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


Devil's Postpile from the JMT


View of the Rainbow fire area, from the JMT


Downed trees along the JMT


Rainbow fire area, Ansel Adams forest, as taken from the standard Rainbow Falls trail


Rainbow falls, dotted with visitors


Devil's Postpile, up close and personal


Me at the base of Rainbow Falls, the following week

Cathedral Lakes

I suddenly found myself with some extra time and a trip to Mammoth Lakes with the fiance. Which, you know, is only an hour from Tuolumne Meadows in Yosemite National Park. I picked a hike that could be done in a small amount of time but still challenge me just a bit - Cathedral lakes.

The trail, once it flattens, offers views of the edges of Cathedral Peak and is dotted with lodgepole pines and mountain hemlock (western).

Often the trail is lined with small grasses and delicate flowers that resemble a miniature meadow. My thoughts would wander to the ride on the Storybook Land canal boats at Disneyland and the amazing tiny forests they create. Lupine was also abundant, towering over the carpeted ground. The sky couldn't be any bluer collapsing into the giant slabs of granite that lined the horizon.

Crossing the meadow just before the lake(s), the landscape turns into a rainbow. The polished granite outcrops, ribboned with deep reds, contrast against the green grasses. Their burgundy tops sway in the wind while a small stream reflects the cobalt sky. Pale greens, yellowed grasses and grey soil add to the palette, as one color blends into the next.

The lake was breathtaking (so named Cathedral Lake(s) for the nearby Cathedral Peak). The air blew cool through the saddle across the lake - respite for the hot hiker. I walked along the lake for a short bit with the pure excitement of the experience, finally settling down near the middle for lunch. I try to give people their privacy so I positioned myself away from the other hikers. I can't say that others give the same courtesy and I was a bit peeved at the two idiots that made their way right in front of me (where every other word was "f*ck", which is not the word I would choose when surrounded by glorious beauty).

Now for the trail details:
The trailhead is just a short distance (west) of the Visitor Center. There isn't a
"parking lot" but plenty of parking on the side of the road and a visible sign for the trailhead. The hike is moderate and quick at 7 miles R/T. I managed it in 3 hours excluding my lunch time. The first 3/4 mile is uphill and rocky, not much to look at. The trail is heavily used, as the first 3 miles is on the JMT (John Muir Trail).
After the initial ascent, the trail begins to even out and is downright flat at times. There is a decent ascent near the halfway mark (where I saw lots of people strugglin on my way down); at the top it again evens out and is mostly downhill or flat the remaining mile. All in all it is suitable for most ages and can be taken slow to accommodate various fitness levels. I saw ages 7-70 on the trail today.

Gear - I wore my Brooks Cascades (trail runners) but I would have preferred a boot. I happen to be nursing a huge blister and chose the runners for that reason. There is a lot of silt and sand and some rocky areas which is why I'd recommend the boots. Still, you can get away with athletic shoes easily. I do not have any soreness from excessive rocks, etc. I also carried three liters of water, blister kit, ultralight first aid kit, survival kit, camera, lunch (with extra snacks, just in case), a .357 magnum pistol with extra rounds, a cooling tie, and some basic toiletries/medications (inhaler, aspirin, etc). I felt the need to bring all of this because I hiked alone. I definitely would have left some of that in the car or bear box if I had a hiking partner.

The back side of Cathedral Peak



Flat ground



Cathedral Peak



Cathedral Meadow



Cathedral Peak from the lake



Cathedral Lake