Overview

Home to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and endless hiking, camping, fishing, Reds Meadow has something for everyone.

Location & Information

Reds Meadow is located in California’s Inyo National Forest, approximately 10 miles from The Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, off highway 203.

Getting to Reds Meadow

Shuttle Service
Most visitors will take the mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle Bus, departing from the Mammoth Mountain Ski Area parking lot (from US 395 head west on SR 203 to Mammoth Lakes). Shuttle service begins in mid-June and continues through the end of September. Tickets cost $7.00 for adults, $4.00 for children over the age of 3, and children under the age of 3 ride free. Purchase tickets at the Mammoth Mountain Adventure Center or any other Mammoth Mountain Ticket Outlet.

Private Cars
Private cars may enter Reds Meadow ($10.00 for a one day single vehicle pass) when meeting the following criteria:

• When arriving before 7:00am or after 7:00pm
• When staying overnight at the resort or campground.
• When carrying a cartop boat or float tube
• When towing a livestock trailer
• If a handicap placard or plates are displayed

Season

The shuttle typically runs from mid-June through mid-October.

Activities

Devils Postpile National Monument
60 foot columns of basalt (volcanic rock) tower above a rocky talus slope. The monument is one of the finest examples of columnar basalt in the world.

Rainbow Falls
Less than a 2.5 mile walk from the ranger station, visitors will find stunning rainbow falls. At 101 feet tall, it ranks as the highest water fall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River. Visit early morning for the best chance at catching the rainbows that appear in the mist.

Camping
Reds Meadows maintains seven Forest Service Campgrounds including: Agnew Meadows, Agnew Meadows Group, Agnew Meadows Horse, Pumice Flat, Pumice Flat Group, Minaret Falls, Upper Soda Springs, and Reds Meadow. Sites cost $20.00 per night. All campgrounds are first-come, first-served with the exception of Pumice Group Camp and Agnew Group and Horse Camp.

Hiking
Visit beautiful Shadow Lake via the Shadow Lake Trail (3.5 miles one way, beginning off Shuttle Stop 1), or meander 1.5 miles to Minaret Falls (begin at the Devils Postpile Ranger Station and follow the postpile trail to the signed turn-off to the falls).

Fishing
Home to the San Joaquin River, a designated Wild Trot habitat, anglers will find ample fishing opportunities throughout the Meadow. The Starkweather Fishing Site is a local favorite.