DEC 01 2013 BY JULIA 

In October, just skirting the U.S. Government shutdown, the XplorMor Team ventured to Rainbow Falls and Devil’s Postpile in Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. Both are easy hikes through high mountain country. The trail winds near the San Joaquin River, and offers wildlife sightings (we saw several deer and many birds) and panoramic views of the High Sierra Nevada Mountains.

Devils and Rainbows in Inyo National Forest by Julia at XplorMor

Devil’s Postpile is a spectacular columnar rock formation, towering 60 ft in the air.  It is a short hike from the parking area which may be used on designated times in the winter or a shuttle is offered in the summer. From Devil’s Postpile the trail continues to Rainbow Falls, the highest waterfall on the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, plunging 101-feet into a rocky basin. The falls are named for rainbows that appear in its mist throughout summer days, generally around noon when the sun is highest. We sadly missed them by arriving late in the afternoon on an October day.

Both natural monuments are wonders worth experiencing. No matter the time of year you find yourself in the park, I’m sure there will be beauty.

Devils and Rainbows in Inyo National Forest by Julia at XplorMor

The trail passes under old pine and fir trees, and at one point into a large area still decimated from the 1992 Rainbow Wilderness Fire. It’s an eerie landscape of fallen trees and burned out stumps that alarms visitors to the consequences of fire. As I walked the trail through this barren area, I couldn’t believe how it still looks after more than 20 years, but signs of recovery are evident with new growth shoots and grasses.

Read more and watch XplorMor Expedition slide show.

Devils and Rainbows in Inyo National Forest by Julia at XplorMor