Mammoth Lakes in Summer

Cross Yosemite's high country on Tioga Pass, then spend days by alpine lakes. A shuttle takes you down to the giant stone columns at Devils Postpile.

5.5–6 hrs drive · 4 days · Best for toddlers to teens · Jun–Sep

Day 1: Over Tioga Pass

8:00 Ride the Reds Meadow shuttle from the Main Lodge (the road is under reconstruction and open only some days; check first)
9:00 Walk to the Postpile's basalt columns
11:00 Older kids can hike on to Rainbow Falls
3:00 Shuttle back. The wait is longer after 4 pm

A good Rainbow Falls plan: take the shuttle to the Devils Postpile ranger station, hike to the falls, and finish at Reds Meadow for lunch at the Mulehouse Cafe before the shuttle back. Past the John Muir Trail junction the trail runs through an old burn with almost no shade. Bring hats and at least a liter of water each. SoCal Hiker
Steep steps lead to the base of Rainbow Falls, and you have to climb them back out. Strollers don't work on this trail, so use a carrier. Pack swimsuits, because the shallow water at the base is good for wading. SoCal Hiker
Mosquitoes in the Reds Meadow valley can be bad, especially in August. Bring repellent. SoCal Hiker
The gondola summit is 11,053 ft, and parents say you feel it. Kids 12 and under rode free, two per paying adult (2022 pricing). Eleven53 at the top works for a quick lunch. 2TravelDads
In the Lakes Basin, Lake George to Lake Barrett is an easy hike for short legs, with a stop at Twin Falls Overlook on the way back. The Village shows free outdoor movies on Sunday nights from mid-June through August. Bring a warm layer. Travel Babbo
Hot Creek is for looking only. Soaking is banned because of arsenic. On the Tioga side, Lukens Lake and Soda Springs are short, kid-friendly walks. 2TravelDads

Tioga Road usually closes from sometime in November until late May or early June. If it's closed, take the long way around via Hwy 395.
Most visitors must ride the Reds Meadow shuttle from 7 am to 7 pm. Day fares were $15 for adults and $7 for ages 3–17. Kids 2 and under ride free. The 2026 season ran Jun 13 to Oct 11.
The Lakes Basin Trolley is free. In peak season it runs every 30 minutes from 9 am to 5:30 pm, and it pulls a 14-bike trailer.
On the scenic gondola, up to two kids 12 and under ride free with each paying adult. The summit is over 11,000 ft, so go slow and bring layers.
Reds Meadow Road is being rebuilt: in 2026 it was open Thursday to Sunday only for most of summer, with delays. Check the Inyo National Forest schedule before you plan the Devils Postpile day