Minaret Falls
By Armen Suny · Last verified Mar 2026
Photo Credits (5)
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).
Trail & Hike Details
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
Avg Grade
USFS Segment
2.04 miTrail 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
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
Water temperature is currently 40°F — cold enough to cause numbness quickly. Avoid prolonged water contact and use caution near the falls.
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
568 ft³/s
Current discharge — how much water is flowing
Higher than usual for this time of year
Based on 15 years of record
5.42 ft
Water depth at gauge
40°F
WarmVery comfortable
7-Day Discharge Trend
What does this mean for your visit?
The water is flowing higher than usual for this time of year. Water temperature is dangerously cold at 40 degrees F, avoid prolonged contact.
About This Gauge
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
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 MapsParking
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
8104 feet above sea level
Coordinates
37.640769° N, -119.094858° W
Land Management
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 AltitudeSome 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.
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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
Austria Hof Lodge
Edelweiss Lodge
Holiday Haus
Cinnamon Bear Inn
Browse vacation cabins and private rentals nearby
Unique outdoor stays — tents, yurts, and treehouses
Rent a campervan or RV for your waterfall road trip
Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Nearby Campground
PUMICE FLAT GROUP CAMP
1.2 miles away · 4 sites
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
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Nearby Attractions
Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, Reds Meadow, Mammoth Lakes.
Wildlife
The area is home to wildlife such as deer, marmots, and various bird species. Bears are also present, so proper food storage is essential.
Cities near Minaret Falls
Nearby Waterfalls
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