Rainbow Falls, Devils Postpile National Monument

Rainbow Falls near Mammoth Lakes is one of California's most magnificent waterfalls. The Sierra Nevada Mountains and the Inyo National Forest surround Rainbow Falls, which is located inside Devils Postpile National Monument. It's famous for the colorful rainbow that its mist creates making the perfect picture postcard.

The San Joaquin River's mist acts as a giant prism, refracting the sun's rays into a spectrum of color. Although it is the hottest time to go, midday is undoubtedly the best time to see Rainbow Falls' colorful effect. Starting from the trailhead at the end of Reds Meadow Road, it's about a five-mile round trip to see the falls. The 5.4-mile round-trip hike is rated as moderately challenging and relatively exposed and vulnerable to sunburn.