About Minaret Falls
Minaret Falls is a named waterfall in Madera County, California, located about 6.7 miles west of Mammoth Lakes. The U.S. Geological Survey records it on the Mammoth Mountain 7.5-minute topographic quadrangle at 37°38′27″ N, 119°05′41″ W (37.64077, -119.09486). Named features close by in the federal gazetteer include Minaret Creek (stream, 0.4 mi), Johnston Lake (lake, 0.4 mi), and Johnston Meadow (lake, 0.5 mi). The nearest other waterfall in this directory is Rainbow Falls, 2.8 miles to the south.
More Photos
156 visitor photos are available on the Google Maps listing.
Weather at Minaret Falls
Full NWS forecastForecast for the waterfall's exact location, not the nearest town. Mountain weather can change quickly.
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Source: National Weather Service.
Conditions at Minaret Falls
Sun and Daylight Today
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Times in Los Angeles time. Canyons and steep valleys lose direct sun earlier.
Elevation
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At the mapped waterfall point, from the USGS 3D Elevation Program. Expect cooler temperatures than in nearby towns at lower elevation.
Nearest Stream Gauge
Checking for USGS gauges within about 8 miles...
Live discharge in cubic feet per second (ft³/s). The gauge may be on a different stream than the falls; use the trend as a rough guide to how much water is running in the area.
Map and Directions
The marker shows the USGS-recorded position of Minaret Falls. Trailheads and parking can be some distance from the falls themselves, so plan your route with an up-to-date trail map.
Visitor Ratings
Minaret Falls holds a 5.0 average from 5 Google reviews. Distribution by star rating:
Named Landmarks Nearby
These named features from the USGS Geographic Names Information System lie within two miles of Minaret Falls. Stream positions mark the stream's mouth as recorded by USGS.
- Minaret Creek — stream, 0.4 mi
- Johnston Lake — lake, 0.4 mi
- Johnston Meadow — lake, 0.5 mi
- Soda Springs — spring, 1.0 mi
- Lost Dog Lake — lake, 1.3 mi
- Devils Postpile — cliff, 1.3 mi
- Sotcher Lake — lake, 1.5 mi
- Reds Creek — stream, 1.8 mi
Before You Visit
- Water levels change quickly. Flow is usually strongest after rain and during snowmelt; see the best time to visit waterfalls.
- Stay back from the brink and off wet rock. Our waterfall safety guide covers the most common hazards.
- Check land ownership and access before you go. Some named falls sit on private property or in areas without a maintained trail.
- Download offline maps and save the coordinates 37.64077, -119.09486. Use our waterfall hike packing list.
Waterfalls Near Minaret Falls
- Pywiack Cascade, CA24 mi northwest
- Nevada Fall, CA25 mi west
- Silver Apron, CA25 mi west
- Tuolumne Falls, CA25 mi northwest
Frequently Asked Questions
Where is Minaret Falls located?
Minaret Falls is in Madera County, California, about 6.7 miles west of Mammoth Lakes. Its coordinates are 37.64077, -119.09486 (37°38′27″ N, 119°05′41″ W).
What town is closest to Minaret Falls?
The closest town with 1,000 or more residents is Mammoth Lakes, CA, about 6.7 miles away in a straight line. Driving distance is usually longer, so check the route before you go.
What waterfalls are near Minaret Falls?
The closest is Rainbow Falls (2.8 mi south). Others within reach include Lower Rainbow Falls (3.2 mi), Twin Falls (5.1 mi), and Horsetail Falls (16 mi).
Which USGS topographic map shows Minaret Falls?
Minaret Falls appears on the USGS Mammoth Mountain 7.5-minute quadrangle. You can view it in The National Map viewer or download the US Topo sheet for offline navigation.