the wind in the trees: Devil's Postpile/Rainbow Falls

Second day in Mammoth Lakes: Time to head to Devil's Postpile and Red's Meadow.

I caught the mandatory shuttle bus down to Devil's Postpile (Stop 6, I believe) from Mammoth Mountain. I headed out to Minaret Falls via the PCT/JMT, just a short hike from the postpile. The trail was moderate with numerous down trees. They were all cut from the trail, which was great, but at one point I think there were 8 different trees that I passed through. I ran into a local hiker who explained to me that the trees were downed due to a massive wind storm in January. I never found a moment to confirm that, but clearly the number of downed trees (roots and all) was amazing.

Minaret Falls is a cascading waterfall, divided in three separate falls. From the PCT, the views are not spectacular but decent for the middle section. They seem as if they'd be amazing in the Spring time, and I secretly hoped to return after a "good" year of snow or earlier in the season.

I turned around and continued on the JMT until I reached the trail to Rainbow falls. The downside to this decision is that I would not pass directly by the postpile. The upside is that I'd be on a new trail (for me) and see the postpile from an explorer's perspective. Muir's musings floated through my wandering mind as I followed his footsteps, viewing the postpile from across the meadow. The trail was very pleasant until I reached the Rainbow falls, where trees are scarce and the trail is hot and sandy.

Rainbow Falls came quickly (despite the heat), but it lacked the usual rainbow. I do not know if the time of day made a difference, but certainly the water levels had a great impact on the ferociousness (or lack of) of the great waterfall. Still, I opted to hike down the "stairs", where I witnessed an entire track team frolicking in the pool at the base of the falls. Just one year ago, not a single soul would have approached the fierceness of the thundering falls, and the mist could be felt at the base of the steps. Disappointed, I hurried back up to a lookout point to enjoy lunch, slightly envious of those who had the foresight to bring bathing wear.

There are several trails options back to a number of shuttle stops. Having not seen Red's Meadow, I chose that trail option. I passed a family of four, in which the mother was morbidly obese. While this trail is relatively easy, the heat is nothing to scoff at, and I was once again amazed at the human spirit. Oh how nature beckons the soul and motivates the body beyond our perceived limits.

Red's Meadow was once described to me as a typical Gold Rush era entrepreneurship... still in operation. I'd totally agree. There was a restaurant, a small general store, and modest accommodations, all of which were grossly overpriced. I decided against the mentally-noted-reward I had promised myself (a Coca Cola) and caught the first shuttle bus I could back to Mammoth Mountain.

I can't wait to explore these trails again, hopefully in early June, when perhaps snow will dot the trails in shady areas and the Minaret falls will show their grandeur.

Note: I revisited this area the following with my daughter, in which we took the standard Rainbow Falls trail from the Devil's Postpile. I have included some of those pictures for reference.

View of the meadow from the JMT