Rainbow Falls Tours

Photo by Irma Eaves
Photo by Danielle Krcma
Photo by Marc Platt


Rainbow Falls isn't just beautiful to gaze upon — it sounds amazing as well. Find somewhere to sit, shut your eyes and listen to the water falling down.

If you're spending a while in Oakhurst, Rainbow Falls is a fine place to kick off your sightseeing. This cascade of water is one of numerous attractions worth seeing here. Mammoth Mountain Ski Resort, Mammoth Mountain, and Lake Mary are also waiting to be explored nearby.

Plan a trip to see Rainbow Falls

Price found within the past 48 hours. Click for updated prices.
Miners Inn
AutoCamp Yosemite
The Pines Resort

Reviews of Rainbow Falls

4.5
Top Destination
5 - Excellent
33
5 - Excellent 63%
4 - Good
13
4 - Good 25%
3 - Okay
6
3 - Okay 12%
2 - Disappointing
0
2 - Disappointing 0%
1 - Terrible
0
1 - Terrible 0%

3/5 - Okay

Verified traveler

The road was closed so we did not have the chance to see it

5/5 - Excellent

JoniO

Start at Stop 10 - Red Meadows to Rainbow Falls, then hike to Devil's Postpile - stop 6, unless you want more of a challenge do stop 6, then end at stop 10.

5/5 - Excellent

Verified traveler

Bring a picnic lunch

Popular places to visit


Best Lodging Options Near Rainbow Falls

Mammoth Mountain Inn

Mammoth Mountain Inn

3 out of 5
10400 Minaret Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Mammoth Mountain Inn
Tamarack Lodge and Resort

Tamarack Lodge and Resort

3 out of 5
163 Twin Lakes Rd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Tamarack Lodge and Resort
Juniper Springs Resort

Juniper Springs Resort

3.5 out of 5
4000 Meridian Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Juniper Springs Resort
Chalet #1, Charming Ski In/ Ski Out Steps to the M

Chalet #1, Charming Ski In/ Ski Out Steps to the M

Mammoth Lakes
Chalet #1, Charming Ski In/ Ski Out Steps to the M
The Village Lodge

The Village Lodge

3.5 out of 5
1111 Forest Trail, Mammoth Lakes, CA
The Village Lodge
Austria Hof Lodge

Austria Hof Lodge

3 out of 5
924 Canyon Blvd, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Austria Hof Lodge
Outbound Mammoth

Outbound Mammoth

3.5 out of 5
164 Old Mammoth Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Outbound Mammoth
Timber Ridge Resort by 101 Great Escapes

Timber Ridge Resort by 101 Great Escapes

3.5 out of 5
671 John Muir Road, Mammoth Lakes, CA
Timber Ridge Resort by 101 Great Escapes
Condo directly across from Canyon Lodge Big Ring

Condo directly across from Canyon Lodge Big Ring

Mammoth Lakes
Condo directly across from Canyon Lodge Big Ring
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Things to do near Rainbow Falls

At Rainbow Falls in Oakhurst, California, visitors can enjoy a range of outdoor activities such as skiing and snowboarding in winter, and camping in the warmer months. For those looking to explore, there are nearby trails ideal for hiking and breathtaking views. Ski rentals are readily available, and shopping options in the area provide a chance to pick up essentials for your adventure. Experience the beauty of nature while enjoying these memorable outdoor experiences.

Shopping

Rainbow Falls offers charming local shops for unique souvenirs, such as the Oakhurst Village Marketplace featuring artisanal crafts. If you're up for a drive, head to the Sierra Vista Mall for a wider selection of brands and gift options, about 12 miles away in Clovis.

Recreation

Experience the Snowcreek Golf Course for a round of golf surrounded by stunning mountain views, perfect for sports enthusiasts. For relaxation, head to Mammoth Lakes Basin, where you can unwind in nature’s tranquility, or explore McGee Creek for serene hiking and rejuvenating moments amidst beautiful landscapes.

Adventure

Mammoth Mountain offers thrilling skiing experiences with its vibrant sports atmosphere, located 4 miles from Rainbow Falls. For hiking enthusiasts, the Crystal Lake Trailhead presents breathtaking outdoor scenery, also 4 miles away. Meanwhile, the Chair 12 Chair Lift provides an adventurous ascent, immersing you in stunning mountain views, situated 4 miles from Rainbow Falls.

Nightlife

Experience a cozy evening at Edison Theater, just 7 miles from Rainbow Falls, where you can enjoy a mix of culture and romance through captivating performances. It's a perfect spot for family-friendly entertainment, offering a delightful atmosphere for a memorable night out.

*Distances are measured in a straight line; actual driving distances may vary depending on the route.

Find the best attractions near Rainbow Falls

Rainbow Falls in Oakhurst, California, offers a delightful mix of outdoor adventures and scenic beauty. Visitors can explore nearby lakes, striking rock formations, and the charming visitor center. Ideal for those seeking romance or unforgettable views, popular activities include visiting the stunning waterfalls and checking out local hotels. Don't forget to read reviews and view photos of hotels near Rainbow Falls to enhance your stay.

  • Devil's Postpile National Monument: Located a mere 0.1 mile from Rainbow Falls, this unique geological formation features towering columns of basalt rock. The breathtaking scenery and outdoor atmosphere make it a perfect spot for photography and exploration.
  • Lake Mary: Situated 4 miles away, Lake Mary offers a serene beach environment surrounded by stunning views. Ideal for a romantic picnic or a day of relaxation, the outdoor vibes here are perfect for unwinding and enjoying nature.
  • Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center: Just 8 miles from Rainbow Falls, this visitor center is your gateway to adventure. With family-friendly activities and access to outdoor fun, it’s an excellent starting point for exploring the Mammoth Lakes area.

Best time to go to Rainbow Falls

The best time to visit Rainbow Falls can depend on the weather and when visitor numbers rise and fall. The hottest average temperature around Rainbow Falls falls in July, when visitor numbers are slightly high and weather is sunny with no rain. The coolest average temperature around Rainbow Falls falls in December, visitor numbers are average and weather is mostly sunny with light rain.

calendarCalendar MonthtemperatureTemperaturerainPrecipitationmostlyCloudinessoccupationOccupancypricePricing
January41.7°F (5.4°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
February42.3°F (5.7°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High
March45.7°F (7.6°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageAverage
April52.2°F (11.2°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
May59.9°F (15.5°C)No RainSunnySlightly LowSlightly Low
June70.3°F (21.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
July77.5°F (25.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
August75.7°F (24.3°C)No RainSunnySlightly HighAverage
September70.2°F (21.2°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
October59.2°F (15.1°C)No RainSunnyAverageSlightly Low
November48.0°F (8.9°C)Light RainSunnySlightly LowAverage
December40.8°F (4.9°C)Light RainMostly SunnyAverageSlightly High

Booking tips and Expedia advantages for Rainbow Falls

To save money on your trip to Rainbow Falls, consider visiting during the cheaper months of May and September to October, and aim for a Tuesday stay, as Saturdays are pricier. Use Expedia to find budget-friendly accommodations by sorting prices from lowest to highest and filtering for eco-certified hotels. Combining your hotel stay with flights and activities through an Expedia package can result in additional savings. Joining the One Key membership can unlock exclusive discounts and earn OneKeyCash for future bookings, enhancing your travel experience without breaking the bank.

  • The most and least expensive months on average to stay in a hotel: The cheapest months to stay around Rainbow Falls are May and September to October, where the prices are slightly lower. This is in comparison to December to February, where prices are slightly higher.
  • The most and least expensive days on average to stay in a hotel: The least expensive day to stay around Rainbow Falls is Tuesday. The most expensive day to stay around Rainbow Falls is Saturday.
  • Find cheap hotels on Expedia: Expedia's search tool makes it easy for you to set your budget and choose your ideal location, among other preferences. You can organize your results to display prices from lowest to highest, helping you find the most affordable hotel options right away. Additionally, you can refine your search by hotel category—if you select the Eco-certified filter, you'll be presented with sustainable and environmentally friendly hotels that are ready for booking.
  • Consider bundling your trip: You can save money by combining your hotel stay at Rainbow Falls with your flights and activities through an Expedia package deal.
  • Become a One Key member: Join Expedia's One Key membership program for exclusive discounts and deals on hotel bookings. You can also earn OneKeyCash to use on future selected hotels.

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Explore a world of travel with Expedia