Is swimming allowed at Rainbow Falls?

No, swimming is not allowed at Rainbow Falls.

Live Conditions · 6 ft³/s · About average

Rainbow Falls

Q: Are dogs allowed at Rainbow Falls?

Yes, dogs are allowed at Rainbow Falls.

California • 101 ft

By Armen Suny · Last verified Sep 2026

LiDAR & 3D terrain

Also For 31 other waterfalls also named Rainbow Falls, see below

Devils Postpile National Monument NM · National Park Service

Photo Credits (5)

Cowgirl Jules CC BY-NC-SA 2.0 · Flickr

Difficulty

Moderate

Trail Length

5.0 miles

Trail Type

Out And Back

Elevation Gain

300 ft

About Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls is a stunning 101-foot waterfall located in the Devils Postpile National Monument near Mammoth Lakes, California. It is known for the vibrant rainbows that appear in the mist on sunny days.

The Setting

Rainbow Falls sits at 7,415 feet within Devils Postpile National Monument, in the high mountains of California. At 101 feet, it is among the taller waterfalls in California.

Height: 101 feet

Nearby Falls Worth Visiting

Lower Rainbow Falls (101 ft) lies 0.6 miles to the southwest.

Lower Rainbow Falls

Trail & Hike Details

5.0 mi distance 300 ft climbed

The Approach

The moderate 5.0-mile out-and-back trail gains 300 feet of elevation on the way to the falls.

Trail Description

The trail to Rainbow Falls is well-maintained and offers scenic views of the surrounding forest and volcanic landscape. The hike is relatively easy but includes some elevation gain. The trail is exposed in some areas, so sun protection is recommended.

What to Expect

The falls cascade 101 feet. 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 Rainbow Falls?

✅ Dogs are allowed

Are There Any Fees or Permits Required?

🤑 Fee: $15.00

🏊 Is There Swimming at Rainbow Falls?

❌ Swimming is not allowed

When to Visit

spring summer fall

The best time to visit is late spring through early summer when water flow is at its peak 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 the National Park Service website for current conditions.

Safety Information

Be cautious of slippery rocks near the falls. Stay on designated trails to avoid injury. Carry bear spray and follow bear safety guidelines.

Current Water Conditions

Updated about 1 hour 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

2.1 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 (3 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.

The ground through the falls loses about 172 feet in steep steps rather than one leap. The falls are listed at 101 feet; the extra comes from the ravine that continues below the base. The ground at the falls is roughly 7,401 feet above sea level.

The ground changes about 31 feet in the 500 feet above the falls and 40 feet in the 500 feet below. The falls face northwest and stay mostly shaded, with soft, even light all day.

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

LiDAR bare-earth terrain around Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes, California, showing about 172 feet of drop, a steep tiered drop, facing northwest

Aerial LiDAR bare earth

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

Ground elevation: 7,401 feet; Measured by 1-meter lidar
Drop at the falls: About 172 feet; Change in ground height within ~250 feet of the falls
Faces: Northwest; 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 northwest).

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

Location & Access

Getting There

Rainbow Falls is accessible via the Reds Meadow Valley area, which is typically open from late spring to early fall. Visitors can take the mandatory shuttle from Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge during peak season or drive directly when the shuttle is not in operation.

Get Directions on Google Maps

Parking

Parking is available at the Reds Meadow area, but it may require a shuttle ride to the trailhead during peak season. Limited parking is available outside of shuttle operation times.

Elevation

7,415 feet above sea level

Coordinates

37.601604° N, -119.083466° W

Land Management

Devils Postpile National Monument NM

Managed by NPS

Visitor Tips & Gear

Arrive early to avoid crowds, especially during summer weekends. Bring plenty of water and wear sturdy shoes. Be prepared for sun exposure on the trail.

This trail sits at 7,415 ft above sea level

Elevated Trail

UV radiation is roughly 30% stronger at this elevation than at sea level, and the dry air accelerates dehydration. Extra sun protection and fluids go a long way.

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.

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases.

With 5.0 miles and 300 ft of elevation gain, sturdy boots and trekking poles will help on this moderate trail. Sun exposure on the trail makes good sun protection a must in summer.

America the Beautiful Annual Pass

Covers entrance fees at 2,000+ federal recreation sites — required at most National Parks.

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.

Timberland Euro Sprint Mid Waterproof

Trusted waterproof boot with premium leather and grippy rubber sole — reliable on rocky, wet trails.

TrailBuddy Trekking Poles

Lightweight aluminum, cork grips, and flip-locks that actually hold — a best-seller for good reason.

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

Some links are affiliate links. We may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Nearby Campground

PUMICE FLAT GROUP CAMP

3.1 miles away · 4 sites

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