grade of 5–8%. GIS data lists the trail at 2.04 miles; it is commonly hiked as an out-and-back of about 1.5 miles with roughly 200 feet of elevation gain and an overall easy difficulty. Expect natural tread (dirt/roots/rock), occasional steeper short pitches consistent with a Class 3 rating, and clear alpine-forest scenery en route to the base of the falls.

What to Expect

Dogs are welcome.

Accessibility

The trail is not wheelchair accessible. Uneven terrain and elevation changes require steady footing.

Frequently Asked Questions

🐶 Are Dogs Allowed at Minaret Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $15.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Minaret Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit Minaret Falls is late spring through early summer when the water flow is strongest due to snowmelt.

Seasonal Access

The best time to visit is Spring, Summer, and Fall. Access roads and trails may close during winter due to snow. Check with Inyo National Forest for seasonal road closures.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Carry bear spray and store food properly to avoid attracting wildlife. Check weather conditions before visiting, as storms can occur unexpectedly.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 2 hours ago Barely Flowing

6 ft³/s

Current discharge — how much water is flowing

About average for this time of year

Very Low Low Normal High Very High

5 6 32 38

Based on 15 years of record

2.48 ft

Water depth at gauge

54°F

Cold

Bracing — limit time in water

7-Day Discharge Trend

What does this mean for your visit?

Flow is about average for this time of year. Water temperature is a bracing 54 degrees F, limit your time in the water.

About This Gauge

MF SAN JOAQUIN R NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA

USGS 11224000

0.8 miles from waterfall

Drainage: 44 sq mi

Altitude: 7,570 ft

7-Day Flow Outlook

Based on the USGS gauge MF SAN JOAQUIN R NR MAMMOTH LAKES CA (1 km away).

High confidence

Barely Flowing right now

6 cfs

→ Holding steady

Today

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Tomorrow

Low

7 cfs

3/10

Tue

Barely Flowing

7 cfs

5/10

Wed

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Thu

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Fri

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Sat

Barely Flowing

6 cfs

5/10

Best window: Today — barely flowing flow, sunny (trip score 5/10).

Best time of year: this gauge typically runs highest from early April to early July, peaking in May.

How we calculate this

This is a transparent outlook, not a precise forecast. We take the waterfall's current flow strength (how it ranks against its historical normal for today, from the nearest USGS stream gauge), carry that ranking forward along the gauge's seasonal curve, and nudge it for forecast rain. Confidence is highest for the next day or two and falls further out. Always check official conditions and your own judgment before visiting — high flows can be dangerous.

Know when to go.

Get a free email alert when waterfalls near Mammoth Lakes hit peak flow. We only send when conditions are worth the trip — no weekly newsletters, no spam.

Weather Forecast

The Terrain, Seen by LiDAR

Aircraft-mounted lasers measured this ground to within inches. Trees and buildings are digitally stripped away, leaving the bare shape of the land the water has carved.

1-meter lidar shows the creek losing roughly 50 feet through Minaret Falls over a long run of ledges. Elevation at the pin is about 8,101 feet.

The whole reach is steep: about 117 feet of descent in the 500 feet above the falls and another 60 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face north and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

Aerial photo of the same ground around Minaret Falls near Mammoth Lakes, California, for comparison with the lidar view

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Minaret Falls near Mammoth Lakes, California, showing about 50 feet of drop, a long cascade, facing north

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

Drag to compare. The dot marks the waterfall. The frame is about a mile across.

Ground elevation: 8,101 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 50 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: North; Mostly shaded, so the light stays soft and even all day.

Ground profile through the falls

A slice through the lidar ground surface, from above the falls to downstream (heading north).

Elevation data: USGS 3D Elevation Program. Aerial imagery: USGS The National Map. Public domain.

Location & Access

Getting There

Minaret Falls is accessible via the Minaret Falls Trail, which starts near the Devils Postpile National Monument. Visitors typically park at the Reds Meadow area and hike to the falls.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Reds Meadow area, but during peak summer months, access may require taking a mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain due to limited parking and environmental regulations.

Elevation

8,104 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.640769° N, -119.094858° W

Land Management

Inyo National Forest NF

Managed by USFS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Wear sturdy shoes as the trail may have uneven sections. Bring insect repellent during summer months, as mosquitoes can be present. Check shuttle schedules if visiting during peak season.

This trail sits at 8,104 ft — the air is noticeably thinner

High Altitude

Some visitors experience headaches, fatigue, or shortness of breath at this elevation. Take it slow, stay hydrated, and consider supplemental oxygen if you're coming from a lower altitude.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

Coppertone Sport SPF 50 Sunscreen

UV intensity jumps ~4% per 1,000 ft — at this elevation you can burn in half the time.

Sun Bum SPF 30 Lip Balm (3-Pack)

Lips have almost no natural UV protection and burn fast in thin, dry mountain air.

Liquid I.V. Electrolyte Packets

You lose moisture ~2x faster at elevation — electrolytes help you absorb water efficiently.

ROCKNIGHT Polarized UV400 Sunglasses

High-altitude glare off rock and water is intense — UV400 lenses block 99%+ of UVA/UVB.

Boost Oxygen 10L Canister (2-Pack)

Portable supplemental oxygen for quick relief from headaches and shortness of breath.

Altitude Rx OxyBoost Complex

Antioxidant formula designed to support your body's natural altitude acclimation.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

This easy 1.5 miles hike is straightforward — comfortable trail shoes and plenty of water should do. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

Polarized Sunglasses (Knockaround)

Cuts glare off the water so you actually see the falls — and your photos turn out better too.

Columbia Watertight II Rain Jacket

Packs into its own pocket, seam-sealed, and keeps you dry from spray and surprise rain.

Earth Pak Waterproof Dry Bag

Keeps your phone and gear dry when waterfall mist soaks everything else.

Waterproof Phone Pouch (AiRunTech)

Cheap insurance — take photos right next to the falls without killing your phone.

JOBY GorillaPod Starter Kit

Wraps around railings and rocks for long-exposure waterfall shots — no flat surface needed.

Osprey Daylite Daypack

Light, organized, and just the right size for a day hike — fits water, snacks, and layers.

Where to Stay

Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby

Glamping Hipcamp

Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses

RV Rentals Outdoorsy

Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip

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Nearby Campground

PUMICE FLAT GROUP CAMP

1.2 miles away · 4 sites

Walking distance Reservable

Overview Pumice Flat Group Camp is located in the Red's Meadows and Devils Postpile section of the eastern Sierra Nevada Mountains, just west of the full-service community of Mammoth Lakes, California. This group camping facility provides access to some of the most spectacular wilderness in the Sierras and many outdoor activities such as horseback riding, fishing, hiking, photography and geologic study of the dramatic landscape. Devils Postpile National Monument and the famous Ansel Adams Wildern

Book on Recreation.gov