Guide to Reds Meadow

April 17, 2025

Located just 30 minutes from Mammoth Lakes, the Reds Meadow is known for its Devils Postpile National Monument, 101-foot Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. The valley is lined with granite boulders, Jeffery pines, and wildflowers.

History
Getting There
Things to do
Trailheads
Where to Stay

History of the Area

In the 1800s, prospectors traveled to the Eastern Sierra along the French Trail, a route from Fresno to the Mammoth Lakes area. Red Sotcher settled in the valley on the western slope of Mammoth Mountain and farmed vegetables and sold them to the miners. While people came from far and away to mine for gold and silver, it was Sotcher who prospered. Reds Meadow and Sotcher Lake were eventually named in his honor. Today, the region is a destination for outdoor recreation.

Getting There

By Reds Meadow Shuttle

From mid-June to early September, the mandatory Reds Meadow Shuttle is the only way to access the area for day use. Take the Reds Meadow Shuttle (tickets can be purchased at the Mammoth Adventure Center using any method of payment or on the bus with cash only) from either The Village at Mammoth on the Canyon Boulevard side or the Mammoth Adventure Center at Mammoth Mountain Main Lodge. Shuttles depart:

  • 7:15 – 9:00 a.m. – Once per hour
  • 9:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m. – Every 20 minutes
  • 5:00 – 7:00 p.m. – Every 30 minutes

For more information on the shuttle schedule and fares, click here.

By Car

When the summer shuttle service wraps up for the season (around early September), private vehicles are allowed on the road to Reds Meadow. However, road construction may impact travel—check current conditions before visiting.

Reconstruction Project

Reds Meadow Road, the summer access point that takes you to Devils Postpile National Monument, the Reds Meadow Valley, and more is undergoing reconstruction to greatly improve public access and traffic safety for all who visit the area. Additionally, the reconstruction is expected to reduce the likelihood of vehicular accidents and shorten emergency response times.

The reconstruction is a very dynamic project that will impact visitors coming in and out of the Valley. As you start to plan your visit, please check the Inyo National Forest website for the most current updates and visitor expectations.

Things to Do in Reds Meadow Valley

Hiking

Reds Meadow offers trails for all levels—from easy hikes to Rainbow Falls, Agnew Meadows, and Devils Postpile to challenging routes through the John Muir and Ansel Adams Wilderness areas, with alpine lakes and Pacific Crest Trail access. Pets must be leashed within the national monuments.

  • Devils Postpile National Monument: Formed 100,000 years ago by cooling lava, this 60-foot wall of hexagonal basalt columns is reached via a short, easy walk from the ranger station along the San Joaquin River. Benches offer rest and views, or you can hike up for a top-down perspective. Explore this amazing geological wonder via an easy 1.2 mile loop trail.
  • Rainbow Falls: A 101-foot waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, known for the rainbow that appears in its mist around midday. It's one of the area’s most popular spots, accessible by hike or horseback. Midday offers the best chance to catch the full rainbow. Starting from the monument's ranger station, this is a moderate 5 mile hike, round-trip, via the Devils Postpile Trail.

  • The Minarets: The jagged Minarets of the Ritter Range can be seen from many lookout points, but the best views come from Minaret Lake—an alpine gem tucked beneath the peaks. This strenuous 14-mile round-trip hike is one of the top long day hikes in the area.
Devils Postpile

Fishing

Reds Meadow boasts some of the best fishing spots in the Mammoth region, with Brown, Rainbow, Brook and the occasional Golden trout thriving in its waters.

  • Sotcher Lake: Known for its rare German browns, this glacier-carved lake features submerged logs that provide excellent fish habitat. Large trout can be hooked here, but it is recommended to catch-and-release because it is a sensitive fishery.
  • Starkweather Lake: A favorite for its easy access and regular stocking of rainbow trout, ideal for shore fishing or float tubing.
  • Middle Fork San Joaquin River: A freestone creek with diverse water types, including pocket water, pools, riffles, runs and flats, creating exceptional fly-fishing opportunities. The Troutfitter in Mammoth offers half and full-day guide trips on the area waters and is an abundant source of information on fishing conditions and hatches.
San Joaquin River

Trailheads in Reds Meadow by Shuttle Stop

Stop by the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center to purchase a map of hiking trails in Reds Meadow.

Where to Stay

Reds Meadow Campgrounds

There are 7 campgrounds in Reds Meadow, including 2 group campgrounds. All campsites are only accessible in summer, and are available on a first come, first served basis, unless otherwise noted. The campgrounds are in active bear areas. To be prepared for a possible bear encounter, explore our guide to bear safety.

Reds Meadow Resort & Pack Station

Reds Meadow Resort has cabins, motel rooms, a general store and the Mule House Café. Resort services include backcountry supply package delivery, showers, summer entertainment, barbecues and wagon rides. Reds Meadow Pack Station offers guided hour-long, half-day and full-day horseback rides. Custom multi-day, week-long and full-service pack trips are also available. Advance reservations required. Reds Meadow Resort & Pack Station is located 1 mile past the Rainbow Falls trailhead. Call 760-934-2345 for details.

More Posts Like This

Related Content