Tag: Mono County

Mono County, California, is a stunning region nestled in the eastern Sierra Nevada mountains, renowned for its breathtaking natural landscapes and outdoor recreational opportunities. This sparsely populated county boasts diverse terrain, including majestic peaks like Mammoth Mountain and the rugged beauty of the Mono Basin. Its jewel, Mono Lake, with its iconic tufa towers, attracts photographers and nature enthusiasts alike. The county is a haven for outdoor activities year-round, offering world-class skiing and snowboarding in winter and superb hiking, fishing, and camping in summer.  The region also preserves a rich cultural heritage, with historic mining towns like Bodie State Historic Park providing glimpses into its past. With its combination of natural beauty and recreational offerings, the area captivates visitors seeking both adventure and tranquility in California’s wilderness.

Rosa May

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Rosa May, Born Rosa Elizabeth White in January 1855
Rosa May, Born Rosa Elizabeth White in January 1855

Rosa May was a prostitute and madam in Bodie, California, during the late 19th and early 20th centuries, known for her colorful life in the Wild West. Born Rosa Elizabeth White in January 1855 in Pennsylvania to Irish immigrants, she ran away from home at 16 and entered prostitution in New York City. By 1873, she was working in Virginia City, Nevada, under madam Cad Thompson, and later moved to Bodie around 1888. There, she ran a successful brothel in the red-light district, owned a house, and had a relationship with saloon owner Ernest Marks.

A local legend, popularized by Ella Cain’s 1956 book The Story of Bodie, portrays Rosa as a “hooker with a heart of gold” who died nursing miners during a 1911–1912 epidemic. However, research by George Williams III found no evidence of such an epidemic or her death, suggesting she may have left Bodie after 1910 as the town declined. Her fate remains unknown, but her story, preserved through letters and folklore, makes her a legendary figure in Bodie’s history, with a supposed grave at Boot Hill Cemetery drawing tourists.

Early Life and Beginnings

Rosa Elizabeth White, known as Rosa May, was born in January 1855 in Pennsylvania to Irish immigrant parents. Raised in a strict household, Rosa’s early life was marked by constraint, which may have contributed to her decision to run away from home at the age of 16 in 1871. Fleeing to New York City, she found herself in a challenging environment with limited opportunities for a young, uneducated woman. It was here that Rosa entered the world of prostitution, a path that would define much of her life. From 1871 to 1873, she drifted through mining camps in Colorado and Idaho, honing her trade in the rough-and-tumble towns of the American West.

Life in Virginia City

By 1873, Rosa May arrived in Virginia City, Nevada, a bustling silver mining town. She quickly became a prominent figure in the local red-light district, working under madam Cad Thompson (Sarah Higgins) at the Brick House, a well-known brothel. Rosa was a favored employee, often entrusted with managing the establishment during Thompson’s trips to San Francisco. Her time in Virginia City, from 1873 to 1888, was spent circulating between brothels in Virginia City, Carson City, and Reno. Described as a petite, dark-eyed, curly-haired woman, Rosa was known for her charm and emotional volatility, traits that endeared her to some and alienated others. Letters and diaries from the period suggest she took a genuine interest in those around her, though her early years may have been shaped by a traumatic event, the details of which remain unknown.

Move to Bodie

In 1888, Rosa began traveling between Virginia City and Bodie, California, a gold-mining boomtown. She settled in Bodie by 1893, where she formed a significant relationship with Ernest Marks, a saloon owner. Rosa purchased a house in Bodie’s red-light district, known as Virgin Alley, for $175 in 1902, establishing herself as a fixture in the town’s underworld. Her home, marked by a red lantern, was adorned with fine furnishings, silver doorknobs, and mirrors, reflecting wealth accumulated from her trade and Marks’ affection, who reportedly lavished her with diamonds and furs. Rosa’s time in Bodie was marked by her business acumen, as she ran a thriving prostitution and gambling operation alongside Marks.

The Legend of the “Hooker with a Heart of Gold”

Rosa May’s legacy is tied to a local legend that portrays her as a compassionate figure who nursed sick miners during a supposed epidemic in Bodie, ultimately succumbing to the illness herself in the winter of 1911 or 1912. This story, popularized by Ella Cain’s 1956 book The Story of Bodie, earned Rosa the moniker “the hooker with a heart of gold.” However, extensive research by author George Williams III in the 1970s casts doubt on this narrative. Williams found no evidence of an epidemic during 1911–1912, and contemporary accounts from Bodie residents refute the claim. It’s likely that Cain’s account, which includes a photo of an unmarked grave surrounded by a wooden fence, was embellished for dramatic effect. The grave, a popular tourist attraction at Bodie State Historic Park, may not even be Rosa’s, as a headstone placed there in 1965 by Louis Serventi was based on family stories and Cain’s book, not definitive evidence.

Disappearance and Legacy

Rosa May appears in the 1910 Bodie census, listed as a 46-year-old prostitute, but no records of her exist in the town after that year. As Bodie’s economy declined, she may have left in search of better opportunities. Despite an exhaustive search, Williams found no death records for Rosa, leaving her fate uncertain. A delinquent tax notice from 1913 lists her property in Bodie, suggesting she may have abandoned it. Her story, shrouded in mystery, is preserved through 26 personal letters discovered by Williams, which offer glimpses into her charismatic yet complex personality.

Rosa’s life was dramatized in the musical Nevada Belle by George Morgan and Duane Ashby, and her supposed grave remains a draw for visitors to Bodie’s Boot Hill Cemetery, where she was allegedly buried outside the main cemetery due to her profession. While much of her biography remains speculative, Rosa May’s story captures the resilience and contradictions of women navigating the harsh realities of the Wild West. Her legacy endures as a symbol of both the stigmatized “fallen woman” and the enduring allure of the frontier’s untold stories.

The Lost Cement Mine

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The Lost Cement Mine is one of California’s most enduring legends from the Gold Rush era, a tale of fabulous wealth hidden in the rugged terrain of the eastern Sierra Nevada. First discovered in 1857, this elusive gold vein has captivated prospectors, adventurers, and historians for over a century. Described as a ledge of rusty, reddish “cement” laced with pure gold, the mine’s story is steeped in mystery, misfortune, and the allure of untold riches. This report explores the historical context, discovery, subsequent searches, and enduring legacy of the Lost Cement Mine, drawing on primary accounts and historical records to separate fact from folklore.

Historical Context: The California Gold Rush

The discovery of gold at Sutter’s Mill in 1848 sparked the California Gold Rush, drawing over 80,000 prospectors to the region by 1849 alone. Miners scoured the Sierra Nevada and other areas, extracting millions in gold through placer mining and, later, hard-rock mining. By 1853, gold yields peaked at over $81 million, but the rush also left behind thousands of abandoned claims and tales of “lost mines” when prospectors died, fell ill, or lost their way. The Lost Cement Mine emerged in this frenzied era, its legend fueled by the promise of easy wealth in a landscape where gold seemed to lie just beneath the surface.

The Discovery of the Lost Cement Mine

In 1857, two German prospectors traveling with a California-bound wagon train reportedly separated from their group near the headwaters of the Owens River in the eastern Sierra Nevada. While resting near a stream in what one described as “the burnt country,” they stumbled upon a peculiar ledge of red lava rock studded with lumps of gold, resembling cement in the miners’ parlance of the time. One prospector, skeptical of the find, laughed as his companion collected about ten pounds of ore and drew a crude map of the location. Misfortune struck during their journey: one broke his leg and was left to die, while the survivor, weakened by exhaustion, reached the mining camp of Millerton. There, suffering from tuberculosis, he sought treatment from Dr. Randall, paying him with the ore and the map before succumbing to his illness.

Dr. Randall and the Search for the Mine

Dr. Randall, intrigued by the gold-laden ore, shared the story with friends and organized a prospecting expedition in 1861 to Pumice Flat, approximately eight miles north of Mammoth Canyon near Mono Lake. Accompanied by his assistant Gid Whiteman and other miners, Randall’s party reportedly extracted several thousand dollars’ worth of gold from a ledge, believed to be the Lost Cement Mine. However, the Owens Valley Indian War (1861–1867) disrupted their efforts, as tensions with the Paiute people escalated due to the influx of prospectors. The two German discoverers were allegedly killed by Native Americans, and the mine’s precise location was lost. Word of the find spread, sparking a frenzy among miners in nearby camps like Monoville and Mammoth City.

James W.A. Wright’s Account and Speculation

In 1879, James W.A. Wright, a former Confederate officer and Princeton graduate, published a series of articles in the San Francisco Daily Evening Post detailing his travels through Mono County’s mining camps. Wright speculated that the Lost Cement Mine might have been located across the Sierra Crest, near Devils Postpile, and suggested it had been secretly mined for years before the site was concealed by destroying a mining cabin. His detailed descriptions of the terrain between Monoville and Mammoth City, combined with hearsay from local prospectors, added credibility to the legend. Wright’s work, later compiled into the book The Lost Cement Mine by Richard Lingenfelter, remains a key source, blending firsthand observation with speculative lore.

Mark Twain and the Cultural Impact

Samuel Langhorne Clemens September 1-2, 1867, Pera, Constantinople
Samuel Langhorne Clemens September 1-2, 1867, Pera, Constantinople

The allure of the Lost Cement Mine even drew the attention of Mark Twain, who recounted his own midnight expedition to find it in his 1872 book Roughing It. Accompanied by sketches from the first edition, Twain’s humorous account of his fruitless search underscores the mine’s grip on the public imagination. The legend inspired countless prospectors, with stories of gold “as thick as raisins in a fruit cake” fueling searches well into the 20th century. A historical marker erected in 1980 by the Bodie Chapter of E Clampus Vitus near Owens River Road in Crestview commemorates the mine, noting its discovery in 1857 and periodic rediscoveries until 1877, though its location remains a secret.

Geological and Historical Plausibility

The Lost Cement Mine’s description as a gold-laden ledge of red igneous rock raises geological questions. Most gold deposits in the Sierra Nevada occur in quartz veins or placer deposits, not in cement-like matrices. However, as noted in historical accounts, gold can appear in unexpected forms, and similar “cement-like” gold deposits have been documented elsewhere, such as the Lost White Cement Mine in Colorado and the Lost Mine of Manly Peak in Death Valley. The eastern Sierra’s volcanic history, particularly around Mammoth Lakes, supports the possibility of igneous rock hosting gold, though no definitive evidence confirms the mine’s existence. The region’s mining camps, including Dogtown, Mammoth City, and Bodie, thrived on real gold discoveries, suggesting the legend may have a factual basis.

Legacy and Modern Interest

The Lost Cement Mine remains a potent symbol of the Gold Rush’s promise and peril. Its story has been perpetuated through books, historical markers, and personal accounts, such as a 1950s recollection of a prospector’s father finding a cement-like creek bed near Mono Lake. Today, the mine is part of California’s rich tapestry of lost treasure legends, alongside others like the Lost Pegleg Mine. While modern prospectors occasionally search the Ritter Range or the San Joaquin River’s headwaters, the mine’s elusiveness endures, partly due to the region’s dense forests and rugged terrain. The Bureau of Land Management notes that California hosts approximately 47,000 abandoned mine sites, many posing safety hazards, underscoring the challenges of exploring such areas.

Conclusion

The Lost Cement Mine encapsulates the hope, hardship, and mystery of California’s Gold Rush era. From its 1857 discovery by two ill-fated German prospectors to its tantalizing rediscoveries and ultimate concealment, the mine’s legend has endured through accounts like those of Dr. Randall, James W.A. Wright, and Mark Twain. While its geological plausibility remains debated, the mine’s cultural and historical significance is undeniable, inspiring generations to chase dreams of hidden gold in the Sierra Nevada. As a historical marker near Mammoth Lakes wryly suggests, if you stumble upon a ledge of gold, the E Clampus Vitus would appreciate a call to relocate their monument—perhaps the closest we’ll come to finding the Lost Cement Mine.

Bibliography

  • Wright, James W.A. The Lost Cement Mine. Edited by Richard Lingenfelter, 1984.
  • “Lost Cement Mine.” Wikipedia, en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Lost_Cement_Mine.
  • Weiser-Alexander, Kathy. “Lost Cement Gold Mine of Mammoth Mountain, California.” Legends of America, www.legendsofamerica.com.
  • “Lost Cement Mine Historical Marker.” Historical Marker Database, www.hmdb.org.
  • “The Legend of the Lost Cement Mine.” Amusing Planet, www.amusingplanet.com.
  • “Abandoned Mines in California.” U.S. Department of the Interior, www.doi.gov.

Pumice Flat Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Pumice Flat Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow Valley area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at an elevation of about 7,700 feet in a lodgepole pine forest, surrounded by high mountain peaks and adjacent to two creeks and the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River.

The campground offers a peaceful, nature-immersed base for exploring the eastern Sierra Nevada, with easy access to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, the Ansel Adams Wilderness, the Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. It is popular with fishermen, families, hikers, and those seeking geologic wonders and stunning landscapes. The area is known for its dramatic volcanic features, meadows, wildflowers in season, and proximity to trailheads (about 20–40 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes, depending on the exact point).

Access is via a narrow, single-lane road (Red’s Meadow Road off Highway 203) that is only open in summer, typically mid-June through early September, though conditions can vary due to snow. A forest service access/amenity fee often applies for driving into the valley.

Amenities

  • Campsites: 17 individual sites (plus separate group sites nearby that accommodate 20–50 people each). Sites are generally private and well-spaced, with picnic tables and fire rings.
  • Bear Safety: Bear-proof food lockers at each site and bear-proof trash receptacles (highly recommended/required due to active bear activity). All food, trash, and scented items must be stored properly.
  • Restrooms: Flush toilets.
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Other: No hookups (dry camping); some firewood may be available. Generator hours typically limited (e.g., 6am–10pm in some descriptions). Pets allowed but must be leashed. Quiet hours 10pm–6am.
  • Group Sites: Separate group camping area with large fire rings, tables, and parking for multiple vehicles.

Note: The campground may be affected by road reconstruction or seasonal closures—check current conditions.

Activities

  • Fishing: Excellent trout fishing in the San Joaquin River, nearby creeks, and lakes. Popular with anglers.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to numerous trails, including those leading to Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls (via a scenic loop), Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail, and John Muir Trail. A shuttle often serves trailheads.
  • Horseback Riding: Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station offers rides and access to wilderness areas.
  • Photography & Sightseeing: Stunning geologic features, volcanic landscapes, meadows, waterfalls, and mountain vistas (ideal for capturing dramatic Sierra scenery).
  • Wildlife Viewing & Nature Study: Abundant opportunities in the surrounding forest and meadows.
  • Other: Picnicking, stargazing (high elevation, dark skies), and exploring nearby attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls.

Mosquitoes can be plentiful in early to mid-summer, so come prepared. High elevation means potential for cooler nights and altitude awareness.

Wildlife in the Area

The eastern Sierra Nevada around Pumice Flat supports diverse wildlife typical of high-elevation pine forests and meadows:

  • Mammals: Black bears (very active—proper food storage is essential), mule deer, mountain lions, pine martens, and pikas.
  • Birds: Various songbirds and raptors common to the Sierra.
  • Fish: Trout species in the rivers and lakes.
  • Other: Occasional smaller mammals and insects; the area is rich in biodiversity due to its mix of forest, water, and alpine environments.

Always practice wildlife safety: maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food securely.

This campground provides a classic Sierra experience with convenient access to world-class natural attractions while maintaining a quieter, more intimate feel than some larger sites. For the latest details, reservations (where applicable for groups), fees, or conditions, check Recreation.gov or the Inyo National Forest website.

Reds Meadow

Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.

It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.

Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.

Upper Soda Springs Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Upper Soda Springs Campground is a scenic, first-come, first-served campground in the Reds Meadow area of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at about 7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River in a beautiful pine-forested setting within the Eastern Sierra Nevada.

The campground offers a peaceful, semi-primitive experience with direct river access and proximity to major attractions like Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls, and the Ansel Adams Wilderness. It is accessible via a narrow, single-lane road (Minaret Road / Reds Meadow Road) that is open only in summer, typically mid-June through early/mid-September, depending on conditions. The drive from central Mammoth Lakes takes about 20-40 minutes (campers can drive in with an amenity fee; day users often use the shuttle).

It features roughly 28-29 sites suitable for tents, trailers, and small RVs (no hookups). Sites are nestled among trees with many offering pleasant river views or proximity. This is a popular spot for hikers, anglers, and those seeking a base for exploring the Reds Meadow Valley.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a mandatory bear-proof food locker (typically ~48″x30″x36″) at each site.
  • Water: Potable drinking water available.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets.
  • Other: Bear-proof trash receptacles. Additional amenities like showers and a general store/restaurant are available nearby in the Reds Meadow Valley (e.g., at Reds Meadow Resort). Firewood may be available for purchase locally. No electric or sewer hookups; cell service is poor or nonexistent.
  • Fees: Around $32 per night for a single site (plus additional vehicle fees); subject to change—check current USFS info. Quiet hours: 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. Dogs must be leashed.
  • Access Note: No reservations; sites fill quickly, especially on weekends. A camp host is often present.

Important Safety Note: This is an active bear area with a history of high bear activity. Properly store all food, trash, and scented items in the provided lockers at all times. Do not leave items in vehicles overnight.

Activities

  • Fishing: Excellent trout fishing (rainbow, brook, brown, and sometimes golden trout) in the San Joaquin River right by the campground, as well as nearby lakes and streams. Fly fishing is popular.
  • Hiking & Backpacking: Direct access to trailheads for Devils Postpile, Rainbow Falls, the Pacific Crest Trail/John Muir Trail, Ansel Adams Wilderness, and many other trails. Day hikes and longer backpacking trips are highlights.
  • Wildlife Viewing & Photography: Abundant opportunities in meadows, along the river, and in the forest.
  • Other: Picnicking, horseback riding (nearby pack station), stargazing (dark skies), birdwatching, and relaxing by the
  • river. Nearby shuttle access to more attractions in the valley.

Wildlife in the Area

The Reds Meadow Valley and surrounding Inyo National Forest/Sierra Nevada are rich in wildlife. Common sightings include:

  • Mammals: Black bears (frequent and bold—hence the bear lockers), mule deer (often seen grazing in meadows like Soda Springs Meadow, especially at dawn/dusk), coyotes (heard howling at night), and pine martens (weasel family, agile climbers sometimes spotted near the Postpile). Less common: bobcats or mountain lions.
  • Birds: A wide variety, including water dippers along the river, cliff swallows, great horned owls, and many songbirds and raptors attracted to the meadows and forests.
  • Fish: Trout species in the river and lakes, supporting angling.
  • Other: Small rodents, squirrels, and seasonal pollinators/insects in blooming meadows.

Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and secure your camp to avoid attracting bears or other critters.

Upper Soda Springs offers a classic high-country camping experience with stunning scenery, river sounds, and easy access to iconic Sierra destinations. It’s ideal for nature lovers but best suited for those comfortable with basic facilities and bear-country protocols. For the latest conditions, fees, and road status, check the Inyo National Forest website or contact the Mammoth Lakes Welcome Center. Enjoy responsibly!

Minaret Falls Campground – Inyo National Forest

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Inyo National Forest Campground
Inyo National Forest Campground

Minaret Falls Campground is a scenic, rustic campground in the Reds Meadow Valley of Inyo National Forest, near Mammoth Lakes, California. It sits at approximately 7,600–7,700 feet elevation along the Middle Fork of the San Joaquin River, offering shaded sites under lodgepole pines with many overlooking the river and nearby waterfalls.

The campground is popular with fishermen, hikers, backpackers, and those seeking a peaceful high-country experience close to natural wonders like Devils Postpile National Monument and Rainbow Falls. It features 27 first-come, first-served sites (no reservations) and is typically open seasonally in summer (roughly June through September, depending on snow conditions). Access involves a narrow, single-lane road with steep sections after the Minaret Vista entrance station (an amenity/entrance fee applies for driving in). It suits tent camping and smaller trailers/RVs best, providing a more primitive feel without hookups.

Amenities

  • Campsites: Each site includes a picnic table, fire ring/grill, and a bear-proof food storage locker (typically 48″ x 30″ x 36″). Some sites offer riverfront views and good privacy thanks to spacing and vegetation.
  • Restrooms: Vault toilets.
  • Water: Potable water available.
  • Other: Trash collection. Nearby Reds Meadow Pack Station and Resort offers a general store, limited groceries, camping supplies, horseback riding, and other services. Mammoth Lakes (about 17–20 miles away, roughly 30 minutes) provides more extensive amenities.
  • Fees: Around $23–$32 per night for a single site, plus additional vehicle fees (around $10) and any entrance/amenity fees for Reds Meadow Valley.
  • Rules/Notes: Active bear area—food and scented items must be stored in lockers (vehicles are not safe). Dogs must be leashed. Quiet hours 10 p.m.–6 a.m. Cell service is limited or unavailable.

Activities

  • Hiking and Backpacking: Direct access to trails, including the short Minaret Falls Trail, routes to Devils Postpile National Monument, Rainbow Falls (moderate ~5-mile round-trip hike with rainbow mist views midday), Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), Ansel Adams Wilderness, and various alpine lakes (e.g., Minaret Lake, Beck Lake). Multi-day backpacking opportunities abound.
  • Fishing: Excellent along the Middle Fork San Joaquin River (a Wild Trout River) and nearby streams/lakes.
  • Wildlife Viewing and Nature Appreciation: Stargazing (dark skies at elevation), photography, picnicking, and relaxing by the river or falls.
  • Horseback Riding: Available via the nearby pack station.
  • Other: Day trips to Devils Postpile’s famous basalt columns, swimming (in suitable areas), and exploring the broader Reds Meadow area. The location is ideal for those combining camping with monument visits.

Wildlife in the Area

The Sierra Nevada high country around Reds Meadow and Devils Postpile supports diverse wildlife typical of the region. Common sightings include:

  • Mammals: Black bears (very active here—proper food storage is critical), mule deer, coyotes, pine martens, and possibly mountain lions (less commonly seen). Smaller mammals like Belding’s ground squirrels and pikas are also present.
  • Birds: Over 100–115 species, including Steller’s jays, various songbirds, and raptors. The varied habitats (forests, meadows, river) support rich birdlife.
  • Other: Fish in the river and streams; amphibians and insects (mosquitoes can be abundant near river willows in early summer—bring repellent).

Always practice wildlife safety: Maintain distance, never feed animals, and store food properly to avoid conflicts, especially with bears.

This campground delivers a classic, immersive Sierra experience with stunning scenery, convenient trail access, and a sense of remoteness while remaining relatively close to Mammoth Lakes. It’s first-come, first-served and fills quickly on summer weekends, so arrive early. For the latest conditions, check the Inyo National Forest or Recreation.gov websites.

Reds Meadow

Reds Meadow (also known as Reds Meadow Valley or Red’s Meadow) is a stunning high-country destination in Inyo National Forest, located on the western side of Mammoth Mountain near Mammoth Lakes, California. Situated at approximately 7,500–7,700 feet elevation in the San Joaquin River Valley, it offers a mix of dramatic geological features, lush meadows, towering pine forests, crystal-clear streams, and access to world-class wilderness.

It is best known as the gateway to Devils Postpile National Monument (with its iconic 60-foot columnar basalt formations) and the 101-foot Rainbow Falls, along with trails into the Ansel Adams Wilderness, Pacific Crest Trail (PCT), and John Muir Trail (JMT). The area provides a peaceful, immersive Sierra Nevada experience with opportunities for day trips or extended stays, about 30–45 minutes from central Mammoth Lakes via a scenic (and sometimes winding) road.

Access is primarily via the Reds Meadow/Devils Postpile Shuttle bus during peak summer months (typically late June to mid-September), as private vehicle restrictions often apply to reduce congestion and protect the area. Overnight campers, resort guests, and certain exceptions can drive in (an amenity fee usually applies). Note that road conditions and construction projects may affect access—check current updates before visiting.